Heritage & Architecture | Saint Andrew's UCA

Heritage and Architecture

Saint Andrew’s is a congregation within the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA). The UCA was inaugurated in 1977 when Methodist, most Congregational and some Presbyterian churches in Australia united. As an immediate result, in the City of Brisbane, there were three UCA churches in Ann Street. In 1981, two of them – Ann Street City (formerly Congregational) and St Andrew’s (formerly Presbyterian) amalgamated to form St Andrew’s Uniting Church. These two large city congregations began in 1859 and 1862, respectively, so their stories are connected with the growth of Brisbane since colonial days.

If you would like to donate:

Account Name: UCA St Andrew’s Uniting Church

BSB: 334-040

Account No: 55 38 776 38

Put 'Heritage' as the reference.

Publications

Merrington Anzac Memorial Peace Chapel

Lives, Links & Legacy

Research Projects

Rees-Thomas Mission Chapel

Stained Glass Windows

Catalogued Collections

Valuing Our Heritage

For over a century and a half, St Andrew’s and its predecessors have built a rich history. More detail of the activities, characteristics and achievements of these city congregations is available in a history book published in 2005 to mark the centenary of the building of St Andrew’s.

It was written by Noel Adsett and is entitled Valuing Our Heritage – The Story of St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Brisbane.

It is now only $5 from the church office.

Valuing Our Heritage

The Old Wickham Terrace Church

St Andrew’s was built in 1904 to replace a prominent Gothic style stone structure in Wickham Terrace to enable the extension of the railway line from Central Station to Fortitude Valley by tunnel. As it happened, this beautiful church which had been used by the Presbyterians for 17 years before they moved to the present site, was also occupied by the Congregationalists for another 17 years before they moved to their Ann Street site in 1959. The building was demolished in about 1970.

The Old Wickham Terrace Church

Stained Glass Windows

The stained glass windows in St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Brisbane are in good condition and form a beautiful and interesting collection.

The church as it was originally designed by the architect, George Payne, was to have its windows glazed in pastel coloured leadlights. Some of these remain as seen in the Merrington Peace Chapel and St Andrew’s Hall beneath the church. Others have been replaced by stained glass. The first were the beautiful series in the north wall depicting the Nativity, Crucifixion and Ascension of Jesus and later the windows in the nave and Rees-Thomas Mission Chapel were mostly crafted by R S Exton & Co and designed by William Bustard.

William Bustard (1884 – 1973) was a Brisbane-based designer, and one of Australia’s leading traditional stained glass artists in the years before and after the Second World War. He was born in Yorkshire and studied art before joining White Friars Studio (James Powel & Sons) where he was trained as a stained glass designer/artist. He served in World War 1 and returned to White Friars before coming to Australia in 1921. In the period before the Second World War, he designed windows for Extons in Brisbane, a leading stained glass firm from the 1880s until the 1950s.

Archibald Family Memorial Window

The Ascension

Inscriptions in both sections read:
While they beheld, He was taken up.
A cloud received Him out of their sight.

In loving memory of my beloved parents
Honourable John and Mrs Archibald
their sons Robert, John, Gordon, and their daughters Frances and Blanche.

Donated by Mrs Henry Robertson 1961

This window which is in good condition shows a high level of craftsmanship. It was made in the studio of R S Exton & Co and might have been worked on by apprentices there. The work is not signed.

Calvin, Knox and Burning Bush Windows

These windows were designed and constructed in the studios of J Ashton & Co in Sydney in 1904. They were placed in the foyer at the entrance to St Andrew’s, the gift of members of the Building Committee when the church was built in 1904/5.

The inscriptions read:
Panel A: John Calvin born 1509 died 1564
Panel B: Nec Tamen Consumebatur
Panel C: John Knox born 1505 died 1572

John Calvin was an influential French theologian and pastor during the Protestant Reformation. He was a principal figure in the development of the system of Christian theology later called Calvinism. He was born on 10 July 1509 at Noyon, France and died on 27 May 1564 at Geneva, Switzerland.

The motto of the Church of Scotland is nec tamen consumebatur (Latin). It means “Yet it was not consumed”, an allusion to Exodus 3:2 and the Burning Bush.

John Knox was a Scottish clergyman, writer and a leader of the Protestant Reformation who is considered the founder of the Presbyterian denomination in Scotland. He was born in or near Haddington, Kingdom of Scotland c 1513 and died in Edinburgh, Kingdom of Scotland on 24 November 1572.

Calvin, Knox and Burning Bush Windows

David Tait Memorial Window

St Peter and St Andrew

The work was produced in the studio of R S Exton & Co, Brisbane in 1949. The artist’s name does not appear but the window is attributed to William Bustard.

