Hobart, TAS - Baptist
Year Built: 1889
Denomination: Baptist
Address: 284 Elizabeth Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000
Architect: Unknown
Traditional Owners: Palawa people
Last Updated: 26/06/2023
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History and Architecture:
The original Tabernacle on this site was constructed in 1883 and took just six days. It was cobbled together from packing cases, old timber and tin with salvaged iron beams as supports. In 1884 the foundation stone was laid for a new building to be used as a church. Later it became tine Sunday School when the larger Tabernacle was constructed in front.
Construction on the Tabernacle started in 1887 and it opened 1889.
On Wednesday 20th February, 1884, the formation of the church took place in the dining room of Dr. Benjafield's house. Those present were: Rev. Robert McCullough and his wife, Eva, Dr. Harry & Mrs. Amelia Benjafield, Joshua Tovell Soundy and his wife,Elizabeth,Jukes, William Leary and his wife, Alice, Miss Greenwood, Mrs. Reid, Seabrook and his wife,Samuel Bulgin Pitt and his wife, Caroline, Samuel B. Pitt junior, Quintin and his wife and Miss Potter.
A classic Revival designed church with plastered portal and pediment in imitation of classic Temple design favoured by Baptists. There is a tiled hip roof behind parapet.
Click here for a full history.
Clergy:
These names are now in the Database and can be searched individually.
| Years | Name | Annotation | D.o.B | D.o.D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1894 - 1894 | Rev Morison Cumming | |||
| 1897 - 1906 | Rev James Blaikie | |||
| 1906 - 1916 | Rev F. W. Borham | |||
| 1916 - 1921 | Rev E Herbert Hobday | |||
| 1923 - 1927 | Rev Donavan Mitchell | |||
| 1930 - 1940 | Rev Harold G Hackworthy | 1953 | ||
| 1940 - 1949 | Rev Edward Roberts Thomson | |||
| 1950 - 1962 | Rev S J Merlyn Holly | |||
| 1963 - 1965 | Rev E Ronald Rogers | |||
| 1966 - 1972 | Rev Peter Stockman | |||
| 1974 - 1981 | Rev Rex Glasby | |||
| 1983 - | Rev Dr Frank Rees | |||
| 2010 - | Rev Stephen Baxter | |||
| 2019 - | Rev Michael Henderson | Asst |
Organ:
The first Organ was built in 1896 by Fincham & Hobday for Chalmers Presbyterian Church, Hobart.Installed in 1952 present location. Removed in 1960 parts used in present organ. 2m., 11 sp.st.,.5c., tub.pn. Gt: 8.8.8.4.2. Sw: 8.8.8.4.8. Ped: 16. Present organ built in 1960 by George. Fincham & Sons incorporahng pipework from 1896 Fincham & Hobday organ and 1927 Geo. Fincham & Sons organ formerly in residence of R.A. Raymond, Heidelberg, Victoria. 3m., 46 sp.st., 17c., el.pn. Gt: 16.8.8.8.8.8.8.4.4.4.4.2-2/3.2.8. Sw: 8.8.8.8.8.4.4.2.III.8.8. Ch: 8.8.4.4.2-2/3.2.III.8.8. 8.8. Ped: 32.16.16.16.8.8.5-1/3.4.4.8.
Source:
1. One Hundred Years of Witness, A history of the Hobart Baptist Church 1884 - 1984 Lawrence F Rowston.
2. Churches of Colonial Hobart, a field guide to Hobart's history in 24 buildings.
3. Organ Historical Trust of Australia with permission.