All Saints Anglican Church

All Saints Anglican Church is located at 32 Wickham Terrace. As it is Easter, I thought it appropriate to do another post about an historic church. The present church, the oldest existing Anglican Church in Brisbane, was opened for worship in 1869, replacing an earlier structure of 1862. The original church was a small rubble structure, designed by architect by Benjamin Backhouse. In 1869 architect Richard Suter designed the alterations, which effectively turned into almost a complete rebuild in Gothic style.

The Church was designated as All Saints in 1869. The east end of the church contains the oldest stained glass in Brisbane, installed in 1870. The interior contains examples of hammer-beam roof construction, which is rare in Australia. Artwork includes plaster Stations of the Cross by well known Brisbane sculptor Daphne Mayo, and Christ accepting his Cross in the forecourt. The inscription on the western side of the church reads. DOMUS MEA DOMUS ORATIONIS (My House shall be called a House of Prayer).

I found it interesting that whilst researching this church, although it is Anglican (Church of England) there is a strong tie to the Catholic Church in their services. As their website proclaims, they aim to remind all Anglicans of their historic claim to be an integral part of the Catholic Church. My ignorance is such that when I think Anglican I think of Henry VIII. The church itself is part of the historical fabric of Brisbane. I find it fascinating that of most things which are historically retained in our cities, it is usually the churches which remain in much greater ratios than other buildings.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Christ Accepting His Cross

On Wickham Terrace, just up from the intersection of Ann Street, is the All Saints Anglican Church. At the rear of the church is one of the most powerfully emotional sculptures I have come across. Entitled Christ Accepting His Cross, the sculpture depicts Christ standing at the Cross with the sculptor capturing in his posture and face a sense of the vast emotions which would overcome any man or woman with knowledge of their fate to be.

Andor Mészáros (1900-1972) was a Hungarian architect and sculptor who arrived in Australia in 1939. He has various sculptures located throughout Australia, as well as turning his hand to designing medallions. He cast this piece in bronze and the plaque at the site details how it was erected in 1962 to commemorate the centenary of the church, being unveiled on the 8/9/62. I am amazed at how well this sculpture has retained its lustre and image over the past 40 plus years.

Again, I'd reiterate that I'm not a religious person, however this image of Christ contemplating the cross and what we know is to befall him is quite evocative. The cross itself is quite simple. It is the image of the man at the bequest of his faith which elicits the emotional response. In the Anglican Church image archives they note that "Mészáros has treated the figure so that it can also represent any individual, or the whole of humanity, as questions of meaning and purpose are raised."

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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