Illustrated Talk: Restoration of the Heritage Congregational Sunday School Hall

Step into the story of one of Ipswich’s iconic landmarks as Heather Mildwaters presents an illustrated talk on her experience restoring the Congregational Sunday School Hall, now home to the Ipswich Antique Centre.

Built in 1895, this towering hall was once the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere—a testament to the vision and generosity of the Cribb family, famed for the Cribb & Foote department store. Their contribution of £3,000 helped bring the £4,000 project to life, and decades later, another branch of the family funded the neighbouring curvy modernist church in the 1950s next door.

Today, the hall stands proudly as one of Queensland’s largest antique centres, filled with aisles of vintage furniture, cabinets of china and jewellery, rooms of collectibles, and a mezzanine brimming with clothing and accessories from bygone eras.

Heather and John Mildwaters undertook a meticulous 12-month restoration of the heritage-listed building, reopening it in December 2010. In this talk, Heather will share the challenges, triumphs, and experiences of the restoration journey—bringing to life the architectural beauty and cultural significance of this beautiful site.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or simply curious about Ipswich’s rich heritage, this talk promises insight, inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the stories held within these walls.

All are welcome. Come and be part of the legacy!

Note the building is open for self guided tours at all other times during the usual opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am - 5pm.