Addresses
Type of place
Church
Period
Postwar 1945-1960
Style
Ecclesiastical
This is an image of the local heritage place known as Church
St Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church
Addresses
Type of place
Church
Period
Postwar 1945-1960
Style
Ecclesiastical
St Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church was completed in 1960. 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
St. Thomas Aquinas, Roman Catholic 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
St. Thomas Aquinas, Roman Catholic 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
Description
This is a good example of a progressive 1950s church (foundation stone dated 1960). The church as expressed externally, consists of a greatly simplified traditional plan - east-west nave with a slender roof spire over the altar and a spectacular western front. The western front boasts twin entrances with stone panels over, a central window surmounted by a cross and sculptural figure, all within a glazed tile surround. A boldly modelled, fortress-like bell tower is linked to the western front with a narrow section of glazed curtain walling.
The arcaded side elevation to the street is understated but well considered and finely detailed. Alice Hampson in her unpublished thesis on 50s architecture (U of Q, 1987) describes the following innovations of this period: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.
The associated church residence appears to have been designed at the same time as the church, probably by the same architect, and is an interesting if conservative design for this period. This design is of particular note when considered in conjunction with the church.
This church is one of two prominent 1950s-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)