Our Story

Each era of our chuch reflects a community dedicated to faith, service, and adapting to meet the changing needs of its congregation and community.

  • 1889-1919: Foundations and Growth

In 1871, Brisbane emerged from its convict settlement past, witnessing a surge in population driven by mass migration. As Taringa grew, the Christian residents recognised the need for a place of worship. The seeds were sown with a trial Sunday service in November 1889, held in a hired hall, and was warmly received by the community.

Supported by the City Tabernacle Baptist Church, the Taringa Mission took root. Determined to have their own space, plans were drawn, loans secured, and in June 1891, Taringa Hall opened its doors. Despite financial challenges, the Taringa Mission Committee persevered, working diligently to repay their mortgage.

By 1896, changes in leadership prompted discussions of merging Taringa with Enoggera Mission to optimise resources. This union saw Rev. W. Page appointed to minister to both stations, navigating the distance between churches by horse and buggy.

A culmination of this pioneer work came in 1897 when the Taringa Mission Committee proposed forming an independent Baptist church. The unanimous adoption of this proposal marked the birth of Taringa Union Baptist Church on 8 September 1897. Rev. James Voller was a pioneer Baptist minister, and he volunteered as the first minister of this church. Rev. W. Page became its first full-time minister, leaving an indelible mark through initiatives like support for Foreign Missions and a Temperance Society (for sobriety).

The following decades brought a succession of ministers, each leaving their imprint amidst community growth and challenges. Rev. F.A. Leeder, known for his steadfast convictions, refused Sunday travel by car or train. Rev. T. McColl grappled humorously with varnished pews that stuck to the congregation’s clothes during sweltering services. Rev. W. Griffiths shepherded the church through the hardships of World War I, with 27 men enlisted, tragically losing six. Bandages were made by the church women who tore up sheets and rolled them for use during the war. In 1918, Mr. S. Glassop, following his family’s footsteps, temporarily led Taringa until the arrival of Rev. J.H. Latimer the following year.

  • 1920-1945: The Great Depression and War Years

Under the visionary leadership of Rev. John H. Latimer, spanning from 1919 to 1938, the church flourished amidst depression challenges. Latimer’s robust evangelical campaigns expanded the church’s influence into nearby suburbs.

In 1920 the first manse was built, and the addition of a hall and land on Briggs Street bolstered the Sunday School and youth programs. Evangelistic efforts and missions burgeoned, culminating in a membership high of 117 by 1935. However, Rev. Latimer’s relentless ministry took its toll, resulting in his death in 1938. His legacy laid the foundation for Taringa Baptist’s enduring missionary zeal and community service ethos.

During the war years, problems arose as leaders and helpers were called up to serve their country. An air raid shelter was considered for the church, and windows were blackened with pieces of plywood. The authorities requested the Sunday School hall to be used for people whose homes may be destroyed by enemy action.

  • 1946-1970: Post-War Challenges and Growth

The post-war era brought its own set of challenges and opportunities. Rev. W.A. McKay, arriving in 1946, expanded the deacon leadership team to ten, including two ladies. He also laid the groundwork for future expansions with a Memorial Hall honoring the World War II fallen soldiers which was later opened in 1955.

Rev. J. Wilbur Cook, from 1955 to 1962, brought missionary fervor, intensifying efforts and raising funds to support global missions. During this time a home Sunday School run by congregants helped to form Moore Park Baptist Church in 1958.

Rev. O.R. Langmead’s arrived in 1964 focusing on missions and pastoral care and navigating changes like the transition to baptised believer-only membership in 1967, retiring in 1971.

  • 1971-1990: Adaption and Transition

The following two decades saw a revolving door of ministers, from Mr. Geoff Cramb, Mr. Derek Wheatley, Rev. John Pryce-Davies, Mr. Ian Malins, and Rev Charles Robertson to Rev James Allan, navigating shifts in church dynamics and societal changes. The church embraced bold decisions under leaders like Derek Wheatley, who navigated the church through an interim period and began a dialogue on rebuilding infrastructure.

The Church had no pastor from 1976 to 1980 with preaching being conducted by members. During these years it became obvious that the church buildings needed urgent repairs along with the government requirement for flush toilets. This drove the fellowship to prayer. They witnessed God providing in remarkable ways when the old church buildings were demolished and the new church was built, opening on August 12, 1979.

The church’s resilience was tested by theological differences throughout Rev. Charles Robertson’s time. His tenure ended tragically in 1985 when he succumbed to a brain tumour and died. The church celebrated its centenary in 1989 during the ministry of Rev. James Allan.

  • 1991-2010: Adaption

Rev. Don McLellan’s musical prowess helped the church’s music ministry to flourish, and he was instrumental in introducing School Chaplains at two local high schools. In 1995 Pastor Bruce Pringle commenced ministry by a ministry to young adults and later introduced “open” membership to the church (2000) and encouraged women to take up leadership positions. In 1998, Youth With A Mission hired a room to commence English Language classes.

In 2003 the Church members took responsibility for this English as a Second Language ministry (ESL) as a fruitful outreach to our local migrant community.

Pastor Pringle developed and compiled a series of easy English Bible studies into a book for use in this ministry.

  • 2011-Present: Modern Challenges

Rev. Bruce Pringle retired in 2017 as the longest-serving pastor at TBC. In 2018 the church experienced innovation under Pastor Steven Goleby, who re-introduced a second service and modern community initiatives. The congregation struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted a swift shift to online services to maintain community ties despite physical distancing.

Associate Pastor Chris Neale was instrumental in developing the ESL leaders’ training and programmes, later serving the church as the interim Pastor in 2022-2023.

During 2023-2024 Pastor Roger Harris led the church through the Intentional Interim Program until the call of a new pastor. He commenced at Taringa in October 2023 with a commission to help guide and bring renewal to Taringa Baptist Church. This program is almost complete, and the church will continue to seek God to raise a new Pastor who can continue to serve alongside the team to seek God’s blessing and purposes here in the church.

Each era of Taringa Baptist’s history, from its humble beginnings to its present-day initiatives, reflects a community dedicated to faith, service, and adapting to meet the evolving needs of its congregation and community.