When we lived at Kangaroo Point once in a while we would go to the monthly Heavenly Harvest Markets at the top of the cliffs at the St Mary’s Anglican Church. Having fresh fruit and vegies in short walking distance was very handy and the beautiful view was a bonus. While being there I didn’t hesitate to check the history of the church.

St. Mary's Church of England at Kangaroo Point, Queensland, 1958 [John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland 6523-0001-0021]

The Church of St Marys Kangaroo Point was built in 1873 by Alfred Grant to a design by diocesan architect Richard G Suter. It replaced a timber structure built in 1849 on land closer to the river. In 1892 a cyclone caused considerable damage to the church’s roof and bellcote. (…) St Marys was patronized by the governors when they resided at Old Government House. It has always been the naval chapel in Queensland and was once connected by stairs with the Naval Stores below the quarry face. The Warriors’ Chapel, dedicated in 1950, contains a memorial to those who died on HMAS Voyager in 1964. [Queensland Heritage Register 600244]

Brisbane River below Kangaroo Point Cliffs, ca. 1885 [John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland 124697]

I found this interesting article in The Brisbane Courier from 29th October 1904. Author describes the history of the church with many details. Below is excerpt of the column, I believe I chose the most interesting parts of the long piece of writing.

1904 'BRISBANE'S HISTORIC CHURCHES.—II.', The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), 29 October, p. 12, viewed 2 February, 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19329758

The Church of St. Mary the Virgin (CE.) is one which, from its associations and its position, commands early attention. It is an old building, as buildings go in this young land; but it is regarded as one of the most perfect types of a Church of England in the whole continent.  (…) The site of the church is unique. It stands upon the highest level attainable in the charming suburb of Kangaroo Point, and directly beneath it spreads the broad bosom of the river. At no point can the beauties of Brisbane be more fully appreciated than from the cliff near the church. Some hundreds of feet down, and almost immediately beneath, is located the Naval Stores, and at the buoys opposite there is frequently to be seen moored someone or other of our Australian warships. Beyond stretch the Botanic Gardens, circled by the river, the Government House and its Domain, and the buildings of Parliament House, and away to the north is the busy hive of the city proper.

EARLY HISTORY

The churchfolk were not always favoured with a location so admirably suited for worship. In the early fifties a small congregation was formed amongst the Anglican residents on the then sparsely populated Point, and the first Church of England on the south side was constructed in John street, near the river’s edge. (…) As time went on it was found that the site was below flood level, and the rector successfully bent his energies towards exchanging portion of it for what was then  a piece of waste land at the top of the hill. The suggestion of this exchange was  at first opposed by some, who considered the hill too far from the then centre ofpopulation, but the rector carried his point, to the everlasting benefit of St.Mary’s, and the present fine site was secured. Had the church remained where it was the floods of 1893 would have swept it to the sea. (…)

THE PRESENT BUILDING

The insecurity of the building, and the demands of the growing congregation, however, made it imperative that a new and larger building be provided. A meeting to consider the question was called in February, 1871 (…) in September the tender of Mr. Alfred Grant was accepted for an all-stone building. From a number of competitive plans that of Mr. G. R. Suter was accepted. In April, 1872, the Marquis of Normanby then Governor of Queensland, laid a foundation-stone. (…)

1892 'Cyclone in Brisbane.', Darling Downs Gazette (Qld. : 1881 - 1922), 4 April, p. 3, viewed 2 February, 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article170730187

In April, 1892, the church was struck by a cyclone, and the whole of the roof of the western end of the building was lifted off and thrown into the nave by the cyclonic disturbance. Tropical Cyclone recurved over Brisbane with two deaths. Wind strength in Brisbane was 130 km/h and rain recorded 125 mm in storm. It caused much damage throughout Brisbane, Tweed Heads and Redlands district (Flood Summary SEQ by Sunshine Coast Libraries). Below is a photo of church during repairs after the cyclone.

St Mary's Anglican Church at Kangaroo Point, 1892 [John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland 63958]

Below is a couple of photos I took inside the church back in 2012.

Inside St Mary's Anglican Church

Written by Maciek

Hi, I am passionate about history. I love discovering new places and learning their story. Wherever I go I find myself curious about stories behind buildings and places I see. At Everywhere History I’m sharing fascinating stories hidden behind buildings and places you’re passing by everyday.