St Francis College, Chapel, Milton, Brisbane

Bishop Tufnell, Brisbane's first Church of England Bishop, was fortunate in that he did not have to wait long after he arrived to take up his appointment, before some acres of high land at Milton were selected as a suitable site for his official residence and private chapel.

The Lodge, a large square building with Gothic arched verandas, was ready for occupation in 1861. Local "porphyry" stone, relieved by sandstone quoining and arches, was used in its construction.

The original chapel was of timber, but during his episcopate Bishop Donaldson was so determined to have a more permanent building, that he himself paid the considerable difference between the Diocese's contribution and the final cost of a new stone chapel. Dedicated in 1912, the chapel is considered one of the finest works of the architect, Robin Dods, whose designs had a stylistic elegance that greatly influenced Brisbane building in the early part of this century.

Working in the same stone as that already used in the Lodge, he created a ruggedly simple masterpiece in complete harmony with its environment. The chapel is rectangular in plan with a small porch extension at one end. The walls are of 18 inch thick squared blocks, laid at random, with their rough faces left exposed internally and externally. The roof is steeply pitched, covered with slates, and supported by heavy dressed oregon framing stained dark to contrast with the warm colours and natural texture of the walls.

St Francis' Theological College now occupies Bishopsbourne and its outbuildings, which are obscured from view by trees and a large brewery. The Lodge has been skillfully renovated and converted into administrative offices and flats for the Principal and married staff of the College. (Newell, P. White, U. (1967) Brisbane Sketchbook)