St Luke’s Anglican church undergoes restoration project

A 125 year old Toowoomba church has undergone a restoration project, after former projects sped up the building’s deterioration. Details here.

Blake Roxborough, foreman. Restoration of sandstone and windows of St Lukes Anglican church. Thursday, March 24, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The replacement of a sandstone cross, 22 sandstone blocks, re-pointed and cleaned stone work and the instalment of protective glass over windows will be concluded at St Luke’s Church in Toowoomba’s CBD next week.

Foreman Blake Roxborough said previous work on the 125-year-old Anglican church had increased its deterioration, with water leaking into the walls and bricks falling away.

“In my opinion, at the time the work was done, they thought it was the appropriate measures to do at that time, but times have changed,” he said.

Blake Roxborough, foreman, and his team restored and installed sandstone and window protectors at St Lukes Anglican church, including a new sandstone cross. Thursday, March 24, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

“That’s why the eastern face of the building was a lot worse than any other spot.”

St Luke’s Parish Councillor John Compton said the work was designed to limit water penetration and prevent ponding against the wall.

“Movement in the foundations is causing cracking in mortar joints in the outer bluestone wall and interior plaster lining,” he said.

“St Luke’s Anglican Church is a place of cultural significance that is Heritage and National Trust listed.

“Caring for heritage buildings is an expensive responsibility.

“The works are being undertaken not only to respect and preserve the treasures bestowed on us from the past, but also to ensure ongoing living use of significant buildings in our city, for the benefit of the whole community.”

Toowoomba residents behind the St Luke’s Anglican church restoration were (from left) Blake Roxborough, foreman, Stephanie Keays and John Compton, Parish warden. Thursday, March 24, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.