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Christ Church a beautiful feature more than 90 years on Ashley Schipper 18 April 2021 Standing tall on the corner of Woongarra and Maryborough Streets, Christ Church Anglican Church has been a prominent structure in the Bundaberg CBD ever since it was first constructed in 1927. Featuring a gothic style with characteristics including pointed arches with moldings in porches, windows, and arcades, the Anglican church is heavily influenced by English and European architecture. Photos depicting the church from its early construction stages show just how much effort the build required. Local man and church member Ken Parsons is the current owner of the historic photos, who said he was gifted them by a neighbor some years ago. Ken, who was married in Christ Church and who is also a member, said the photos served as a reminder to the community of the significance of the building. “These photos show just how hard it was originally to build the church,” he said. “It really is something special- just the age of it, the stained glass windows, the colour of the bricks, and the inside of the building is beautiful.” The Bundaberg Regional Libraries’ heritage research team published an article outlining the history of the site and the effort that went into the build. The construction of Christ Church was first established after the Bishop of Brisbane, W.T.T Webber, visited Bundaberg in 1886 and promised the people of the parish that a permanent church would be built. The structure was completed in 1927 after more than 40 years of planning and preparation, but fittings and interior were not completed until the mid-1930s. The design and plans for the church were drawn by the Diocesan Architect Mr. J Hingeston Buckeridge of Sydney and showed a simple but spacious and beautiful building that would accommodate up to 600 worshippers. The cost was estimated at 6000 pounds with extra funds for the construction raised by subscriptions, appeals, bazaars, and individual donations from Bundaberg residents.

Christ Church build a mammoth effort Due to various reasons, the building of the church was delayed until after World War I and saw Mr. F.H Faircloth appointed as architect. The original plans, first drawn by Mr. Buckeridge, were adapted to allow for the use of bricks and concrete as the primary building material. The foundation stone for the church was finally laid on August 9, 1920, by Bishop Le Fenu. Construction of the church was a rigorous day labor task, with workers using rope pulleys, blocks, and tackles as the main mechanisms for the build. The open roof was constructed in Oregon pine and was the only section built by contract labor.

The Christ Church grand reveal Christ Church was officially opened on Sunday, 20 February 1927 by the Archbishop of Brisbane, the Most Rev. G. Sharp. In 1928 the Rev A. H Osborn became the new Rector of Christ Church. It was during his incumbency that much of the interior of the building was designed and installed, with many of the interesting features a direct result of the Reverend's trips to England and Europe. The Lychgate and Wayside Cross were erected after 1930 and the creeper vine covering these structures was grown from a cutting brought back from Glastonbury Abbey. Rev. Osborn also collected the remains of several stained glass windows from overseas for Christ Church. Many of the other features of the building have been donated by pioneer families in Bundaberg. The fine wooden reredos in the sanctuary were donated by the Buss family, who were also responsible for the cost of building the church tower. One of the more spectacular features of Christ Church is a brass lectern with the figure of an eagle attached, which was donated by Miss Tanner in memory of her brother the Rev. E. Tanner, who was the first ordained Anglican priest in Bundaberg. The lectern was made in England and is acknowledged as one of the finest lecterns in Australia.

Restoration works a first for Christ Church In 2019, the church underwent multiple restoration projects for the first time since its construction. The steeple was given a fresh coat of paint and the window glass was removed and re-worked earlier in the year. Six Peace Bells were also introduced to the building and the original organ was transformed back to its former glory. The pipe organ, which is housed in an organ chamber built over the north side of the church, has been a feature of the church since 1927. It is one of only three in Australia and is unique in that it is mechanical rather than pneumatic.

Source: www.bundabergnow.com/2021/04/18/christ-church-a-beautiful...

St Andrews church was built in Bundaberg in 1932 by the Presbyterian church. Architect Lange Powell designed the church in broad free gothic style, reminiscent of the 14th century. “The carillon tower was dedicated as a World War 1 memorial and houses a peal of bells manufactured in Maryborough, England,” Doug said. “During the 1970s the building came under the auspices of the Uniting Church in Australia and was purchased by the Seventh-day Adventist church in June 2004. “The site is listed in the Queensland Heritage Register as a place of cultural heritage significance.” Source: www.bundabergnow.com/2021/05/25/st-andrews-church-undergo...

Isisford Located in ‘The Outer Barcoo’ Isisford was established in 1877 by William and James Whitman who were travelling through the country. When crossing the Barcoo River, they broke an axle on their wagon and decided to stay nearby. They built a store, hotel, butchery, saddlery, and blacksmith shops. The establishment was called Whittown but the name was changed in 1878 to 1879 to Isisford after the ford in the river and proximity of Isis Downs Station homestead. ‘Isis Downs’ was named after the Isis River in England. The Barcoo River was once called the Victoria River but changed to the Aboriginal name Barcoo meaning ‘Ice on Water’. Source: wikiaustralia.com/destination/isisford/