Our History

St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church has been in Townsville for over 100 years. Our original church building was destroyed in a cyclone and the current building was constructed and opened in 1974.

St Andrews Presbyterian Church was formed 140 years ago as the first Presbyterian witness in Townsville.

Originally South Townsville and North Ward were included in the Charge. Those who worshipped at these two centres now worship in the “Central Charge”, as St Andrews was known.

The site of North Ward was redeveloped to house the administration and kitchen of St Andrews Meals on Wheels (which has now moved to Aitkenvale, see Meals On Wheels Website). The site in South Townsville has been redeveloped into St Andrews Villas, a block of independent living units for retired people.

St Andrews acquired the house next to the church building in Wills Street, which has now been demolished. The site now serves the children of the church as a grassed and shaded play area.

The two-story building next to the grassed area in Wills Street is also part of the St Andrews complex. The Helen Agnes Forrest Trust Building serves as the Administration Offices, Ministers’ Offices and Meeting Room, known as the “Upper Room”.

St Andrews was one of the few Presbyterian Churches that decided not to go into church union when the Uniting Church was formed in 1977. Since then the boundaries of the charge saw major changes.

Traditionally areas like Pallarenda, Belgian Gardens, West End, North Ward, South Townsville, Wulguru and Hermit Park served as feeding areas for St Andrews. It is now commonplace that people from all suburbs, including Thuringowa, worship here and involve themselves in the congregational activities.

St Andrews was one of the few Presbyterian Churches that decided not to go into church union when the Uniting Church was formed in 1977. Since then the boundaries of the charge saw major changes.

As in the beginning, St Andrews endeavours to remain faithful to the Reformed doctrines as they are contained in the Westminster Confession of Faith. We take from the past which is good and build the future upon it. We understand that we have a Scottish connection and associate readily with our borthers and sisters from the British Isles. However, to be a church of Christ in the 21st Century we understand that we need to adopt strategies to effectively minister to an ever-changing environment. Our mission is not preserve a specific culture; our mission is to effect the culture of our day to conform to the principles of God’s Kingdom.

During the last few years quite a few families from totally different cultures around the globe joined our fellowship to enrich our church culture.