Church of the Holy Spirit

Was it a church or a beacon? That’s what many wondered in 1930s Brisbane, gazing upon the newly built Church of the Holy Spirit. The Church of the Holy Spirit, standing proudly in New Farm, isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a testament to the vision of Archbishop James Duhig and the artistry of Queensland’s finest talents. The Church of the Holy Spirit, completed in 1930, became the jewel in Duhig’s crown, a symbol of his ambitious plan to build churches and schools across Brisbane. He chose the location wisely. New Farm, by the 1920s, was a bustling, affluent suburb, easily accessible and boasting the beautiful New Farm Park. The architect, J.P. Donoghue, designed a Renaissance-style masterpiece in Benedict stone. Its defining feature, a 127-foot tower, became a local landmark. Inside, the Church of the Holy Spirit held even more treasures. The baptismal font, crafted in Ireland from Waterford limestone and marble from Connemara and Cork, was a stunning piece of craftsmanship. Above the altar, a mural by William Bustard depicted angels and cherubs, modeled by local schoolchildren. Lining the walls were the Stations of the Cross, sculpted by the renowned Daphne Mayo. The stained-glass windows, produced by the local firm R.S. Exton & Co., cast a warm glow upon the interior. Even the marble altar was a local creation, constructed in Ipswich. Duhig’s pride in local talent shone brightly in the Church of the Holy Spirit. He saw it as a showcase of Australian craftsmanship. The Church of the Holy Spirit wasn’t built overnight. It was the result of years of planning and fundraising by the New Farm Catholic community. Initially, they worshipped in a small house on Villiers Street. The house soon proved too small, leading Duhig to purchase Wynberg, a grand home on Brunswick Street. Part of Wynberg’s grounds became the site of the new church. Construction began in 1929, and a year later, on June 1, 1930, the Church of the Holy Spirit opened its doors. A grand procession marked the occasion. Archbishop Duhig praised the generosity of the parishioners, whose donations had made the church a reality. The Church of the Holy Spirit quickly became the heart of the New Farm parish, surrounded by a school, a presbytery, a hall, and a convent, all contributing to a unique Catholic precinct. The church’s heritage value was recognized early on. Today, the Church of the Holy Spirit stands as a tribute to a bygone era, a symbol of faith, community, and the enduring power of art and architecture.