In February, 1885 it was decided to build a church, but difficulties prevented the project beginning. However in 1886 a contract was made for the building of the "present" St. Peter's Church. But the contractor, after having the material delivered on the site, failed to complete his contract, and another builder was given the work.

On 12th June, 1887, during the incumbency of the Rev. E. Meeres, St. Peter's Church was dedicated by Bishop Webber. Records tell us that "there was a large congregation present, including the Southport Defence Corps, a fine athletic body of 40 men who marched to the church in their new uniforms of scarlet and dark blue, with white helmets."

The church was not built as large as had been originally intended, and was unlined. Later, the Women's Guild had the porch added, and some kneeling cushions placed inside. As the years passed and the town grew, it was found necessary to enlarge the church, particularly as the boys of The Southport School (which had then been founded by Bishop Dixon, a former Rector) attended the Services. The front wall and porch were moved forward, and the nave of the church was lengthened by about 25 feet. It was about this time that the organ chamber was added and the church completely lined. During the progress of the years many beautiful furnishings have been placed in the church, many of them as memorials to the departed pioneers of the town and district.

The early parishioners

This the individual members of the congregation over the years must number in the thousands. How do you select those worthy of inclusion in this Remembrance. How do you avoid leaving out those who should be in, and including those who should not be included? How do you not hurt the feelings of present day worshippers, when beloved parents, who worked for St. Peter's all their lives don't receive a mention?

The earliest Baptism Register dates from February 7th, 1879, long before the building of the church. It would appear the Rev. E. Meeres was a "travelling" priest, baptising at North Pine, Caboolture, Mooloolaba,, South Pine, Kilcoy, Clermont, Roma, Mt. Abundance, Charleville, St. George and Yuelbar. The first baby to be baptised whose name appears in the register has been numbered 0. The first baptism registered after the dedication of St. Peter's is that of Annie, born April 23rd, 1887, daughter of Henry and Sophia Dobe of Southport. Henry was a Farmer and Annie was baptised on June 1 9th. Also baptised on June 19th was Margaret Maude, born June 7th, 1889, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Banham of Southport. Thomas was a Carrier.

Some of the early Fathers' occupations were Farmer, Labourer, Police Constable, Lawyer, Drill Inspector, Basket Maker, Blacksmith, Horse Driver, Clerk in Holy Orders, Innkeeper, Oyster man and Single Woman. Last baby baptised in the 1887 church was Annette Elizabeth King on 18^th June, 1960, Dad was a Carrier. First in the 1960 church was Bradley Hornick on July 3rd, 1960, Dad was a Storekeeper 

Marriages

"First marriage solemnized in the District of Southport" in St. Peter's Church, was on July 28th 1887 between Charles Francis Hazel], 42 a house decorator and widower from Hampton Wick, England and Mary Harris, 28, Spinster, from Helston,, England. Their female witness, Priscilla Dale had to make her mark (X) as she was unable to write. The Rev. E. Meeres must have had other things on his mind for there are several entries unsigned. In marriage No. 3 the bride was born at Albury, New South Wales and the groom's profession was "Gentleman". No. 8 Lindsay Barclay, Widower from Edinburgh, Scotland, a Mounted Constable, 82 and Florence Matilda Wise, Spinster, Butwell, England, 81. The Mountie finally got his woman.

The last marriage celebrated in the 1887 church by Rev..R.W. Shand between John Leslie Forbes and Joyce Elizabeth Williams on 20th June, 1959. The first marriage in the 1960 church celebrated by Rev. J.N. Lindsay between Joseph Henry Sharp and Maisie Webb on July 2nd 1959.

So, the dust is beginning to settle, old records tucked back into boxes, yellowing pages with faded ink and "old fashioned script, ties up with string. Have we included the trivial and missed the important? at message have these ghosts of days past for us?

Community Services Commission

Choir, Marriage preparation, Baptisms, Funerals, Hospital chaplaincy, Men’s Group, Mothers Union, Ladies Guild, When Old Friends Meet, Gardening Group, Guild of All Souls, Walking Group, Baby Play Group, Prayers for Healing, Bible Study, Fellowship and Fundraising, Primary and High School Religious Education