Toogoolawah Church celebrates 110 years

A SIGNIFICANT piece of Toogoolawah history was celebrated last week, with a ceremony marking the 110th anniversary of St Andrew’s Anglican Church.

St Andrew's Anglican Church community celebrated the 110th anniversary of the church last week.

Felice Evans, St Andrew’s Guild President, said the anniversary was an opportunity to bring the church to the community, and celebrate an important milestone.

“We had a major celebration of the 100th anniversary, and felt it was important to mark another 10 years of service to the community,” Mrs Evans said.

With the church dedicated on May 12, 1912, just weeks after the shock sinking of the Titanic passenger liner, Mrs Evans said it was likely one of the first prayers offered would have been for the more than 1,500 lives lost in the disaster.

“The church was dedicated by the Archbishop of Brisbane, Dr St Clair Donaldson, assisted by the Reverends Hawley, Hobbs, Davies and Ashburner, who was also Rector of the Toogoolawah Parish.”

Designed by renowned architect Robin Dods, who was later credited with creating the Queenslander housing style, Mrs Evans said it was an Anglican Church, built in a German style.

“With so many families of German descent in the area, the church was designed as a ‘nod’ to their heritage.”

The church also features a number of stained glass windows, depicting Saints from the Anglican Church, installed as family memorials, with dedications in their honour.

While Mrs Evans said it has not been used in recent times, the church also has a Baptismal Font donated by Archbishop Donaldson to commemorate the dedication of the church.