Churches

About Rockhampton Churches

by J.T.S. Bird 

Rockhampton did not stand very high as a religious community in the early days, but this was not from any neglect on the part of ministers of the gospel. Soon after the colony of Queensland was proclaimed, systematic efforts were made to establish the various religious bodies, not only in Brisbane but in other towns. 

The Right Rev. Edward Wyndham Turnell was ordained the first Anglican Bishop in 1859, and soon after came to his new home. His successor was Bishop Hale who was followed in 1885 by Dr. Webber, who died in July of last year. The first Anglican clergyman sent to Rockhampton was the Rev. Thomas Jones, whom the irreverent always good-naturedly spoke of as "Tommy". Mr. Jones, who is now pastor of the Indooroopilly Church, Brisbane, came to Rockhampton in 1861. Till a church was built service was held in the Court House, which stood where the Lands Office now is, and the same building was used by the other denominations. The first Anglican Church was erected in 1862. It remained in use till 1883, when the present church (now known as St. Paul's Cathedral) was completed. It was built by Mr. George Sanderson, of Stanwell, who himself laid every stone of the entire edifice. The church was consecrated by the late Right Rev. Dr. Hale. The See of Rockhampton was established in 1892 and the Right Rev. Dr. Dawes, D. D., was elected bishop. Dr. Dawes was the first bishop consecrated in Australia. The first incumbent, the Rev. T. Jones, did not remain long in Rockhampton. He left at the end of 1863 or the beginning of 1864, and was succeeded by the Rev. W. Wright, who was soon followed by the Rev. J. R. Black. Since then there have been many changes of clergymen, the two retaining the position of the longest period being the Rev. W. A. Diggens and the Rev. A. Richards. The present rector is the Venerable Archdeacon G. D. Halford, who was appointed in 1902. 

The Presbyterians were actually the first in the field, the Rev. Samuel Kelly arriving in 1861, a little earlier in the year than Mr. Jones. Mr. Kelly soon gathered a good flock, who quickly built a church. It was a wooden building, standing in Derby Street, and remained in use till the present brick building was erected and opened in 1893. The wooden building is still standing, and is now used as a Sunday school. The Rev. Mr. Kelly retired in 1863 and was succeeded by the Rev. A. C. Smith. There were one or two other changes between then and 1876, when the present minister, the Rev. A. Hay, D. D., was appointed. Dr. Hay is now the senior clergyman not only of Rockhampton but of Central Queensland. 

In 1861, within a few days of the arrival of the English Church minister, the Rev. Samuel Savage came here in the interests of the Congregationalists, and soon had a church built in Bolsover Street, where the John Knox Presbyterian Church now stands. 

The Baptists also made a start in 1861, service being held by them first in the house of Mr. W. H. Buzacott. The Primitive Methodists held services occasionally in the open air, or in such buildings as could offer accommodation. The same practice was followed by the Wesleyans. By 1864 all these denominations had churches built, and at the beginning of that year the late Rev. Robert Hartley opened the Primitive Methodist Church on the site in Fitzroy Street, where the business premises of Messrs. James Miller and Co. Used to be. Mr. Hartley remained in Rockhampton till his death, and lived to see it become a flourishing town. A harder working minister than Mr. Hartley surely never lived. He took great delight in what may be termed pioneering work, and visited the various gold diggings regularly, and in all weathers. He often had to put up with poor fare, and hard bed, and perhaps, worst of all, very little encouragement, but he was always cheery. Such a man soon endears himself to everyone, and after passing the allotted span of human life, he passed away full of years and of honours, all classes following his remains with sincere respect to the cemetery. 

Bishop Quinn, the first Roman Catholic Bishop of Queensland, arrived in Brisbane in May, 1861. The same year he sent Father Scully to Rockhampton, who, like the other clergymen conducted service in the Court House, pending the erection of a church. Father Duhigg succeeded Father Scully in 1862, and was himself succeeded the following year by Dean Murlay, a man who remained for many years and was beloved by all classes. Dean Murlay is now stationed at Gladstone. One of the most consistent supporters of the Roman Catholic Church in Rockhampton - consistent alike in life and service - has been Mr. T. Kelly, who was a schoolfellow of Father Duhigg in Ireland. Among those still living in Rockhampton who attended service in the Court House are Messrs. T. Kelly, J. Forest, C. Dallon, and P. Doheny. The first Roman Catholic Church was built of wood at the corner of Alma and Derby Streets in 1863, and remained in use till October, 1899. The first Roman Catholic Bishop of Rockhampton was Bishop Cani, who himself laid the foundation stone of St. Joseph's Cathedral, but did not live to see it opened. The cathedral was consecrated in 1899 by his successor Bishop Higgins, the present bishop, and was opened by Cardinal Moran.

