Sandgate Baptist Church

Designed by prolific architect Richard Gailey, this landmark white Gothic church nestled at the base of the Shorncliffe cliffs was built to replace Sandgate’s first Baptist church, a smaller chapel in a nearby location. The land for this church was donated by a congregation member and there would have been many a happy Baptist in the region on Christmas Day 1887 when, after a long construction period it finally opened.

It’s interesting to note that the economic boom time of the late 19th century correlated directly with religious boom time when churches were popping up everywhere due to demand.

Originally the building had a shingled roof and was lit by kerosene lamp, and sue to its size (seating 350 people) it became sought after for other community meetings. The local masons met here until 1920 when the ornate stately Masonic Lodge was built on the cliffs above. Today it no longer operates as a church and accommodates a childcare centre.