Nazareth Lutheran Church

The Nazareth Lutheran Church in Brisbane is a place with a long and fascinating story. It stands tall on Hawthorne Street in Woolloongabba, its spire a beacon against the Queensland sky. First established in 1862, this church was initially built in South Brisbane. However, the church’s location was moved to Woolloongabba to meet the needs of the growing Lutheran community. This significant move was motivated, in part, by the devastating floods of 1893. The current building you see standing here was designed by prominent architect Charles McLay. He used materials from a demolished hotel, transporting them by horse-drawn dray to the site. The church was dedicated on May 10, 1896, with 1,000 people in attendance. Did you know that the church was almost completely destroyed in 2000? It was a devastating arson attack. The arsonist left only the solid brick walls standing. The community was heartbroken. However, with an unwavering commitment to rebuilding the spiritual heart of their community, they salvaged what they could and reconstructed the church, reopening its doors to the public on September 1, 2001. This spirit of resilience and hope continues to inspire the community to this day. Nazareth Lutheran Church is a place of worship, but it also offers various community services. From residential aged care to independent living units, this church is a cornerstone of the surrounding neighborhood. Its commitment to compassion and community outreach echoes the message of faith that has guided its existence for over 160 years.