New Farm, QLD - St Mary's Macedonian Orthodox

History and Architecture:

A historical plaque at the front of the church reads in part, "The land was part of the Kingsholme Estate in the 1880s, and in the early years of the twentieth century, Mrs Mary McGregor ran a dairy here. In 1920, through a favourable purchase from Mrs. Emma Garnett, the Methodist community was able to plan a church. The community had been meeting in a Mission Hall on the corner of Browne and Hawthorne Streets from 1891, so this building was hauled by horses to the new Annie Street site.

The Foundation stone was set on 4th December 1926. The chief benefactor was Dr E W H Fowles (1871-1945), a barrister, politician and prominent church member. When the church was opened in July 1927, it was described as "a distinct ornament to the neighbourhood, and a credit to all."

The architect WC Voller (1863-1932) sought to achieve "a bright and cool effect, combined with dignity and repose." The style was described as Gothic, adapted to local requirements and materials. The construction, by builder J G Hobbs (1871-1938), employed brick and concrete. The tower rises around 15m above the street, and the 'hall was renovated at the same time.

In 1891 the Macedonians aquired the Church.