OUR STORY
Over 125 years of faith in South Brisbane.
From a small gathering of believers in 1898 to a vibrant, multi-cultural community — this is our story.
WHERE IT BEGAN
A church born from conviction.
The South Brisbane Seventh-day Adventist Church was formally organised in 1898. Before that, small groups of believers gathered in private homes, sustained by the work of early Literature Evangelists who travelled the vast Queensland Mission Field throughout the 1880s and 1890s.
In October 1898, the first Seventh-day Adventist Camp Meeting in Queensland was held at Logan Road, Woolloongabba — just a short distance from where our church stands today. It drew gatherings of over one thousand people. Among the speakers was Ellen G. White, who attended the camp and had a vision concerning the South Brisbane church and the expansion of the mission in Queensland.
Through her encouragement and personal donation, work began on the first SDA church in Queensland at Church Street, Buranda. It was completed and first used on 18th March 1899, with seventy people attending that first Sabbath School.
From our original 30 members we have grown into a vibrant, multi-cultural church serving South Brisbane and beyond.
A thriving community
Today
The new church building was officially dedicated on 9th June 1963, marking a new chapter for the growing congregation.
Official dedication
1963
The congregation moved to its current location at 34 O'Keefe Street, Woolloongabba.
New home at O'Keefe Street
1961
The church began welcoming ethnic groups, starting with Russian brethren — a tradition of diversity that continues today.
A multicultural community
1952
The first SDA church in Queensland opened at Church Street, Buranda on 18th March 1899.
First church built
1899
A small group of around 30 believers formally established the South Brisbane SDA Church.
First organised
1898
KEY MILESTONES
A journey through the years.
TODAY
A community shaped by many cultures.
Today, South Brisbane SDA Church is one of the most culturally diverse congregations in Queensland. Our members come from many different racial, cultural, and national backgrounds — united by a shared faith and a common love for God and one another.
This diversity has deep roots. As early as 1952, the church began welcoming ethnic groups from around the world, starting with Russian brethren who found a spiritual home here. That tradition of welcome has only grown over the decades.
We remain deeply committed to our community — through weekly worship, Bible study, outreach, and practical acts of service. Our youth are central to the life of our church, and we continue to grow and serve as we await our Lord's return.