New pattern of weekly services commenced Sunday 4 May 2025
1st Sunday - Celtic Contemplative
2nd Sunday - Eucharist
3rd Sunday - Taize-style Service
4th Sunday - Agape Meal and Evening prayer
5th Sunday - Reflective / Labyrinth
New Facebook Page
Please like and share on the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/oldfriarycommunity
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Sale of Old Friary and ongoing plans: update
The Old Friary, the beautiful property at Kenmore Hills, which was of enormous historical and spiritual significance to the Anglican Diocese of Brisbane for ninety years, and to the broader community, was sold to Uniting Care to complement their adjoining Iona Retirement Village and residential aged care facility. The property ownership was transferred in June 2021. Importantly, special conditions of the sale were intended to ensure that the Old Friary remains a community-focused heritage oasis into the future.
One significant benefit is that worship is allowed to continue in the Chapel, for the time being under the protectorship of the Anglican Parish of Kenmore/Brookfield. Worship therefore continues to be held on Sunday evenings at 5.30 pm in the Chapel of St Mary, St Francis and St Clare.
We understand that Uniting Care's intention is to use the Old Friary land to extend Iona to become a much larger facility, including the building of a multitude of independent living units. However, the development is currently on hold.
Importantly, it is intended that the three heritage listed buildings* on the site will be upgraded so that they can continue to be used by the broader community.
It is our sincere hope that Uniting Care will do their utmost to preserve the heritage value and spiritual character of the Old Friary, so that its role in the community, while transformed, will continue in a meaningful way in perpetuity.
*Heritage Listed In 2017, Brisbane City Council acknowledged the historical significance of the Old Friary Complex [St Christopher’s Lodge (large house), St Clare’s Cottage and the Chapel] by including it on their heritage register. Set amongst 2.6 hectares (6.5 acres) of parkland in Kenmore Hills, this significant property has been a place of spiritual nurture and sanctuary for decades. The chapel was beautifully decorated by the Reverend David Binns while he was Director of the Brookfield Centre for Christian Spirituality and it is mentioned in the BCC Heritage Citation.
To gain more insight into the character of the Old Friary, please see our Photo Gallery page and About the Old Friary
Short history of the Friary in the Anglican Diocese Fr Robert Bates, an Anglican priest and Franciscan, purchased the site in 1932, so the Old Friary was in Anglican hands for ninety years. In 1955, Fr Bates bequeathed it to the Archbishop of the day. Based on Franciscan values, the site has been used to care for others: aged men (1932-4), as a school for orphaned or disadvantaged boys (1934-1955), for Comrades or St George and youth camps (1956-1964), as a Friary for the Franciscan order (1965-1987) whose outreach to the marginalised was notable, then for contemplative use by many during the Centre for Spirituality time which included school retreats, quiet days and workshops as well as being used by the wider community.
Current value of the Old Friary for the local community In the past, the Old Friary was widely used by many community groups, being one of few suitable sites within the Kenmore area. Not only was it an economical venue for local organisations, it was also a key element in the collective memories of people in the district, especially stemming from the time of the Franciscan Friars, where it was open to the community for many events including their famous Friary Fayres as well as its Pottery. It is the intention that Uniting Care will continue to use the heart of the site to engage with the broader community.
For more historical information please see our About the Old Friary page.
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PREVIOUS EVENTS
Visit of Br Merric of Taizé to the Old Friary
On TUESDAY 11th March, Br Merric of Taizé visited the Old Friary for lunch, to meet the members of the community, and to see the Chapel and hear a little about its history. Over lunch we enjoyed listening to tales of Taizé from Br Merric and Rev Paul Mitchell (Anglican parish of Bulimba) who has spent considerable time in Taizé himself. This opportunity was especially welcome in the light of the cancellation of Br Merric's Taizé service at Holy Spirit, which had been planned for Sunday 9th March, due to cyclone Alfred. Please see the Events page for a photo.
To find out more about the Taizé community in France, please visit www.taize.fr
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE AT THE OLD FRIARY
Christmas Eve 2024 was celebrated at the Old Friary:
"Port and pud" at 6 pm (hosted by the Friary Community)
Christmas Eucharist at 7 pm (celebrated by Rev Sandra Kjellgren).
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Labyrinth Workshop held 23 July 2023
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EASTER 2023
GOOD FRIDAY 7 APRIL 2.30 pm
A service of Veneration of the Cross with a Reflection on 7 words from the Cross
EASTER DAY 9 APRIL 5.30 pm
Easter Day Eucharist
Reverend Sandra Kjellgren officiated
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Christmas Eve - Saturday, 24th December 2022 - Port-n-Pud at 6.00 pm followed by a Christmas Eve Eucharist at 7.00 pm celebrated by the Reverend Sandra Kjellgren.
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Quiet Morning - Saturday, 10th October 2020, 9.30 am to 12.45 pm in the Old Friary Chapel.
This quiet morning was the last of three Patrick Oliver sessions, two of which were successfully held in the chapel prior to the coronavirus lock down. It will be conducted under the Old Friary’s Covid-safe plan. Morning tea was provided. All were welcome.
Christmas Eve 2020
Our Christmas Eve celebration took place on Thursday, 24 December 2020. It began with Port-n-Pud at 10 pm in St Christopher's Lodge followed by an Old Friary-style Sung Eucharist in the chapel at 11 pm. The service was led by our new Chaplain, Reverend Sandra Kjellgren.
Folk at the Friary
Usually FATF is an eclectic mix of folk, blues, choirs, traditional music or the many talents we have been able to bring to the Friary for all of us to enjoy. The last Folk at the Friary took place on the 27th October 2018 commencing at 6.30 with Chalk Board and food. We hope that as Covid-19 is rolled back, there will be time for at least one more FATF.
2018 Events
November and December
Art Show November: "BrizArt"
The Annual Brizart art show is to be held at the Old Friary on Saturday 24th -Sun 25th November. BrizArt are faithful exhibitors at the Old Friary and this exhibition gives students a chance to showcase their work in a fun environment. It's a busy and enjoyable weekend for all concerned. As a bonus, background music will be supplied by Ian Dearden and friends. More to come.
Advent Retreat - 30 Nov to 2 Dec
...at the Old Friary with Brother Howard, Little Brothers of Francis, Tabulam, NSW
The retreat will be held from the evening of Friday 30 November 2018 until the afternoon of Sunday 2 December
Registrations close Wednesday 15 November
Cost: Weekend $250pp or Saturday only $100pp
Please note that limited accommodation is available at the Old Friary. Billeting is an option or you are welcome to bring caravans or tents. Please advise your accommodation requirements when booking.
"The Advent Art Show"
All welcome!
Each year at the start of Advent, Brisbane artists group "Visionaries" exhibited paintings with an Advent theme. While Visionaries won't be there this year, other artists are coming forward to make sure the Advent theme is continued. We welcome everyone who would like to see a varied series of interpretations on this perennial theme. Details to come.
DAVID BINNS MEMORIAL LECTURE
Wednesday, 25th October 2017 – 7 PM
in the Chapel at the Old Friary
Lecturer: Lindsay Farrell
Artist and retired Assoc Prof of Education and Art (ACU)
Adoration of the Shepherds: David Binns
Land for Wildlife Art Exhibition
In September the Old Friary hosted an art exhibition by Land for Wildlife.
