Doors open at Riverview Farm Chapel
Former Governor-General Sir William Deane with Envoy David Griffin. (Photo: Simone Worthing)
Sir William Deane officially opened Riverview Farm Chapel on Wednesday, 22 August.
The chapel, built in 1912 and formerly The Salvation Army hall and corps building in the nearby town of Blackbutt, was moved to Riverview Farm in 2010.
“This new Riverview Farm Chapel, in an important sense, is not new at all,” said Sir William, former Governor-General of Australia, in his address to more than 160 people who had gathered for the opening.
“It’s also celebrating 100 years since its first opening in 1912. Then it was under the jurisdiction of the Ipswich Corps so today, Ipswich and Blackbutt join in celebration of an old beginning and a new, of old life and new.
“In years to come, the chapel will remain a repository of celebrations, of joys and sadnesses, and of the traditions of the Blackbutt people which it witnessed and housed in its first 100 years.
“It will be a centre of Christian worship and witness to the Ipswich district and enjoy a special association with the wonderful work of The Salvation Army with the vulnerable and disadvantaged in the Riverview area, including the young and Indigenous, and those at the Canaan School for Training and Development.”
Carpenters, painters, volunteers and Work for the Dole clients have been involved in restorative work on the chapel since it closed as the Blackbutt Outpost of Bundamba Corps in 2005.
“For a long time at Riverview Farm we have wanted a place for chapel services, and for our workers and clients to be influenced by the gospel,” said Envoy David Griffin, who spoke about the history and purpose of the chapel.
“We now have a place for worship, and one with a rich heritage of serving God. God’s work still goes on inside these walls and we feel privileged to be the custodians of this hall so that God’s work can continue.”
During the service, Envoy Griffin accepted eight adherents who are associated with Riverview Farm and attend chapel services.
Among those attending the opening service were former officers, friends and soldiers of the Blackbutt Corps and outpost. Representatives of the Packer family, who donated the timber for the chapel, were also present.
Ipswich City councillor Bruce Casos, representing Ipswich Mayor, Paul Pisasale, also presented a plaque as a gesture of support for The Salvation Army and in recognition of the official opening of the chapel.
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Information on the history of the establishment of the Salvation Army in Blackbutt.
Original members, Thomas and Mary Haynes