Sarah Island Probation Station Chapel

The Sarah Island Penal Settlement was at the time known as Macquarie Harbour. It was established as a second place of punishment in 1822. The harsh weather conditions and remoteness on the west coast of Van Diemen’s Land saw it gain a formidable reputation and thus why it was designed as a deterrent for repeat offenders.

William Bull ‘old bull’ a convict bricklayer has been credited with many of the brickwork still standing today, one such is the baker’s oven. William Bull’s reputation secured him work throughout the colony, he constructed buildings in Hobart Town and on the East Coast.

Governor Arthur appointed clergyman Rev. William Schofield to Marquarie Habrbour in 1828. Schofield had heard the tales of horror about the settlement and was concerned for his young wife Martha who was expecting their first child.

The penal settlement already had a small Methodist class meeting which Schofield continued ...

Schofield's first service was held on the 30th March 1828. Later a large room was provided for the compulsory attendance.