The Congregational Church Yearbook of 1883 describes the Manse during its construction as follows: "The edifice will be a two storeyed weather-board house with verandah balcony all round, containing 12 rooms and finished in a style that will do credit to the denomination".

The church was a fiercely independent denomination refusing to accept any government subsidies or land grants.

In 1950 twelve and half perches of the manse grounds was resumed for road works and other sections of the land were subdivided.

[1] Externally the residence remains remarkably intact displaying virtually no changes since a photograph taken in 1896 apart from extra vertical balustrading on the upper storey.

Among his early contracts were Dr Challinor's house and shop in Brisbane Street and fitting out the first Presbyterian Church (1853).

Shenton made some significant improvements to central Ipswich in the 1860s with the School of Arts and the Lands Office.

[1] Central Congregational Church Manse was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992 having satisfied the following criteria.

The former manse has aesthetic significance for its high streetscape value due to its scale and traditional materials and detailing.

[1] The place has a special association with the life or work of a particular person, group or organisation of importance in Queensland's history.