Lutwyche is home to a historic church that has anchored the local community for over 160 years, with St Andrew’s Anglican Church reaching its 100th year of service this week.
A Foundation Built on Local Roots
The story of the parish began when Judge Alfred Lutwyche, the inaugural Supreme Court Judge for the Moreton Bay district, provided the land for a place of worship in the 1860s. After residents voiced a collective need for a local church near Kedron Brook, the judge stepped forward to secure the site.
The original building, a timber construction designed in the Gothic style, stood on the property as an English-style village church. Remarkably, the community managed to build it entirely through public subscription, ensuring the site was free of debt from its first day of operation.
Evolution of a Landmark
As the population grew in the early 1920s, the original wooden building proved too small for the expanding congregation. The parish commissioned architect Louis Williams to design a more substantial replacement, leading to the construction of the iconic brick building still found on Lutwyche Road today. When the doors finally welcomed the public in 1926, the structure made history as the first Anglican church in Brisbane to feature a tower and spire.
The site later received significant upgrades in 1960. During this period, the older timber sections were removed to make way for a new sanctuary that incorporated ancient stonework from South Wales. The church also became well-known for its collection of 13 bells, which were cast in England and installed in the late 1920s to mark the church’s unique presence in the landscape.
A Lasting Community Presence
The church grounds hold deep personal significance for many, including the current Priest-in-Charge, Jenny Simson. Having been baptised and confirmed at the church as a child, she now oversees the parish where her own history began. She notes that the church has served as a consistent backdrop for the milestones of local lives, witnessing families return over decades for weddings and the baptisms of their own children.
Beyond the Sunday services, the parish maintains a long tradition of forward-thinking involvement. Records from the 1890s reveal that the church’s Parochial Council was one of the first in the region to invite women to take seats as elected members.
Visitors to the grounds can still see the resting place of Judge Lutwyche, whose grave is marked by a distinctive Celtic cross. Inside, the building preserves history through stained glass windows saved from the original 1866 structure, which continue to depict various saints and figures.
Commemorating the Century
To mark the centenary, Bishop Sarah Plowman led a special service, followed by morning tea and guided tours of the grounds. The Windsor Historical Society provided a detailed timeline and a collection of vintage photographs, allowing guests to trace the path from the site’s humble timber beginnings to its present-day role. It was a day for both long-term parishioners and new residents to explore the layers of history that define this corner of Brisbane.
Published Date 05-August-2026
