Queensland Baptist Forum

 ‘Something more than Gold!’

 Central Queensland Project Nearing Completion

From the beginning, Central Queensland has been a region dependent on mining and the pastoral industry. Rockhampton got underway as a result of the discovery of gold nearby in the late 1850s. Further impetus was added in the following years, especially at Mount Morgan in the 1880s which became one of the richest fields in the country – and it had large deposits of copper as well!

Pastoral and agricultural industries began in the area and continued into the 20th century with ambitious programs for development based a irrigation schemes planned in the Callide Valley in the 1920s. In the 1960s, the vast coal deposits in the Bowen Basin were opened up and today there is a boom of gigantic proportions, once again spurring a “gold rush” as people seek to make their fortunes with the high wages on offer. However, all this has sometimes been at great cost to the individuals, families and communities and economic downturns and natural disasters have often taken a huge toll as well.

During all this time, Baptists, along with other Christians, have been seeking to witness to the gospel and the message that there is “something more than gold” which is worth pursuing. More than twenty churches and other forms of witness have been established (some no longer operating) in the area from the time of the first one in Rockhampton itself in 1862. Baptist Heritage Queensland is in the final stages of writing the history of these churches ready for launching at the Convention being held in Rockhampton in May 2012 to mark that church’s 150th anniversary. Already separate detailed histories of Boyne Island, Mount Morgan and Gracemere churches have been produced.

The book, which will be available at a modest cost, will cover all the churches and other activities such as schools, aged care, children’s home, and camping. It also includes fascinating personal stories and records of creative ministry. Due to the rapid turnover of people in the area, records and some details are often difficult to obtain, making the production of a history now all the more important. Many people have helped with information, documents and photographs. Advance orders are now open from Baptist Heritage Qld at

archives@qb.com.au, BHQ Publications, 98 Yallambee Rd Jindalee 4074, phone 07-3376 4339.  

Baptist Heritage Queensland

27th Annual Report  November 2011

2011 has seen continued interest in our history by people in Baptist churches throughout Queensland. However there are still large areas of our history which have not been investigated in detail.  One of these is the history and development of evangelistic work.  A subsequent paragraph will mention our initial steps in this area.

We record with regret the death of a member of very long standing, Rev. Mel Williams.  As well as being a respected historian, Mel was known for his interest in numismatics, and received a number of honours for his work in this area.  The series of articles published under the general title of Cameos will remain as a lasting memorial to him.  Even though ill-health precluded his active participation in later years, he maintained an interest in Baptist history, and will be missed.

In comparison with recent years 2011 has been a quiet one for new publications.  Work is proceeding on two projects.  Thanks to the very generous gift from Lance Hogg, mentioned in the 2010 report, we have been able to  conduct research into the history of Baptist work in Central Queensland, as part of a project in connection with the 150th anniversary of work in Rockhampton.  It is intended that this book will be launched at the 2012 Convention. 

The other work is a long overdue revision of our popular work Baptists in Queensland.  So many changes have taken place in the structure of Queensland Baptists since the last edition, including a new name, new motto and new logo, that although major revisions are required, it has been decided to retain the same name.  The editorial work here is in the capable hands of David Parker.

One venture which has continued during 2011 has been a short item about historical matters in each issue of the Queensland Baptist.  Various people after reading it have commented "I didn't know that", and some have been encouraged to delve further into the history of their local church.  We have noted with appreciation that our churches are taking greater interest in celebrating milestones, and would encourage other churches to follow.  The collection of local church histories in the Archives is far from complete, and wish to encourage churches to make a permanent record of events.  The Union Archivist, Rev. Dr David Parker, is always ready to assist with this.

One important area in which some progress has been made is arrangements for the long-term management and care of Baptist cemeteries and other historical sites with the Baptist Union taking action on these matters. There are a number of these in Queensland, and they form an important part of our heritage.

We are living in an age where much information is held, and communicated, in electronic form.  We have scanned many documents and periodicals, and are considering making at least some of our publications available in electronic form.

There has been little change in the membership of the Society, but we look forward to further interest, as more and more people realise the importance of remembering our Baptist heritage.   Officers elected at the Annual meeting in November, 2010 were: President: Mr Eric Kopittke; Secretary/Treasurer: Dr Ken Smith; Publications Officer: Mrs Rosemary Kopittke.

As we move forward into a new year, we look forward to continuing the work of recording and analysing our history, so that, aware of what has gone on in the past, we may take note of our errors, and preserve and remember the good things, to the glory of our Lord.

 Ken Smith, Secretary