Annerley: Churches, Houses and Local History

Annerley’s local history is reflected in individual buildings and a notable fig tree. There are also two local history walking tours offered by the Annerley-Stephens History Group. Together, these provide a thematic way to explore the area as you plan your trip: the examples featured here differ in their construction dates, building styles and historical uses. They range from a church building dating from 1888 and houses from around 1905 and 1934 to churches built during the interwar period.

A fig tree as a local landmark

A notable fig tree stands on the embankment in front of the Annerley Junction Hotel. It is the last remaining tree on Ipswich Road from a series of beautification efforts in the early 20th century. This single tree brings an earlier landscaping initiative to life: its significance comes both from its role as a landmark and its history as part of the former row of trees.

Churches from different periods

The churches illustrate different building styles and periods. Annerley Uniting Church opened on 28 June 1925 as Cracknell Road Congregational Church. It is an intact, small timber church in the Interwar Gothic style. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Annerley was opened by Archbishop Duhig in 1932. This large, polychrome brick building in the Interwar Gothic style is significant for its intact architecture and landmark status. Both churches are associated with the same style, but differ markedly in scale and materials: the small timber church stands in contrast to the large brick church.

The building of the Apostolic Church of Queensland in Annerley has an earlier history. This timber and corrugated iron church in the Carpenter Gothic style opened in 1888. It served as a Methodist church until 1973; since then, the building has been used as an Apostolic Church. The change in use is part of the history of this same building. Compared with the interwar churches, it dates from an earlier period and has had a different use that changed over time.

Houses and their history

Cockerill is a timber and corrugated iron house built around 1905. It was associated with members of the Cockerill family from 1865 to 1941. The house reflects the prosperity of Young Street in the early 20th century, as well as Annerley’s residential development at the time. In this way, the house adds a perspective on the architectural development of Young Street to the history of the churches. Its construction date and the period of its association with the family are two distinct aspects of its history.

Runnymede adds to the picture of interwar residential architecture. The house was built in 1934 for Robert David Young and his wife Marie Florence Young; the architect was Horace Driver. The construction dates offer a basis for comparison with Cockerill: one house was built around 1905, the other in 1934. At the same time, the details of the people for whom Runnymede was built and its architect provide a specific historical context for the building.

Local history on walking tours

For a thematic way to explore the area beyond its individual buildings, the Annerley-Stephens History Group currently offers the local history walking tour “Heart of Stephens, Annerley”. The group also offers the self-guided walking tour “Fanny Street Annerley”. Both titles mention Annerley; for the Fanny Street tour, the self-guided format is explicitly part of the offering. The tours add another perspective on the area to its architectural and residential history. Check the group’s current offerings before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Southport, Yungaburra, Bellthorpe, Kedron, Hideaway Bay, Boyne Island, Ingham, Gordonvale.

For the broader travel overview: Queensland.