Church centenary

LAIDLEY'S historic St Saviour's Anglican Church will celebrate its centenary this Saturday.

Centenary committee coordinator Sandy Green said invitations had been extended to all past parishioners and friends from St Saviour's Laidley, Forest Hill, Thornton, and Townson to join in the festivities.

“The day will begin at 10am with students from West Moreton College performing. Following that, a special service will be conducted by the Bishop of the Western Region, Bishop Nolan,” Mr Green said.

“Lunch, provided by the parish, will follow the service.”

Mr Green said construction of St Saviour's Laidley was completed in June 1910, and the church was consecrated by the Archbishop of Brisbane, Dr Donaldson.

“The building is unique in that it was constructed of reinforced cement.

“In the early days, pioneer church work was directed from Toowoomba, with the first services in Laidley held in the coffee room of the old Queensland Club Hotel.

“Money for a church meeting place was raised by public donation, and a small cottage was purchased in Laidley, with the building being used by all denominations.

“In 1881 a meeting was held and the decision taken to proceed with work on an Anglican Church building.

“The old building gave way to a handsome Gothic structure, the first church in the diocese, if not in Australia, to be constructed of reinforced concrete.”

Photographs and memorabilia will be on display within the church grounds during the celebrations.