Flinders Street Baptist Church @ 65 Flinders Street

Flinders Street Baptist Church @ 65 Flinders Street

This week I visited the Flinders Street Baptist Church on Flinders Street, Adelaide. This church building is near Observatory House half way down Flinders Street. The site includes, the Church, Mead Hall and a Manse. I only visited the Church building itself.

The Church building’s foundation stone was laid in 1861 by David Randall of Mount Crawford and completed in 1863. The architect was Robert George Thomas. The Mead Hall was erected from 1867 to 1870 and the Manse was completed 1877. The building is made of Glen Osmond Stone with quoins mouldings and dressings of worked Dry Creek Stone

The Front entrance is made through 3 arches. Above this entrance is a large Rose window. A small amount leaves are carved on the pillars supporting the arches and are very pretty, so are the small lanterns on either side. The approach to the church was remodelled in 1973 according to a small plaque nearby.

Once inside you enter through a small door on the left. There is a door on the right but it was locked at the time. Once inside, you are faced with 3 rows of wooden pews and pillars supporting the gallery above. The church can accommodate up to 600 people due to the two levels.

Behind the alter is the Organ which was installed in 1886. It is an unusual place for an instrument but it does allow you to appreciate its striking beauty. It is played and tuned regularly so I can definitely recommend coming along to one of their concerts.

The altar seems a bit small for a church this big but from this end you can really appreciate the rose window over the entrance. It is kind of hidden by the gallery which is a bit of a shame as the building does not have any other glass in lead windows which are a bit of my favourite.

Below the gallery is a glass room, I think for the children's play area. Unfortunately there were no greeters present to talk to and discuss the church and its history. I could also not find any pamphlet or any information on the website which is a shame.

Other noteworthy features of the church includes a WW1 memorial plaque and a 100 year commemoration plaque. Overall the church felt a bit messy. I did not really feel welcome and although it was lovely to wander around I was a bit disappointed by the interior. The exterior of the building is magnificent and I love the different coloured stone and the buttresses but inside was a bit of a let down.

Still, I would recommend having a look and making up your own mind. The Church is open on Tuesdays between 1pm and 2pm for free 40 minute music concerts. On Wednesdays from 12pm to 2pm for quiet reflection and prayer. Sunday Services are from 10am.

Regards,