Devonport, TAS - St Columba Presbyterian

Year Built: 1957

Denomination: Presbyterian

Saint: Columba

Address: 13 Edward Street, Devonport, Tasmania, 7310

Architect: A.A. Freak

Traditional Owners: Palawa people

Last Updated: 24/04/2023

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History and Architecture:

The first Presbyterian church in Devonport briefly used the Congregational Church and then the Devonport Town Hall.

Throughout the building of the Church many members of the Board of Management and Session, plus other committees were led by Rev "Bert" Scrimgeour who, with practical knowledge, endeared himself to all who knew him. The original Church is now the hall and is used for Sunday School.

The mezzanine floor and associated work cost $37,000. Much of this was raised by Miss Jean Nichols and a wonderful group of workers who held regular stalls. The new entrance cost $18,000 and this was entirely financed by monthly stalls organised by Mrs Brenda Roberts.

A Foundation stone was laid on 16 December 1956, for a new church, was officially laid by Rev. F.J. Scrimgeour, on a site adjacent to the earlier building,  The church was officially opened and dedicated, as St Columba’s, on 12 October 1957, by the State Moderator, the Rt. Rev. K. McLean.

The building was designed by architect Mr. A. A. Freak.

For a full history visit Churches of Tasmania. Click here.

Clergy:

These names are now in the Database and can be searched individually.

Years Name Annotation D.o.B D.o.D
1903 - 1906 Rev D Brown
1907 - 1911 Rev S Byron
1912 - 1917 Rev D J. Jones
1918 - 1919 Rev J. M Dabb
1920 - 1924 Rev R Rankin
1925 - 1933 Rev F. J. Thomas
1933 - 1938 Rev L Clayton
1939 - 1953 Rev A. R Barnett
1953 - 1954 Rev S Vertigan Locum
1954 - 1959 Rev R J. Scrimgeour
1960 - Rev A. A. McKenzie Locum
1960 - Rev K Forbes Ewan Locum
1961 - 1965 Rev D V. Morey
1965 - 1966 Rev C. E Hipwell Locum
1966 - 1969 Rev G L Stewart
1970 - 1973 Rev J. C McDiarmid 1896 1990
1974 - Mr John Saunders Lay Reader
1975 - 1977 Rev R W.F. White
1978 - 1979 Mr John Saunders Lay Reader
1980 - 1981 Rev Arthur J Blazely Locum 1984
1980 - 1984 Rev P W. Playsted Lay Reader until 1982
1985 - 1989 Rev J. W. Britton
1992 - 1996 Rev T S. Penning
1998 - 2001 Rev D C Geddes
2002 - Rev S C Warwick
2020 - Rev Andrew Satchell

Organ:

The organ was built in 1960 by Paul F. Hufner. Rebuilt in 1971 by K.R. Davis & Son. Rebuilt again and enlarged in 1978 by Laurie Pipe Organs (new windchest and tonal addihons). Renewed in 1993 by Australian Pipe Organs (new switching). It has 2m., 5 rks. + mixture ext., el.pn.

Source:

1. Churches of Tasmania
2. Blessed Presbyterian Church Devonport 1904 - 2004. TAS REF 286.294632 PAT.
3. Organ Historical Trust of Australia with permission.
4. The Church website click here