The inscription reads:
Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.
AMDG and in loving memory of Flight Sergeant David Tait who made the supreme sacrifice at Saramo New Guinea 31.3.1944.
Dedicated by his loving parents.

This beautiful window was unveiled and dedicated on 3rd April 1949, the gift of Mr and Mrs David Tait, in memory of their son, David Charles Tait.

The lower panel common to both windows depicts Christ on the shore issuing his command to Andrew and Peter, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” In the two separate upper panels are Peter and Andrew as they are traditionally depicted in sacred art. Above the head of the Master in the lower panel, and at the heads of Peter and Andrew in the upper panels are seagulls emblematic of the wings of the airman. Above the heads of the saints is the RAAF badge in bronze tints and above that the Australian Coat of Arms. In the top medallion an airman in full harness is seen entering heaven while the Master stands in spotless white with his hand extended in blessing as he utters, “Well done.” The glass is particularly clear while the blending of the reds and blues, the browns and the greens is exquisite.

Faith, Hope and Charity

Placed at the foot of the stairs to Ann Street, this window is likely to be observed more by worshippers as they leave the church, than when they enter.

The panels depict the Christian cross representing faith, an anchor for hope and a mother pelican feeding her young symbolising love. Paul’s famous passage in 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 concludes, “So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Hale Memorial Window

Go into all the World

This set of three windows was crafted by Oliver Cowley in his Brisbane studio in 1971.

The inscription reads:
Go into all the world.
In loving memory of Alban Alfred Hale who died 24th April 1970.

The windows, the gift of Mr Hale’s wife, were dedicated in the City Congregational Church on 19 September 1971. The windows were installed in the northern wall of the foyer at the entrance to St Andrew’s in 1982. They were removed in 1999 when the brick wall was replaced with clear glass. It is hoped the windows will again be mounted on a wall in the St Andrew’s building.

Hale Memorial Window

Henry Robertson Memorial Window

St Barnabas and St Paul

This work is not signed and is attributed to Moroney.

Inscriptions read:

Section A:
Our beloved Barnabas and Saul.
Barnabas a man full of the Holy Ghost and of faith.
St Barnabas
Barnabas took Saul and brought him to the Apostles.

Section B:
I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision.
St Paul
Saul Saul why persecutest thou me.

In loving remembrance, Henry Robertson an Elder of this Church died 31st May 1924.

John Campbell Memorial Window

Christ and the Children

Though unsigned this work is attributed to William Bustard and was produced in the studio of R S Exton & Co in 1950. It displays a high standard of craftsmanship.

The Inscription below the two windows reads:
Suffer little children to come unto me.
AMDG in loving memory of John Campbell 1885 – 1950
Session Clerk and Sunday School Superintendent
Erected by his loving wife Ethel Campbell.

The medallion depicts the Good Samaritan with the inscription:
He took compassion on him.

The subject is based on the incident recorded in Matthew 19, verses 13 and 14. It is faithfully depicted in the lower light common to both panels. At the left are the parents who have brought their children to Jesus. At the right is Jesus sitting with a young child on his knees while beside him the disciples are forbidding the parents to bring their children to him, their hands stretched out, palms outward, indicating their disapproval. Above are inscribed the words of Jesus, “Suffer the children to come to me.”

The left hand light above is completely occupied by a satisfying portrayal of Christ in a rich red robe issuing his invitation to the children. In the right hand light is a boy, the taller figure, and a girl, holding a posy of daisies in her hand, both looking eagerly toward the Lord’s face. The upper part of the children’s light is occupied by palm branches of a tender and satisfying green.

The top medallion contains a picture of the parable of the Good Samaritan recorded in Luke 10.

The windows are a fitting tribute to John Campbell whose work with families in the Department of Labour and Industry during the Depression of the early 1930s and among children in Sunday Schools and Children’s Homes throughout his life, was performed with love and compassion.

Morrow Memorial Window

The Nativity

This window was originally designed and constructed in the studios of Brooks Robinson, Melbourne in 1922 and installed high in the northern wall in the sixtieth year from the formation in 1862 of the Wickham Terrace Presbyterian Church. By 2002 the Brisbane sun, wind and weather had taken their toll and urgent attention was needed. The windows were removed, entirely reconstructed in the studio of John Cummins and Jill Stehn in Eumundi and rededicated in a service in Saint Andrew’s on 29th June 2003.

The inscription reads:
Glory to God in the highest
In memory of Thomas Morrow and William Alexander Morrow MA LLB

Peter Tait Memorial Window

The Good Shepherd

This window, made in the studio of R S Exton & Co, Brisbane in 1953 is the work of Brisbane artist, William Bustard.

