1. St Paul's Presbyterian Church


In the 1890’s St Paul’s Presbyterian Church with its lofty steeple dominates the Brisbane skyline and was widely known as the ‘Kirk on the Hill’.

Photo: R. McCoy
When the Church was built the street outside was part of Leichhardt Street. In the 1930’s it was renamed St Paul’s Terrace because of the prominence of the Church in that part of Brisbane.
To see a map of Brisbane from 1863 go to:
1863 Ham's map of the City of Brisbane
1878 County Atlas, Brisbane

St Paul’s is of special significance to the architectural heritage of Brisbane as it is one of the buildings of the Colonial Architect, F.D.G. Stanley. Stanley was also responsible for the Central Post Office, the Queensland Club, the National Bank building in Queen Street (formerly the Queensland National Bank) and the Port Offices.

Unexpected boom time in Queensland led to the construction of the new Church at the Spring Hill site. The congregation, had since 1863 worshipped in a wooden Church in Creek Street and had build a handsome stone Church on the Creek Street site only thirteen years earlier in 1876.

The 1887 gold discoveries at Gympie, and those at Charters Towers, Ravenswood and the Palmer River in the 1860’s and 1870’s had resulted in a heavy demand by businesses for prime city-centre locations. The Creek St Presbyterian Church congregation was persuaded to sell its land in 1885 to the Queensland National Bank for the sum of £18,750.

As a result the congregation acquired the Spring Hill property for the relocation of the church, which had been the site of the first Children’s Hospital.

Much of the stonework from the demolished Creek Street Church was used in the new building. The foundation stone was laid on the 8th October 1887 by Mrs R.L. Armour the daughter of the first minister, Rev. McGavin. The building was dedicated to worship nineteen months later on 5th May 1889 in a service conducted by Rev. John Ewing of Toorak, Melbourne.

The building was erected by Mr T. Rees who was subsequently Mayor of Brisbane and contains much of the original structure in Creek Street.
Photo: H. Murray
The St Paul's Presbyterian Church building celebrates 125 years since its dedication to worship on 5 May 1889.

 This impressive gothic-style has special architectural significance as a building designed by F.D.G. Stanley, Queensland’s renowned colonial architect.

Stanley designed many historical buildings in Brisbane such as the General Post Office, Port Office, Queensland Club and National Bank building in Queen Street. Admired for it’s architectural beauty, the building is facing the challenge of the years. 

The St Paul’s Restoration Trust has commenced the first stage of restoration of the bell tower. The area at the base of the Bell Tower has now been cordoned off by temporary fencing and a gantry erected. To find out more go to: 
6. Gantry & Restoration

Subsequent stages will begin as funds are raised. The bell tower project is expected to cost from $1.5 – 2 million and your support will assist us. We need your help! 
Go to www.restorestpauls.org.au

Although donors have continued to contribute generously in support of the Restoration Trust’s project work, the Bell Tower and masonry project will be very expensive. The Trustees rely on the raising of further funding to support the restoration work of the Trust.

Donations can be made by Cheque, Credit Card or Internet Banking
Pay by Cheque:
Payable to National Trust of Queensland, St Paul’s Presbyterian Church Restoration Trust Appeal
Send to:
National Trust, St Paul’s Appeal
PO Box 156
Spring Hill  QLD  4004

Pay by Internet Banking:
BSB 084 004     Account: 863011653  and identify your donation asrestore (followed by your Surname)
A receipt will be sent if you email restorestpauls@gmail.com with your name, address, the amount and how you identified your donation.

Pay by Credit Card:
Go to http://www.stpaulspc.org.au/images/restoration_trust_appeal.pdf and complete the linked credit card form.
Please email the completed form to restorestpauls@gmail.com

All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

 CREDITS
This online site is designed as an 'app' to work on smaller sized smartphones. It will work on tablets and other devices.
If you visit the Church each page can be sourced using a QR Code.
The QR Code for this site is below.
You can use whatever QR Code scanning app you like.
We tested all our codes using 'ZIPPY'.

ZIPPY can be downloaded from the Apple iTunes Store here.
For Android phones we suggest you use QR Droid.
QR Droid can be downloaded from Google Play here.


The content available in this site has been compiled by Helen Murray in 2013 and 2014 on behalf of the St Paul's Presbyterian Church Committee of Management.

 This information has been provided in good faith and all efforts have been made to ensure it is true, correct and accurate. However, we understand that despite best efforts, errors and omissions can occur and we are happy to make amendments.
Please email stpaulspcevents@gmail.com

 Authors of the content on this site include:
 ‘A Guide to the Physical Features of the Building’ by Dr Russell Cowie.
‘St Paul’s Presbyterian Church. Brisbane. A History’ by Dr Russell Cowie.
'Page 48. Honour Board - World War I' by Deaconess Dianne Parker, November 2012