Addresses
Type of place
Church
Period
Late 20th Century 1960-1999
Style
Ecclesiastical
This is an image of the local heritage place known as Church
Christ Church Anglican Church
Addresses
Type of place
Church
Period
Late 20th Century 1960-1999
Style
Ecclesiastical
Christ Church Anglican Church was constructed in 1962. It has a lengthy connection with several generations of St Lucia residents who have taken religious instruction and worshipped at the church. The Church is also aesthetically significant.
Also known as
Christ Church, Anglican Church
Lot plan
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Construction
Roof: Tile;Walls: Face brick
Criterion for listing
(E) Aesthetic; (G) SocialInteractive mapping
Also known as
Christ Church, Anglican Church
Lot plan
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Construction
Roof: Tile;Walls: Face brick
Criterion for listing
(E) Aesthetic; (G) SocialInteractive mapping
History
Description
This is a good example of a progressive late 50s / early 60s church (foundation stone dated 1962). Externally tall red brick walls support a thin, almost flat gable roof, defining a simple but richly detailed internal volume. A very tall, finely structured bell tower attached to the western front balances the architectural mass of the church.
The side walls of the church are of a concertina form, blades of brick along the line of the building with short window walls across the line of the building, the glass facing the western front. The window walls are trimmed in light coloured bricks and provide light and ventilation to the interior, as well as accentuating the exterior wall geometry and providing a rich variety of surface texture. The very tall bell tower outside the front door completes the architectural composition while supporting the entrance canopy. This bell tower is visible across the suburb.
Internally the church impresses with its generous volume, well lit with natural light through a rich variety of glazing elements, and focuses attention on the alter in a theatrical but dignified setting.
Alice Hampson in her unpublished thesis on fifties architecture1 describes the following innovations of this period:
The ‘50s churches were designed to embrace the congregation into a communal act of worship and tried to diminish the segregation of priest and public. The emphasis on ornate decoration was abandoned; instead the ‘50s church relied on material finish and construction as its decoration.
This church is one of two prominent 1950-60s churches on Central Avenue. These churches give Central Avenue a distinctive character.
Statement of significance
Relevant assessment criteria
This is a place of local heritage significance and meets one or more of the local heritage criteria under the Heritage planning scheme policy of the Brisbane City Plan 2014. It is significant because:
References
-
Hampson, Alice. The Fifties in Queensland: Why Not! Why?. B of Arch. thesis, Dept of Architecture, U of Q, 1987
Citation prepared by — Brisbane City Council (page revised June 2022)