You may have seen photos of the huge building on George St. that was the original Baptist Tabernacle Church. 2025 is the 150th anniversary of its construction in 1875. This picture shows what it was like inside – facing George St. People came in through the two door at the sides. In line with Baptist principles, which focus on the message of the Bible, there is a huge pulpit in the centre where fiery sermons could be preached to a large crowd. Although an interesting heritage building, by the 1980s the congregation was measured in 10s rather than 100s and the cost of upkeep was very high. The building was demolished in the 1980s and part of the plot was sold for housing. The proceeds used to build the modern church we have today.
NOTE: Ruth Weeden pointed out that this view is looking West (i.e. George St is behind the photographer not in front.