St Paul's Uniting Church, Mackay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Paul's Uniting Church, Mackay |
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St Paul's Uniting Church, in 2009
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| 21°08′31″S 149°11′01″E / 21.142°S 149.1836°E | |
| Country | Australia |
| Denomination | Uniting (since 1977) |
| Previous denomination | Presbyterian (1897–1977) |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | St Paul's Presbyterian Church |
| Status | Church |
| Founded | c. 1897 |
| Founder(s) | Reverend James Gibson |
| Dedication | Paul the Apostle |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) | Walter Carey Voller |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Arts and Crafts |
| Years built | 1898–1918 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Timber |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St Paul's, Mackay |
| Presbytery | Carpentaria |
| Synod | Queensland |
St Paul's Uniting Church is a special old church in Mackay, Queensland, Australia. It is listed as a heritage building. This means it is an important part of history that needs to be protected. The church was designed by Walter Carey Voller. It was built between 1898 and 1918. Before it became a Uniting Church, it was known as St Paul's Presbyterian Church.
The Church's Story: How It Began
This large timber church first opened its doors in 1898. At that time, it was called St Paul's Presbyterian Church.
Early Days of the Presbyterian Church
The Presbyterian community in Mackay started in 1872. Their first church building was put up in 1875. A house for the minister, called a manse, was built three years later.
Reverend James Gibson's Influence
In 1895, Reverend James Gibson became the minister. Under his leadership, the church community grew a lot. People then decided to build a new, bigger church. Walter Carey Voller, an architect from Brisbane, designed the new building. Construction started in 1897. Reverend Gibson was very involved, even helping with the building work himself. He was a very important person in the church in Queensland. He was chosen as the Moderator three times. He also helped start Emmanuel College at the University of Queensland. Later, he became the main leader for all Presbyterian churches in Australia.
The Boys' Brigade Starts Here
In 1897, something exciting happened at this church. The very first Boys' Brigade group in Queensland began here. The Boys' Brigade is a Christian youth organization.
Surviving a Big Storm
In 1918, Mackay was hit by a terrible cyclone. It was the worst storm in the city's history. Many buildings were destroyed, including other churches and homes. St Paul's Church was damaged but it survived. During the repairs, new parts were added. These included the choir loft and the Elders' Court. A large pipe organ was put into the church in 1953.
Exploring the Church Building
This church is a single-storey building made of timber. It stands on low timber and concrete supports. The outside walls are covered with special timber boards called chamferboards. The roofs are very steep and covered with corrugated iron. The church is located on a street with old, tall trees. It sits between two other buildings that are similar in size: the Sunday School hall (built in 1919) and the Youth Centre (built in 1958).
Church Layout and Design
The church has a shape like a Latin Cross. This means it has a long main part and two shorter parts sticking out on the sides.
- The long main part is called the nave. This is where most people sit.
- The two short side parts are called transepts.
- At the end of the nave is the chancel. This area holds the choir loft and other private rooms.
- The main entrance is at the western end of the nave, facing the street.
Front of the Church
The front of the church has a tall, pointed wall. Below it is a lower roof and wall that connects to two entry areas. These entry areas are called vestibules. They are located at the front corners of the nave. Each vestibule has arched timber doors. You reach them by climbing a few timber stairs. The building looks very balanced, except for a fancy timber bell tower. This tower is above the north-west entry vestibule. It has a steep, broken-pitch roof. There are also two more entry porches on the eastern side of the transepts.
Inside the Church
When you enter the small vestibules, you step into a large nave. The ceiling is very high and vaulted, meaning it's curved like an arch. You can see the beautiful timber beams and supports. At the end of the nave, a large arch frames the organ and choir loft. In front of the choir area, there is a raised platform called a dais. It has low timber railings. The pulpit, where the minister speaks, and the baptismal font, used for baptisms, are on this dais.
The transepts are separated from the main crossing area by timber columns. Decorative timber arches connect these columns. The church has tall, thin arched windows. They are arranged in pairs or groups of three. These windows have panels of coloured glass. On the front of the church, there are three stained glass windows that are newer. Outside, the windows have timber frames that follow the arch shape.
Most of the church's original features are still there. It is very well preserved. Any small additions made over time fit well with the church's original look.
Why This Church is Special
St Paul's Uniting Church was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on August 21, 1992. This means it is officially recognized as an important historical place. It meets several important standards:
A Rare and Important Building
St Paul's Uniting Church is special because it is a rare example of a timber church from the 1800s in North Queensland that is still in great condition. It is also one of the few public buildings in Mackay that survived the huge cyclone in 1918.
Showing How Churches Were Built
This church shows the main features of a timber church built in a regional town during the 1800s.
Beautiful Design and Look
The church has a very well-thought-out design. Its shape, size, and detailed classical and gothic decorations are considered beautiful by the community.
Important to the Community
St Paul's Uniting Church has a very strong connection with the Presbyterian community. Later, it became just as important to the Uniting Church community in Mackay.
Connected to Important People
The church has a special link to Reverend James Gibson. He was the one who started the project to build this important church.