The inscription reads:
I am the Good Shepherd.
The Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.
In loving memory of Peter Tait 1873 – 1951
From his wife and children

The window was unveiled and dedicated by the Minister, the Revd Dr Norman Webster, on Sunday 23rd August 1953. It is the gift of Peter Tait’s widow, daughter and two sons. The theme is based on our Lord’s words in St John’s Gospel, “I am the Good Shepherd; the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.”

The family felt that as Mr Tait was engaged most of his life in the pastoral industry, it was fitting that the religious message of that calling should be embodied in the window.

Robertson Memorial Window

Ruth and Naomi

These two windows were made in the workshop of R S Exton & Co in 1950. The artist was William Bustard.

The inscription reads:
Entreat me not to leave thee wither thou goest I will go.
I pray you let me glean after the reapers among the sheaves.
AMDG
and in loving memory of Janet Williamson Robertson 1860 – 1946 and Mure Hunter Robertson 1856 – 1945
Erected by their children, James, William, Mure and Anne
And also in loving memory of Mure Farquhar Robertson 1888 – 1950

The lower light common to both windows depicts Ruth saying to Boaz in the harvest-field, “Let me, I pray you, glean after the reapers in thy field.” In the two separate upper lights, the left light depicts Ruth kneeling at Naomi’s feet and saying, “Entreat me not to leave thee,” while the right light shows Ruth standing alone and saying, “Whither thou goest I will go.” The top medallion has a cluster of sheaves surrounded by roses of Sharon, while the border is done in beautiful red roses. In Jewish and sacred art, the rose of Sharon is the symbol of the promised Messiah. From the union of Boaz and Ruth the promised Messiah eventually issued.

The glass is particularly clear while the blending of colours is exquisite.

Mure Robertson, a former Auditor-General, was a member of St Andrew’s from the time of his arrival from Scotland as a lad until his death. For many years an Elder in this Congregation, he also rendered splendid service to the wider Church of Queensland. His wife was gracious and friendly. Their son, Mure, a Bundaberg bank manager, died while the memorial was being made. The letters AMDG are Latin for Ad majorem Dei gloriam, meaning “For the greater glory of God”.

Stewart Memorial Window

Scenes from the Life of Christ

This work from the Brooks-Robinson Studio, Melbourne was constructed in 1922. It remains in good condition following major renovation in 2003 by Cummins and Stehn, stained glass experts, Eumundi, Queensland. Along with the Nativity and Crucifixion windows, this window was placed here to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Wickham Terrace Presbyterian Church where the St Andrew’s congregation began.

The scenes in this group represent incidents in the life of Jesus including the Cleansing of the Temple, the Transfiguration and the Prayer at Gethsemane.

The inscription reads:
To the memory of Alexander and Ann Stewart.

Tait Family Memorial Window

David and Jonathon

The original craftsmanship and design of this window are excellent. It is attributed to Moroney, Brisbane.

The inscription reads:
Jonathon
In memory of David and Christina Tait also their sons David and Charles.

Erected by members of the family 1923.

Vann Memorial Window

Who is my Neighbour?

Oliver Cowley is the artist who produced this set of three windows in his Brisbane studio in 1971.

The inscription reads:
Who is my neighbour?
In loving memory of John and Lilian Vann
died 22nd August 1966 30th January 1965
From their grateful family

This window was originally in the City Congregational Church which became Ann Street City Uniting Church in 1977. The Ann Street congregation merged with St Andrew’s Uniting Church in 1981 and the windows were installed in the foyer at the entrance to St Andrew’s. It was necessary to remove these windows with others in the north wall in 1999 when the wall was replaced with clear glass. Oliver Cowley learnt his craft as an apprentice in Exton’s Studio where William Bustard shared his skill and knowledge. It is hoped this set of windows will again be placed suitably on a wall in St Andrew’s. For the time being they are safely stored and exhibited from time to time.

War Memorial Window

The Crucifixion

This window was dedicated as a memorial to the thirty-nine War Dead of the Great War from this Church. It was presented by William Black, the famous benefactor of the Presbyterian Church and member of St Andrew’s.

The work was originally designed and built in the Studio of Brooks-Robinson, Melbourne in 1922. By the year 2002, Brisbane climatic conditions had severely affected its condition, making it necessary to carry out urgent work. It was removed and reconstructed in the studios of Cummins and Stehn, Eumundi, Queensland and rededicated in St Andrew’s 2003.

