Constructing Faith in the Antipodes

The overlooked history of modern church architecture in post-war Australia

Over 1,650 churches were built in Queensland, Australia, between 1945 and 1977. They constitute some of the most notable modern architecture in the state and reveal tensions surrounding modernism’s role in cultural expression and regional identity. While much research has focused on post-war modern church architecture in the Global North, little has been done on the Global South.

This book offers a particular perspective on modernist church architecture, differing from accounts of buildings in the northern hemisphere, as it highlights how church architecture in Queensland was shaped by its very specific time and place – a young and developing state covering a vast area of land, sparsely populated, highly multi-denominational and located in the antipodes.

Modern architectural developments and emergent religious ideas did not simply transfer to Queensland. Rather, architectural ideas were circulated globally, allowing for a global narrative. This landmark study seeks to broaden views and methods for future research, both locally and internationally. Richly illustrated, Constructing Faith in the Antipodes combines both a chronological and a thematic approach to narrate modern church architectural history and offers a fascinating glimpse into a distinct collection of modern church buildings.

Foreword by Janina Gosseye
Preface
Acknowledgements

Introduction

Part I
1. “New World, Youthful” Queensland and Early (Pre-World War II)
Modern Church Architecture
2. “Recovering” Queensland and Church Architecture:
Post-War Church Design 1945–1954, Setting the Scene
3. “Optimistic” Queensland and Church Architecture:
A Church Building Boom, 1955–1959
4. “Modernising” Queensland and Church Architecture:
Modern Church Architecture, 1960–1964
5. “Liturgically Modern” Queensland Church Architecture:
Liturgically Responsive Church Architecture, 1965–1977

Part II
6. From Hilltop Landmarks to Suburban Place Makers:
Brisbane’s Post-War Religious Territories and Communities
7. Experiments with Form:
Queensland’s Innovative and Technically Progressive Ecclesiastical Beacons
8. In Support of Liturgical Renewal:
Designing Worship Spaces and Furnishings
9. Seeking to Reinvigorate Worship:
Integrating Modern Religious Art in Queensland’s Post-War Churches

Conclusion
Abbreviations
Bibliography
Index

Lisa Marie Daunt

Lisa Marie Daunt earned her PhD in March 2021 from the University of Queensland, Australia. An architect and architectural historian, Lisa’s work combines new design, heritage conservation, research and writing.