“A magnificent structure” someone whispered. That’s how many describe St Andrews Uniting Church. It stands proudly on the corner of Creek and Ann Streets. Its history is rich and layered like a fine cake.
St Andrews wasn’t always a Uniting Church. It began life in 1905 as St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. It replaced an earlier church on Wickham Terrace. That one was demolished to make way for railway expansion. The congregation’s first church was built in 1863. It was known as the Union Presbyterian Church. This building was a small sandstone structure. It stood at the corner of Wickham Terrace and Creek Street. A larger church replaced it in 1887. This was an ornate Gothic structure. It only lasted until 1903 though. Plans for the expansion of Brisbane Central Railway Station forced its demolition. The congregation received £20000 in compensation. They used this money to build the current St Andrews.
The design of the current St Andrews is quite special. George D Payne designed it. He was a Queensland Public Works Department architect. His design won a competition. The church is an excellent example of Neo-Romanesque style. Some considered it too severe. It’s now regarded as one of the finest examples in the Southern Hemisphere. Its construction took three years. Messrs Alexander Lind and Son built it. The opening service was on 27 August 1905. Rev W Sweyn Macqueen conducted it.
Many exquisite details make St Andrews truly magnificent. There is a semi-domed chancel. This is a concrete structure with a 28 foot span. It was supposedly the first groined vault in Queensland. The church also houses a spectacular organ. Austral Organ Works built it. The organ’s case is silky oak. George Payne designed it. Messrs JD Campbell and Son built it. This kinetic electric blower was supposedly the first in Australia. Three stained glass windows are particularly noteworthy. FW Ashwin and Co crafted them. They depict the Burning Bush John Knox and John Calvin.
In 1977 the Presbyterian Methodist and Congregational churches merged. St Andrews became a Uniting Church. The Ann Street City Uniting Church also joined the parish. This church was built in 1959. It closed in 1981.
St Andrews stands as a testament to faith perseverance and architectural artistry. It is a landmark in Brisbane. It’s a place of worship history and beauty. Step inside and experience its grandeur for yourself. The story of St Andrews continues. It’s a story of community and enduring faith. It’s a story waiting to be explored.