The inscription reads:
Panel A: Woman behold thy Son
Panel B: To the Glory of God and the memory of our beloved who fell in duty’s cause 1914-1919
Panel C: Behold thy Mother

The names of the 39 young men who paid the supreme sacrifice are engraved on a brass plate in the Merrington Anzac Memorial Peace Chapel.

Whitehill Memorial Window

In My Father’s House

This panel of two windows was unveiled and dedicated at the morning service on 26th October 1952 by the Minister, Revd Dr Norman Webster. The windows were made at the studio of R S Exton & Co, Brisbane and the artist was William Bustard.

The inscription reads,
In my Father’s house are many mansions.
I go to prepare a place for you.
Alexander Fairlie Whitehill 1860 – 1946
Jessie Blair Whitehill 1859 – 1943
An appreciation from their daughters

At the time of his death Mr Whitehill was Senior Elder at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. His wife, Jessie Blair Whitehill was a member of the Tait family. The windows were a gift from their three daughters, Mrs Griffin, Mrs Scriven and Mrs Pace.

The colours are very rich and strikingly blended. The windows are placed above the pew where Mr and Mrs Whitehill sat for worship services.

Stained Glass Windows

Catalogued Collections

The Edward Griffith Room

The Edward Griffith Room was dedicated in 2006 to house the archival collections held at St Andrew’s Uniting Church. Its name honours the Revd Edward Griffith whose ministry at Wharf Street Congregational (Independent) Church from 1860 to 1889 was long and distinguished. Members were added, the chapel was enlarged and several churches were formed around Brisbane. His influence was significant in the wider community especially in social, political and benevolent movements. He worked in the causes of free education, hospitals and temperance societies. He was noted for his punctuality and shrewdness, his knowledge of the leaders of the city and his adhesion to principle. One of his sons became Sir Samuel Griffith, Premier of Queensland and first High Court Judge in Australia. Edward Griffith died in 1891.

The material stored and catalogued in the Edward Griffith Room refers chiefly to the history of St Andrew’s Presbyterian and Uniting Churches and its predecessors – Wharf Street and City Congregational Churches and Wickham Terrace Presbyterian Church. The collections also include historical material referring to other Congregational Churches in Queensland, the Presbyterian denomination in Queensland and Congregational history and practice.

ARTIFACTS

Many objects have been donated or collected. They include badges, moderators’ scarves, a Geneva gown, baptismal records on cloth wall hangings, church crockery, medals and other memorabilia. All are stored in the Edward Griffith Room. From time to time, these articles are displayed in the Vera Wade Gallery, usually in connection with an exhibition with a theme.

AUDIO-VISUAL RECORDINGS

Sound recordings of sermons preached at St Andrew’s since the 1970s are held. CDs and DVDs feature church choirs, pipe organ music and other musical performances. A series of talks in 1992 entitled Education for Living has been taped. Other celebratory services and addresses are held including the funeral service of Prime Minister Robert Gordon Menzies conducted by Rev Fred McKay.

BOOKS

The Dewey system of classification is used to catalogue the book collection on shelves in the Edward Griffith Room. The biggest sections are Church History, Biblical Commentary and Theology. Some of the books were restored. Year Books and Annual Reports are bound.

Authors of some of the books are or were members of the St Andrew’s Congregation.

PHOTOGRAPHS

The catalogue for the large collection of old and more recent photographs shows for each picture – title, date taken and place. Usually brief notes are added. The photographs are of historical interest and illustrate the life and mission of the present congregation and its predecessors.

PAPER DOCUMENTS, MINUTES

The catalogues for these collections record a wide variety of paper-based material of historical value. Included are minute books, correspondence, orders of services, concerts, occasional addresses and annual reports and year books. Some sets of booklets have been bound. Others are in labelled archive boxes.

COMMUNION TOKENS

Communion tokens were used by churches in Scotland. They were distributed to members of the congregation prior to the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. The tokens are most commonly made of lead and bear the name of the church, year of manufacture and often the name of the Minister. Some of the tokens are displayed in the church while others are stored in the Edward Griffith Room.

MEMORIALS AND PLAQUES

The catalogue of memorial gifts and plaques is available in the Committee Room at the Ann Street level. Each entry records a photograph of the memorial and comments on its origin or history. Memorial gifts include plaques, stained glass windows, furnishings, photographs and framed works of art.

Catalogued Collections

PUBLICATIONS

The book Valuing Our Heritage – The Story of St Andrew’s Uniting Church Brisbane by Noel Adsett was published in 2005 by CopyRight Publications, Brisbane. The book can be purchased at the church office for $5. It is also available for reference purposes in the State Library of Queensland, Australian National Library, Trinity Theological College Library and United Theological College Library, Parramatta.
Several series of devotional books for Advent were printed. Daily reflections were contributed by members of the congregation.
Booklets containing stories of the men and women whose names are listed on the Honour Boards are being written and published. This series is called “Stories from the Honour Boards”.

