Atop a Woolloongabba hill stands Holy Trinity Anglican Church. Its story begins not with a single brick but with a vision. A vision held by Reverend Robert Gregory Creyke. In 1869 he donated land for a church. This was the beginning of Holy Trinity.
Before the church even existed Indigenous Australians lived on this land. This was the land of the Turrbal nation. European settlement began in 1825. The area where Holy Trinity now stands was once undeveloped wetland. It was known as One Mile Swamp.
The first Holy Trinity building was simple wood. It was designed by Richard Gailey. This building however was short lived. A storm destroyed it in 1874. A second wooden structure followed. The congregation described it as resembling a woolshed. Fundraising was difficult. They even raffled a horse to raise money for improvements.
The congregation grew. In 1886 Holy Trinity’s Sunday school had 143 children and 24 teachers. Reverend Hugh Thomas Molesworth advocated for a separate Woolloongabba parish. This was granted in 1888.
The late 1920s saw another fundraising effort. This time for a new church building. Sadly fire destroyed the existing building in 1929. There were no injuries. Archbishop Gerald Sharp laid the foundation stone for the current building in 1930.
The current Holy Trinity building is stunning. It blends Romanesque and Spanish Mission Revival styles. Architect Eric Ford designed it. The construction cost was approximately 9800 pounds. The church features preserved original architectural details. This makes it a popular wedding venue.
In 1938 a basement columbarium was added. This was the first of its kind in Queensland. It holds 950 niches. A war memorial bell and belfry were dedicated in 1949. In 1950 Holy Trinity received bamboo crosses from Japan. These symbolized repentance for the murder of Australian missionaries during World War II.
The opening of the South East Freeway in 1972 significantly impacted Holy Trinity. A section of Hawthorne Street became a bridge over the freeway. A 2014 hailstorm caused extensive damage. The roof and stained glass windows suffered significant damage.
Holy Trinity continues to serve its community. It stands as a testament to faith perseverance and architectural beauty. It is a beloved landmark in Woolloongabba. A place where history faith and community intersect. Holy Trinity a place where stories are still being written.