South Brisbane's transformation in the 19th century was marked by the establishment of churches, schools, and commercial centers, reflecting the area's rapid growth and evolving community needs.

In December 1849, the Church of England acquired a prime block of land along Melbourne, Grey, and Stanley Streets, now the site of the Queensland Museum. It wasn’t until August 1858 that a schoolhouse was constructed, also serving as a place of worship. The school, opened by Miss Clothier, became an essential part of the local community. By 1862, a resident minister allowed for regular church services. However, the 1874 construction of Victoria Bridge disrupted the church, leaving it below the newly elevated road level. By 1877, it was known as St. Thomas’ Church.

The Presbyterian community also made its mark early. In 1851, a small weatherboard church was built on Grey Street and officially opened by Reverend Thomas Mowbray. By 1885, the congregation moved to a new location, and the old church was later demolished to make way for South Brisbane railway station. Meanwhile, Baptist services began with a Sunday school in 1857, leading to the formation of a congregation in 1872. The Vulture Street Baptist Church opened in 1874, later evolving into Church@TheGabba in Woolloongabba after being relocated in 2013.

The Catholic community established its presence in 1863 when Bishop James Quinn called for tenders to build St Mary’s Church. The small wooden church, located at the corner of Merivale and Peel Streets, was opened in 1865. A school followed in 1870, run by Mother Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of St Joseph. Despite conflicts with Archbishop Quinn, the school continued to operate, making it one of the most significant Catholic institutions in South Brisbane.

Aside from religious institutions, education also expanded with the opening of South Brisbane School around 1865. It later split into separate boys’ and girls’ schools before being amalgamated in 1929. By 1963, the school had closed, marking the end of an era.

As South Brisbane developed, commercial buildings and hotels emerged around Russell Street, supporting a growing residential population of over 100 homes by the 1850s. The suburb’s proximity to wharves made it a popular spot for bullock drovers, further contributing to its vibrant commercial activity.

The suburb’s early growth was not just about infrastructure—it was about building a community. With religious, educational, and commercial development, South Brisbane laid the foundation for the dynamic and diverse neighborhood it is today.