Publications

Merrington Anzac Memorial Peace Chapel

During World War 1 when the Revd Dr Ernest Merrington was the Minister at St Andrew’s, he also served as a Chaplain with AIF troops at Egypt, Gallipoli and Europe. A transept within the building honours him and all who have taken part in conflicts since. The names of 268 men and women are listed on honour boards and plaques in the chapel. A wall photograph depicts Dr Merrington conducting a service with the troops at Gallipoli and the communion vessels he used are displayed below it. Anzac Day services and other services of remembrance are conducted in this chapel.

To learn more and read about individual stories of those on the honour boards, please go to Lives, Links and Legacy.

You can also listen to Noel Adsett, Past Chairman of the Heritage Committee of the Church Council of St Andrews share the many stories contained with a special space with Brisbane's Living Heritage Network here.

Merrington Anzac Memorial

Research Projects

RESEARCH PROJECTS

The building and its contents are of much interest to the general public.
Talks are willingly arranged for student groups.
The rich store of archived material can be used for research purposes by historians, architects and others.
Useful information is available for people interested in the early history of the Presbyterian, Congregational and Uniting Churches in Brisbane.
Records include biographical notes and records of significant events and celebrations.
Photographers are welcome.

Rees-Thomas Mission Chapel

The Revd Dr Tom Rees-Thomas was the Minister of the City

Congregational Church (later Ann Street City Uniting Church)

from 1948 till it closed in 1981 to join Saint Andrew’s. Dr

Rees-Thomas came with his Congregation and served as a

Minister-in-Association at St Andrew’s till his death in 1993.

The chapel honours his long and faithful ministry in Brisbane

where he was well-known as a public figure, advocate for those less fortunate and supporter of missionary work at home and abroad. The communion table and chairs in the chapel, memorial gifts from the Ann Street City Church, are now used weekly during our services.

Rees-Thomas Mission Chapel

Centenary Quilt

CENTENARY QUILT

As part of the celebration of our building’s centenary in 2005, members and groups within the Congregation were invited to contribute a square, decorated in whatever way they chose, to represent their connection with the life and work of St Andrew’s. This attractive quilt is now an interesting feature on the wall inside the church building.

DISPLAY CASE

Baptismal Font from the former City Congregational Church

Dedicated by Rev Percival Watson, BA on Mothers’ Day, 13 May 1928.

A gift of the Mothers’ Union.

Text: He shall gather lambs with his arm and carry them in his bosom. Isaiah 40: 11.

The font was unveiled by Mrs GF Scott (Grandmother of Kenneth Scott)

and Mrs AJ Raymond (mother of Archy Raymond).

The names of Archy Raymond and Kenneth Scott are on the honour boards.

They were both killed.

Designed and crafted by Arch H West, L Mus TCL (Organist and choirmaster)

Display Case

PORTRAIT GALLERY

The photographs of all the Ministers since 1858 are displayed in the Committee Room adjacent to the foyer. It is interesting to read the captions which show their years of ministry and the churches they served. They number 24 – Congregational (10), Presbyterian (10) and UCA (4).

Portrait Gallery

BRICKWORK

A row of bricks is called a course.

Bricks laid flat with the width parallel to the wall are called stretchers.

Bricks laid flat with the width parallel to the wall are called headers.

Colonial Bond:

Three courses of stretchers followed by one course of headers.

English Bond:

Alternate stretcher and header courses.

Flemish Bond:

Alternate stretchers and headers in each course.

Brickwork

Saint Andrew's Uniting Church

Heritage and Architecture

Valuing Our Heritage

The Old Wickham Terrace Church

Stained Glass Windows

Catalogued Collections

The Edward Griffith Room

AUDIO-VISUAL RECORDINGS

PHOTOGRAPHS

PAPER DOCUMENTS, MINUTES

PUBLICATIONS

Merrington Anzac Memorial Peace Chapel

Rees-Thomas Mission Chapel

CENTENARY QUILT

PORTRAIT GALLERY

Saint Andrew's Uniting Church acknowledge the traditional owners of the land upon which we gather and honour people and elders past and present .

Saint Andrew's Uniting Church is a safe and inclusive place of worship.

Office:
131 Creek St, Brisbane

Wednesday to Friday
8.30am - 1.30pm

07 3108 4644
admin@saintandrews.org.au

Rev Susan Pickering
07 3108 4644

299 Ann St,

Brisbane CBD