New book captures 100 years of faith at Palmwoods

A new book documenting a century of worship and community life at St Augustine’s Anglican Church in Palmwoods has been completed, capturing the story of one of the district’s longstanding institutions.

The publication, St Augustine’s Anglican Church Palmwoods. A Century of Faith, Community & Service marks 100 years since the church was established in 1925 and aims to preserve the history of the parish and the many people who have contributed to its life over the decades.

Compiled by Phil Moore and John Leach, the centenary book draws together a wide range of historical sources to piece together the church’s story and its role in the Palmwoods community.

Mr Leach said the project began as an effort by the Church Council to better understand the parish’s early history while also recognising the contributions of past and present parishioners. 

“The book marks a significant milestone in the life of St Augustine’s Church as it celebrates one hundred years of worship, community and faith in Palmwoods,” he said.

In researching the history, the authors accessed digitised newspaper archives through Trove, early church council minutes preserved by the Sunshine Coast Genealogy Centre in Nambour, records held by the Anglican Diocese archives in Brisbane, and material from Nambour Library.

Interviews with past and present clergy and parishioners also helped bring personal memories and reflections into the narrative.

Mr Leach said these accounts added an important human dimension to the historical record. “Interviews with both past and present parishioners and clergy added personal memories and perspectives that helped reveal the life of the church over time,” he said.

The book also highlights the role the church has played in the broader Palmwoods community across the past century.

Because the publication includes a significant amount of local history, Mr Leach said it may also provide useful reference material for future stories exploring Palmwoods’ past.

For more information contact John Leach on 0429 60 1066 or johnsleach@gmail.com.

John Leach & Phil Moore have pieced together the church’s story and its role in the Palmwoods community.