St Stephens School, Brisbane, Heritage-listed building in Brisbane, Queensland
St Stephens School is a historic schoolhouse in Brisbane built in 1892 in Gothic Revival style, featuring brick walls, pointed arch windows, and a central rose window in the gable. The three-story building displays typical late 19th-century church school architecture with a symmetrical facade and decorative verandahs along its sides.
The Catholic Church received the land in 1849 and began teaching in small buildings starting in 1845, until the foundation stone for the current brick schoolhouse was laid in 1892. It operated as a girls school run by the Sisters of Mercy until 1965, when it was converted to church offices.
The school was deeply connected to the Catholic community and shows how religious education shaped Brisbane's early development. The Sisters of Mercy remain central to how locals remember this place, as a symbol of their dedication to teaching generations of families.
The building is located on Charlotte Street and is easily accessible on foot while exploring Brisbane's historic areas. The exterior is visible at any time and provides a clear view of the late Victorian schoolhouse style.
A time capsule containing newspapers and other objects was placed beneath the foundation stone during the 1892 dedication, preserving contemporary moments for future generations. Later renovations removed extensions built in the 20th century to restore the building to its original Gothic Revival appearance.
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