Reference: The Early History of Rockhampton page 26

A historic photo of the Baptist Church

Baptist Church

Baptists started with seven, two brothers who were newspapermen - C. H. and W. H. Buzacott - pioneered the Baptist cause in Rockhampton. They started the first newspaper in the town. In February, 1862, Rev. B. G. Wilson visited the township and on June 25 a congregation was formed with seven members and services were held at W. H. Buzacott's home.

In 1864 Rev. J. T. Hinton came as first pastor and he was succeeded a year later by Rev. T. W. Person who ministered until 1881. From then to 1901 there were five ministers and then Rev. A. D. Shaw commenced a ministry which continued until 1916. 

The first church was erected in Denison Street and opened on October 18,1864. In 1906 the old church was closed and the Tabernacle was opened in the same street, opposite the home of W. H. Buzacott. It was moved to its present location at the corner of Campbell and Fitzroy streets and reopened in January 1916. 

As the town developed Baptist churches were opened at Lakes Creek, North Rockhampton, Park Avenue, Port Curtis Road, West Rockhampton and Depot Hill.

Church of Christ

The Churches of Christ began their witness in Rockhampton through a tent mission conducted by Mr. E.C. Henrichsen (Evangelist). Sunday services were also held at the School of Arts. The success of the mission prompted plans for the erection of a chapel and land was purchased at the corner of William and George streets. 

The chapel was opened on November 18, 1928, by Mr. Henrichsen. The first resident pastor was Mr Bart Manning. He was followed by Mr S.W. Vanham, who was the conference president of Queensland in the 1950's. He served two five-year terms in Rockhampton. 

Ministers who followed were Messrs Campbell, Greenwood, Melilhager, Miller, Tonkin and Paddon.

Wesleyan Methodist 

The Bulletin, Rockhampton, Thursday, August 15, 1867. The anniversary services of the Wesleyan Church in Kent Street were held on Sunday last, the Rev W.J.K. Piddington, Chairman of the Queensland District, officiating in the morning and evening, and the Rev A.C. Smith, Presbyterian, in the afternoon. A public tea meeting came off on the following Monday evening. At the public meeting the resident minister of the church, the Rev Richard Orton presided, and speeches were delivered by the Revs. S. Savage, A.C. Smith, R. Hartley and W.J. K. Piddington. 

Church of England

The history of the Church of England in Rockhampton dates back to 1862, when Rev. T. Jones sponsored the erection of a church. Previously services were held in an East Street building, which was destroyed by a cyclone. The church was built on the site now occupied by St. Paul's parish hall. For many years the need of a more commodious church was keenly felt. In 1873, when the Rev. Richard Leigh was incumbent of the parish, an appeal for funds resulted in £1 300 being collected. 

On September 16, 1879, the cornerstone of St. Paul's Cathedral was laid. the ceremony being performed by Bishop Stanton. The cathedral was completed in October, 1883. The first confirmation in the new church was on Saturday, October 20. The cathedral was crowded the following day, one of the interesting parts of the service being the ordination of A. C. Yorke to assist Rev. W. A. Diggens in the parish. The octave of services in connection with the opening was completed by the holding of a torchlight procession in which the Fire Brigade, Oddfellows, Protestant Alliance and Foresters' Lodges participated led by the Town Band. 

In 1888 a conference was held in Rockhampton and the desirability of forming a diocese was affirmed. It came into existence with the enthronement of Rt. Rev. N. Dawes on November 30, 1892. The creation of the diocese of Rockhampton made the 14th in Australia in 1892. 

As the town developed Anglican churches were established in the suburbs and a school and orphanage were established.

Methodist Church

The history of the Church of England in Rockhampton dates back to 1862, when Rev. T. Jones sponsored the erection of a church. Previously services were held in an East Street building, which was destroyed by a cyclone. The church was built on the site now occupied by St. Paul's parish hall. For many years the need of a more commodious church was keenly felt. In 1873, when the Rev. Richard Leigh was incumbent of the parish, an appeal for funds resulted in £1 300 being collected. 

