Home of the Bush Brothers

On 7 th July 1895, a church under the patronage of St. Andrew was dedicated by Bishop Dawes. Rev George Halford arrived in 14 September 1897 to start up the first Bush Brotherhood. The Brotherhood continued to serve the central and far west with its headquarters at Longreach and many devoted and faithful men joined in the spirit of the pioneer Brothers in Ministering to the spiritual needs of the people.

The original St. Andrew's was constructed out of cypress pine and galvanised iron. It had a seating capacity of sixty people and was to serve faithfully for almost sixty years. On 4 October 1959 the foundation stone was laid for the new Saint Andrew's.

The plan of the new Saint Andrew's incorporated many interesting features. The entrance has a mosaic motif. Two stained windows moved from the old church are at the side. In the Nave is seating for 340 people and in the centre suspended is the twelve pointed Star of Bethlehem,symbolising the Twelve Apostles and the sending out of the Light of the Gospel to all parts of the world. The chapel houses the altar and furnishings from the old St. Andrew's. The magnificent stained glass window of Saint Andrew's is the work of Mr Stephen Moor.

The Communion rails have 72 white crosses symbolising the 72 elders who were appointed by the Lord to be his disciples. The altar is made of 574 gidyea stones from local properties. The altar top is made of Italian marble slab incised with five crosses. Upon the Altar stands the Cross which is hand beaten brass. The candlesticks are two beautiful Sheffield plate candlesticks which are over 200 years old.

The Mural behind the Altar is the beautiful glass enamel mosaic mural of the Lamb of GOD. The chalice used for communion has inlayed local opals sent back from England by Rev. Hulton Sam's fiancee after he was killed in the first world war.