History

South Bank Baptist Church (formerly South Brisbane Baptist Church) is situated on a hill overlooking the southern shore of the Brisbane River, directly across from the rapidly developing capital city of Queensland, Brisbane. Adjacent to the former Brisbane Expo site (1988) the Church continues to reach out to the local communities of South Brisbane, Highgate Hill, West End, Woolloongabba, Kangaroo Point and East Brisbane. Now surrounded by many high-rise apartment buildings, the South Bank Parklands tourist and cultural area, many local industries, educational institutions and the growing Mater Hospital complex, the present congregation, building on a past of some 130 years, is continuing to share a Hope for the future with its cosmopolitan neighbourhood.

Ministry to the area began, officially, in 1872 when a small group of local residents, who had already been ministering informally in the area, formed the South Brisbane Baptist Church. They commenced worship services in the Mechanics Institute, however, within a year a decision was made to purchase a property in Vulture Street, South Brisbane. This turned out to be a wise decision as major flooding in 1893 covered the alternative property in Grey Street! Subsequent floods have confirmed the initial wisdom of the pioneers.

In 1878 the gas lighting system was installed, replacing the kerosene lamps. Over the years building expansions and enhancements took place to accommodate the growing membership at the church. Over time a number of other churches were to grow out of the membership of the church, but there has always been a deep commitment to serving the local communities of South Brisbane, West End, Kangaroo Point, Woolloongabba and East Brisbane.

The church has been very involved in numerous evangelistic, missionary and outreach activities, as well as with organizations such as Boys Brigade, Christian Endeavour, Prison Fellowship, and the early years of the Russian Baptist church.

Throughout the years a number of pastors at the church were involved in lecturing at the Queensland Baptist College, then located in the West End area. Subsequently many have gone on the serve as lecturers at the Queensland Baptist College of Ministries (now known as Malyon College located at Mithelton). A number of ministers and church leaders have also served the Baptist denomination well in various leadership roles.

In mid-1982 an electrical fault caused a fire in the church, which seriously damaged the building and the pipe organ. However, repairs were completed in time for the Christmas services later that year, and the ministry of the church continued virtually uninterrupted.

The Brisbane Expo site (1988) is immediately adjacent to the church area. There has been a massive redevelopment of the Expo site in recent years with many major cultural buildings being constructed. The South Bank Parkland area is now one of the most popular places for family gatherings in Brisbane. It is especially renowned for the annual Christmas Parades and the many other musical and cultural events that meet a rapidly growing modern city's needs. The Parklands have complemented the Queensland Cultural Centre, the Queensland State Library, the Museum, and the Maritime Museum, that grace the southern Brisbane River shoreline.

Now, in the new Millennium, the church stands in the midst of major roadway and bus-way works, together with a major building development of its neighbour across busy Vulture Street - Mater Hospital extensions.

As a result of the strategic location the church has in relation to a number of large educational establishments, a new focus of ministry to students is now in the early stages of development. Link to ISM page? This new ministry focus is being developed concurrently with a proposed property development using the properties (wisely purchased back in the 1960’s) for student accommodation. Link to Property Devpt and Future pages?

South Bank Baptist Church is a church with a new name and a new ministry focus….but a long and fruitful history!

For over 130 years the church has been a faithful witness to Jesus Christ in its community. There have been many ups and downs throughout these years but, through it all, the Lord has not only blessed the church, He has used the church to be a blessing to many.

And we continue to look to our Lord Jesus Christ to guide us into the exciting times ahead!