On September 16, 1879, the cornerstone of St. Paul's Cathedral was laid. the ceremony being performed by Bishop Stanton. The cathedral was completed in October, 1883. The first confirmation in the new church was on Saturday, October 20. The cathedral was crowded the following day, one of the interesting parts of the service being the ordination of A. C. Yorke to assist Rev. W. A. Diggens in the parish. The octave of services in connection with the opening was completed by the holding of a torchlight procession in which the Fire Brigade, Oddfellows, Protestant Alliance and Foresters' Lodges participated led by the Town Band. 

In 1888 a conference was held in Rockhampton and the desirability of forming a diocese was affirmed. It came into existence with the enthronement of Rt. Rev. N. Dawes on November 30, 1892. The creation of the diocese of Rockhampton made the 14th in Australia in 1892. 

As the town developed Anglican churches were established in the suburbs and a school and orphanage were established.

Presbyterian Church 

Before a minister arrived in Rockhampton a group of Presbyterians met regularly for simple worship, among them William John Brown, who came to Australia from Ireland under agreement with the New South Wales Government as Inspector of Police. In 1858 he was sent to Rockhampton as Sub-Collector of Customs. He had been a member of the Presbyterian Church of Ireland. 

Services were conducted in a merchant's bulk store, a shed in a timber yard and at the Court House, the Prayer Book of the Church of England being used in the services. Later a building was erected on land granted to the Church of England. 

Early in May, 1861, Rev. Samuel Kelly, formerly of the Presbyterian Church of Ireland, arrived in Rockhampton and on May 28 a public meeting, under the presidency of John Jardine, Police Magistrate, resolved to take steps to establish a church. In September a grant of an acre of land was received from the Government and a small church was built. 

Mr. Kelly demitted the charge in 1864 and Rev. Alex Campbell Smith was inducted as the settled minister. During his ministry the church was enlarged and a manse erected. Mr. Smith was succeeded after four years by Rev. James Carson. 

In 1876 a call was accepted by Rev. Alexander Hay and he was minister of the charge for 37 years. He resigned on account of advancing age. He was followed by Revs. James Walker (1913-19), Hubert Robertson (1920-22), J. A. Hunter (1 924-1933), R. H. Noack (1 934-42) and J. W. Stewart Lang (1 943-49). Rev. W. R. Glasgow Denning was inducted to the charge in 1950. 

The memorial stone of St. Andrew's Church was laid on Oct 2,1890, the ceremony being performed by Mrs. Peter McIntosh, daughter of W. J. Brown, the chief founder of Presbyterianism in Rockhampton. 

The old manse served as a Sunday school for some years. On July 18, 1937, a new hall was erected on the site of the old manse. 

In 1888 a second Presbyterian congregation was formed by the John Knox Lodge being erected, the present church being acquired in that year. In 1944 a union was made with John Knox and St. Peter's churches (St. Peter's was a daughter of St. Andrew's and was built on a site given by Mr P. F. Macdonald). 

The Church extended its services to North Rockhampton in 1 91 0 with the appointment of a home missionary. It was raised to a sanctioned charge in 1946. 

In 1945 Mrs D. Morrison donated a church building and cottage and 11 acres of land at Glenmore to the Church. In 1952 St. Andrew's acquired Hillcrest Hospital, which was controlled by a board appointed by the Church.

Quakers

The arrival of the Hopkins Family around 1865, brought the first Quakers, or Society of Friends, to the Central Queensland district. The main theme of their religion was the care and concern of their fellow human beings. Felicia Hopkins, who had been a member of the Benevolent Society since 1867, operated a very primitive children's home, caring for neglected and orphaned children. 

Francis and William Hopkins were foundation members of the YMCA which was formed in Rockhampton in October 1868 with Samuel Savage as its Chairman. 

Felicia Hopkins founded the YWCA in Rockhampton in 1888 then helped to re-establish the Brisbane and Townsville branches. She was also instrumental in establishing new branches in the Central Western District. 

The Hopkins Family were very strong in their religious beliefs, holding Quaker Bible Classes every Sunday. They were by no means narrow minded and were actively involved in other church and community affairs that assisted the working class families of the area. 

In 1868 two members of the Society of Friends arrived in Rockhampton from England to interview members of the sect. They usually met in private homes or hired halls until a Friends Meeting House was built in 1880 in Bridge Street, North Rockhampton. The meeting house was finally moved to Kent Street where it was also used by the Lutherans as their place of worship. Another sect known as the Brethren also opened activities in the hall in the early days.

