Church maintenance appeal

Published: 2 November 2003

Discussing the brickwork restoration project from the scaffolding on St Brigid's Church, Red Hill are (from left) brickwork restoration specialist Maurice Potzreba, parish administrator Fr Vince Hobbs and heritage architect Bruce Buchanan

RED Hill parishioners are seeking help from the wider community to undertake important maintenance work on their landmark inner Brisbane church.

The external brickwork on sections of the heritage-listed St Brigid's Church needs restoration and the parish has launched an appeal to help cover the cost.

Parish finance council chairman Tony Buckley said the work was part of the ongoing restoration of St Brigid's which has been in progress for a number of years.

Gradual restoration of eroded mortar in the external brickwork is a necessary part of the restoration.

Mr Buckley said because the work was needed in load-bearing walls, the parish wanted to do it now as the cost would only increase, and if it is not done the brickwork would crack.

The church, completed in 1914, was designed by architect Robin Dodds and is recognised by heritage experts to be among the most significant buildings in Queensland and is of Gothic Romanesque design.

Heritage architect Bruce Buchanan said the building was highly significant, being the work of Robin Dodds, one of Australia's most important early architects.

'It is a unique example of its type in Australia,' Mr Buchanan said.

Donations can be sent to: The National Trust St Brigid's Restoration Appeal, PO Box 1, Red Hill, Qld 4059.