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 CBD of the rapidly developing capital city of Queensland. 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 choice of this location turned out to be a wise decision as major flooding in 1893 covered the alternative location considered in Grey Street! Subsequent floods have confirmed the initial wisdom of the pioneers.

In 1878 a 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 (Annerley, Greenslopes, Belmont, Toowong), 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 at West End) with several becoming Principal. This close relationship with the college (now known as Malyon College located at Mitchelton) still continues today with one of our pastors serving part-time on the current college staff. A number of ministers and church leaders have also served the Baptist denomination well in various other 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 was established in 1988 on a run down industrial area immediately adjacent to the church precinct. After the completion of Expo there was a massive redevelopment of the site with many major cultural buildings and community facilities including Southbank Parkland. This Parkland area is now one of the most popular places for family gatherings in Brisbane. 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 road and rail upgrades, together with a continuing major building development of its neighbour across busy Vulture Street - the Mater Hospital.

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 and internationals is now in the early stages of development.  If you follow the other links from the menu you can find out more about that.

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!