Roman Catholic

When Rockhampton was constituted a municipality in December 1860, it had a white population of about 700 among them a sprinkling of Roman Catholics. In 1862 Dr. O'Quinn, Bishop of Brisbane, sent two priests (Father James Scully and Patrick Duhig) on a pastoral visit to Rockhampton and they arrived by the Clarence on May 3. The Police Magistrate (Mr. Jardine) placed the court house at their disposal and the first Mass was attended by less than 50 people.

Fathers Scully and Duhig returned to Brisbane on May 19, but before they left they appointed collectors to raise funds to build a church. The church was blessed and opened on January 4, 1863.

A few weeks later Bishop O'Quinn paid his first pastoral visit. He sent a young French priest, Father Charles Murlay, to take charge of Rockhampton. Combined with his burning zeal and physical strength Father Murlay had an amazing business capacity. The dignity of dean was conferred on him by Bishop O'Quinn.

Among his first achievements was the erection of a school. Later the Kent Street Convent property, the cathedral site and the bishop's residence were secured by him as well as several properties throughout Central Queensland.

Sisters of Mercy arrived in 1873 and they were assisted by four young women in teaching at the girl's and infants schools. A boy's school was in charge of a master.

In April 1875, Rev. Mother Bridget, of All Hallows Convent, Brisbane, visited Rockhampton to establish a branch of the Children of Mary Sodality. Five girls were consecrated as Children of Mary.

Dean Murlay severed his connection with Rockhampton in 1883, but about three years before his departure it became known that Rockhampton was to be elevated into a separate diocese. Most Rev John Cani D.D. arrived in Rockhampton on June 10 as first Bishop of the diocese.

Such was the origin of the Roman Catholic Church in Rockhampton. From that small beginning churches have been erected in all suburbs and in country centres. Convents and schools have followed the city's development. An orphanage was established at Neerkol and an old peoples home in Rockhampton.

Dr. Cani died in Rockhampton in 1898. He was succeeded by Most Rev. Joseph Higgins D.D. in May 1889. He remained until 1905 and was then transferred to Ballarat. He died in September 1915.

The third bishop was Most Rev. James Duhig who was consecrated in Rockhampton in 1905. He was created Archbishop of ANida and Coadjutor Archbishop of Brisbane with right of succession by Papal Brief on February 26, 1912.

The Most Rev. Joseph Shiel D.D. was the next bishop, coming to Rockhampton 1913. He died in Rockhampton in 1931.

In the following year Most Rev. Romauld Dennis Hayes D.D. took charge of the diocese. He died in Rockhampton on October 25, 1945.

The next bishop was the Most Rev. Andrew Tynan D.D. He was the sixth in the history of the diocese, being consecrated on June 20, 1946 at St Stephen's Cathedral, Brisbane.

ST JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL

On October 15, 1899 after years of persistent and patient work St Joseph's Cathedral was opened for worship. The movement for the building of the cathedral had its genesis 20 years before 1899, the idea being conceived by Dean Murlay during his pastorate. The cathedral was opened by Cardinal Moran.

Salvation Army

In June 1885, four Salvation Army officers arrived in Brisbane and held meetings in a galvanised iron shed and from that humble beginning the Army's flag extended to other centres. On September 2, 1887, Captain Buckingham and Lieutenants Switzer and Redwood arrived in Rockhampton to prepare a campaign. While organising they attended the Presbyterian Church. They leased a building in Alma Street from G. S. Curtis for two years. The first service was held on September 16. 

The Army met many difficulties in its early days. Meetings were continuously upset by a larrikin element. On one occasion (April 14,1889) the keyhole of a door was filled with matches and explosives. When worshippers opened the door several suffered from burns and shock. However, all difficulties were overcome and the Army continued to progress. 

The new citadel in Alma Street was opened on July 5, 1891, by Staff Captain Saunders. It cost £1 500, of which amount £550 was collected up to the opening day. 

In later years new halls were built at North Rockhampton and Hillside and progressive corps were built up. 

In the 80's a branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society was formed in Rockhampton, also a lodge of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. The Queensland Convention of the WCTU was held here in September, 1887.

Seventh Day Adventist

Rockhampton had a sprinkling of Seventh Day Adventists in its early days, but it was not until 1894 that they were organised into a congregation. Meetings were held in the Protestant Hall, Alma Street, until a church could be built in Denison Street on a site now occupied by the Rockhampton Musical Union. It was also used as a primary school. The first pastor was Mr. G. B. Starr.

In 1938 a church and school were built at North Rockhampton.