St Paul's Cathedral, Rockhampton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Paul's Anglican Cathedral |
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| St Paul's Church of England Cathedral | |
| St Paul's Church of England | |
St Paul's Anglican Cathedral, 2020
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| 23°22′55″S 150°30′45″E / 23.3819°S 150.5124°E | |
| Country | Australia |
| Denomination | Anglican Church of Australia |
| History | |
| Status | |
| Dedication | Saint Paul |
| Dedicated | 18 October 1883 by Bishop Matthew Hale |
| Consecrated | 20 June 1911 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) | Annersley Voysey |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Years built | 1883 – 1953 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Rockhampton |
St Paul's Anglican Cathedral is a historic church building in Rockhampton, Australia. It is located at 89 William Street. This beautiful building was mainly designed by architect Annersley Voysey. It was built over many years, from 1883 to 1953. The cathedral is also known as St Paul's Church of England. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992 because of its important history and design.
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History of St Paul's Cathedral
St Paul's Anglican Cathedral started as a regular church for the Church of England in Rockhampton. It was finished and officially opened in 1883. The main architect who designed it was Annersley Voysey from Brisbane. Later, in 1892, the church became a cathedral. A cathedral is the main church for a bishop's area, called a diocese.
Early Church Services in Rockhampton
Anglican church services began in Rockhampton in the late 1850s. At first, they were led by regular church members, not priests. In 1859, a small wooden church and school building was built. However, a big storm destroyed it in 1860.
The first official priest, Reverend Thomas Jones, arrived around 1860. He held services in other buildings, like a timber yard hall and the local courthouse. By 1862, he had collected enough money to build another wooden church. This church was designed by Thomas Dixon Chater. It was built on land set aside for the church, next to the local school. By 1872, about £3000 had been raised to build a third, much larger church. This would become the cathedral.
Building the Cathedral
Plans for the new church were drawn up by architect Annersley Voysey. The first stonemason, Paul Sanderson, built the outside walls up to one metre high. But by 1877, the building hadn't grown taller because the money ran out. New plans were made, and construction started again in 1879.
The building work stopped again in April 1881, just as the roof was about to be added. Church members promised to raise more money, and work continued. The church was finally finished and furnished by October 18, 1883. Bishop Matthew Hale officially opened it. The building was not fully "consecrated" (made sacred) until June 20, 1911. This happened after all the building debts were paid off.
Becoming a Cathedral
In 1892, the Rockhampton Church of England diocese was created. This meant the church was made into a cathedral. The first bishop for this new area was Bishop Nathaniel Dawes. He officially took his place on November 30, 1892. Special entrance gates were added to the cathedral in 1899.
Over the years, some changes were made inside the building. In 1968, the main altar was moved from the back wall to a more central spot. A special screen that was put in during the 1920s was removed. A crucifix (a cross with Jesus on it) from that screen is now on a wall near the lectern (where readings are given).
Two special chapels were added. The Warriors' Chapel was built in 1916 to honor soldiers. The Lady Chapel was created around 1953. In 1946, a temporary bell tower with eight bells was put up. This was a way to give thanks for the end of World War II.
What St Paul's Cathedral Looks Like
St Paul's Anglican Cathedral is a strong building made of stone. It has a very steep, pointed roof. The building is made from rough-faced sandstone. It has smooth sandstone details around the windows, along the base, and on the tops of the buttresses (supports on the outside walls).
The cathedral has a rectangular shape. It has a rounded area at the back called the chancel. There's also a rectangular entrance porch. Inside, the building is divided into a main area called the nave and two side areas called aisles. These areas are separated by pointed arches made of smooth sandstone.
Inside the Cathedral
The main altar is made of wood and has bronze and resin decorations. The central figure on the altar is a lamb, surrounded by symbols of four important figures from the Bible. The wooden seats around the altar are called sedilia. The bishop's special chair, or cathedra, is made of red cedar wood and has a fancy Gothic-style canopy.
Four mosaics (pictures made from small pieces of stone or glass) are set into the floor in front of the bishop's chair. They are very old and show mythical creatures. The pulpit (where sermons are given) is carved from sandstone and has a cross design. The font (a basin for baptisms), also made of sandstone, is in the back corner of the building.
The sanctuary (the area around the altar) has special seats for the dean, precentor, and canons (other church leaders). A shiny brass lectern shaped like an eagle is near the altar.
Chapels and Art
The Lady Chapel has a small, colorful statue of the Madonna and Child (Mary and baby Jesus). It's called Our Lady of Walsingham and was made in 1963. This chapel also has an icon (a religious painting) of St Paul.
The Warrior's Chapel has a special board from 1919. It lists the names of people from the area who died in war. On a wall in the southern aisle, there's a ceramic bas relief (a sculpture that sticks out slightly from the wall) of the Madonna and Child. Along the windows in the side aisles, you can see small brass medallions. These show modern pictures of the fourteen Stations of the Cross, which tell the story of Jesus's last day.
Stained Glass Windows
The cathedral has many beautiful stained and colored glass windows. One of the oldest windows, from 1903, shows Christ in Glory. It was put there to remember John Peddle. Most of the windows in the southern aisle were designed by William Bustard from Brisbane. One of these shows St Paul on the Road to Damascus.
The three main windows in the sanctuary were put in place in 1914. They show scenes like the Agony in the Garden (Jesus praying), the Crucifixion (Jesus on the cross), the Risen Christ (Jesus coming back to life), and the Day of Pentecost (when the Holy Spirit came). Two other windows, added in 1921, show the Annunciation (when Mary was told she would have Jesus) and the Visitation (Mary visiting Elizabeth). They also show the church's worship of the eucharist (Holy Communion).
Why St Paul's Cathedral is Important
St Paul's Anglican Cathedral was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992. This means it's recognized as a very important historical place. Here's why:
- It shows how Queensland's history developed. The cathedral shows how Rockhampton grew in the late 1800s. It became a cathedral in 1892 when the Rockhampton Diocese was formed.
- It's a great example of its type of building. The cathedral is a good example of a large Gothic Revival style church. This style includes stone construction, a cross-shaped layout, Gothic details, and a steep roof.
- It's beautiful to look at. The building is well-designed and is a recognizable landmark in Rockhampton. Many parts of the building, like the furniture and stained glass, are also very well made.
- It's important to the community. The cathedral is very special to the Anglican community in central and north Queensland because it is their main church.
- It's connected to important people and groups. The building is linked to its architect, Annersley Voysey, and to many important bishops who served in the Rockhampton Diocese.
