Edmund Wright House
Edmund Wright House
59 King William Street
Adelaide City
South Australia
Australia
5000
Listing Details
The province of South Australia was established in 1836, and Flinders Street Baptist Church came into being twenty five years later, when in August 1861, a group of Christian believers covenanted together to form a Baptist church to serve the city of Adelaide. Four months later a foundation stone was laid, and 18 months after that the building was opened for worship. It is now heritage listed. Features of the interior include a gallery, added in 1873 partly to improve the acoustics, but unfortunately obstructing view of a beautiful rose window, which can now be seen only from the front of the church looking backwards. A large pipe organ was installed in 1886 and rebuilt in 1976. There are a number of plaques around the walls commemorating outstanding service to the church and wartime service and sacrifice by church members. One plaque commemorates the centenary of the Australian Baptist Missionary Society, which began in this church. Nearby is an honour roll of members of the church who have served or are now serving on the mission field. The church is in the centre of the city, but many of the church community travel from various suburbs in Adelaide. People are attracted to the style of worship, which is traditional, but contemporary, and by the friendly atmosphere. The church was built in 1861, and other buildings followed by 1877, including a large hall, classrooms, manse and residence. The buildings are heritage listed and the church is open for a tour, quiet reflection or personal prayer. There are many weekday activities, including groups of newcomers to Australia, who attend classes to learn English.