St Michael and All Angels

Did the very air around St Michael and All Angels once tremble with the clang of a fire bell? This isn’t a fanciful notion. The church’s 54-foot carillon incorporates the original New Farm fire bell, a relic from the days of hand-drawn fire carts. Now, its peals call the faithful to worship at St Michael and All Angels. The current St Michael and All Angels stands as a testament to resilience. The original timber church, built in 1891, was never meant to be permanent. Yet, it served the New Farm Anglican community faithfully for decades. It even survived a move in 1954, when the 75-ton structure was shifted 150 feet to make way for the current building. This brick edifice, designed by renowned Brisbane architects Conrad and Gargett, was dedicated in 1959. St Michael and All Angels wasn’t just intended as a place of worship. It was conceived as a war memorial, a poignant tribute to parishioners lost in two world wars. Its foundation stone was laid on the Feast of St Michael and All Angels in 1957. The dedication occurred on Palm Sunday 1959, precisely 68 years after the original timber church’s dedication. Look closely at the aumbry in the sanctuary. You’ll see fragments of marble from the Reredos of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, salvaged after the Blitz. This tangible connection to another historic church adds a layer of depth to St Michael and All Angels. The design of St Michael and All Angels speaks to both its purpose and location. The arched windows, high-level openings, and wide verandahs are perfectly suited to Queensland’s climate. They also effectively block the noise of busy Brunswick Street, creating a tranquil space for reflection. The adjacent rectory, built in 1958, has its own story. It replaced a 1909 rectory lost to fire. While no longer a residence, it remains a part of the St Michael and All Angels legacy. The church also houses a columbarium, a final resting place for members of the community. A vibrant poinciana tree, likely planted shortly after the church’s construction, connects the church and former rectory, symbolizing the enduring spirit of St Michael and All Angels.