41. FIGURE OF ST JOHN

The figure in the Doolette window is that of St John the Evangelist. The minutes of the Church meeting held on 29 April 1891 record the following resolution: That the church place on record its grateful recognition of the thoughtfulness and liberality of Mr G. P. Doolette in placing in the Church building the beautiful memorial window recently completed. The window, while enhancing the beauty of the Church, is also a suitable memorial of the late Mrs Doolette, whose most invaluable work in connection with our various Church organisations were (we believe) highly honoured of God, and whose memory is still fragrant in our midst.    INDEX

42. JAMES JEFFERIS

James Jefferis was born in Bristol, England in 1833. He trained for the ministry of the Congregational Church at New College in London. He began his ministry in the Congregational Church at Saltaire, near Bradford in 1858. He married Mary Louisa Elbury the same year. However he was diagnosed with consumption and was urged to move to a warm dry climate. He was invited to Adelaide to pastor a proposed Congregational Church in North Adelaide, and the couple sailed to Australia. He was the minister of the Brougham Place congregation throughout the period when the Church building was being constructed. [Painting: in private area.]

43. BROTHERHOOD

James Jefferies formed the North Adelaide Young Men’s Society in 1860. This photograph, found in a back room of the Church, shows the Brougham Place Brotherhood as it was in 1911.

44. EXTERIOR 1885

A committee under Stow and Jefferis had proceeded with planning the building before the Church was formally constituted. A Venetian ionic design submitted by E. A. Hamilton and Edmund Wright was chosen. Stow laid the foundation stone on Tuesday, 15 May 1860. The building opened for worship on Friday, 22 February 1861. When the lowest tender for the direction of the Greco Italian style building exceeded the estimated cost of £4000, a decision was made to build it by day labour under the direction of architects. The exterior appearance in 1886 looks little different from the appearance today. [Photo credit: slsa circa 1886 B43035 ]

45. INTERIOR 1885

At completion Brougham Place Church was the largest place of worship in South Australia, able to seat 600 people, testament to the faith of its founders. James Jefferis brought a broad vision to Brougham Place. He started the North Adelaide Men’s Society to provide courses in various subjects and training in writing and public speaking. Jefferis (1833–1917) was a man of vision and keen social engagement. Through his leadership he played an instrumental role in the establishment of various community organisations in the young colony, including the establishment of the first university in South Australia. [Photo credit: slsa circa 1886 B43036]