Jerusalem Probation Station Chapel

Jerusalem convict Probation Station was set up during the 'Convict Probation Period'. It opened in 1841 and closed in 1848. Like a number of other stations it was also a 'Hiring Depot' for convicts.

The Tasmanian Archives hold historic plans of a proposed Chapel at Colebrook Dale, dated 1835 This predates the construction of the Probation Station by six years. It was to be the first prison chapel in Jerusalem. Another source suggests that it was designed in 1829 by a Mr. Frederick Thomas and erected in expectation of a penal settlement in the area.

This Chapel building fell into disrepair and by the 1850s was used as a barn. Mr. Rumney of 'Waterdale' purchased the old building and converted it into a hall. Once again it fell into decay and was destroyed in the 1967 bush fires.

The Probation Station buildings were made of brick, stone and wood. The chapel was a roomy construction with four divisions, three were for the convicts and the fourth was for the Officers in charge of the station and the settlers of the district.

When we visited in 2010 remains of the sturdy chapel building revealed the brick and stonework construction. The description in Ian Brand's book claims there were four divisions of the chapel. Either it was not built to plan (like many stations) or only three remain today.

Further suggested reading on Van Diemen's Land Convict system see links section: Becoming Tasmania.