Photo: J. Murray
The basic Church structure was
executed in porphyry stone and has remained sound. The facings and
ornamentations are in sandstone from Goodna and probably Helidon and have
suffered significantly from erosion. Some of the stone from the original Church
was also used. A restoration appeal has been operative for several years.
In 1949, renovations of the 60 year
old building commenced as a part of the Church’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
For article on Trove click here.
For article on Trove click here.
In 1982 work began with the
renovations of the brickwork of the buttresses and walls of the Sunday School
hall. In 1983 an honorary architect, Mr John N Blake was appointed and on the
basis of his advice further work was commenced on both the Church and the Hall.
Some of the adornments on the spires and arches
of the Church were in an advanced state of weathering and were potentially
dangerous. A huge crane was brought into the Church grounds to facilitate the
removal of all unsound ornamental stonework. The spire of the Church was
examined for possibly only the second time since 1889. It is believed a steeple
jack examined the spire in the inter-war period.
Under the guidance of the
Restoration Trust, the first major project was completed in 1988 with the
restoration of the stonework of the arches and surrounds of the front entrance.
This was achieved with the help of contributions from the Australian Bicentennial
Authority, the Utah Foundation and the “Friends of St Paul’s” Association.
In 1993 another stage in the
restoration was completed with new roof structures for both the Church and the
Hall and restoration of stone copings.
In 2006 a further stage was
achieved with the cladding of the steeple in copper, the stabilisation of the
tower and the restoration of the pinnacles. Credits to major donors are listed
on the commemoration plaques in the Church Porch. It is noteworthy that in
addition to corporate donations the Congregation itself has contributed
generously to the funds of the Restoration Trust.
On 21st March 1978 the
building was listed by the Australian Heritage Commission as a ‘Registered
Place’ in the register of the National Estate, which is defined in the
Australian Heritage Commission Act of 1975.
The bell in the tower was cast in
1888 by John Warner & Sons (London) as a memorial to Thomas Palmer, who
died in 1884 and the electronic chimes system commemorates the life and work of
Mr & Mrs R.L. Steward and was dedicated in 1950.
The bell is the only swung bell in
Brisbane and the bell chamber is regarded by experts as of perfect
architectural design for the transmission of bell sounds into the nave of the
Church.
One of the major projects being
undertaken by the St Paul’s Presbyterian Church Restoration Trust is the
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. 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.
All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Photo: W. Townsend
