Independent Chapel

The history of Kempton Congregational Church, erected in 1840, evokes the simplicity and grace of Georgian architecture, serving as a venerable testament to Tasmania's religious heritage. Nestled within its precincts lies an intriguing old cemetery, bearing silent witness to the passage of time and the lives interred within its hallowed grounds.

Kempton boasted a diverse religious landscape, with the Congregational Church standing alongside three other prominent denominations—the Anglican, Catholic, and Presbyterian churches. The Wesleyans, although owning land at Green Pond earmarked for a chapel, never realized their architectural aspirations.

The genesis of the Congregational Church can be traced back to the auspices of the Van Diemen's Land Missionary Society, which oversaw its construction at a cost of £500. A significant milestone occurred on Good Friday, April 17th, 1840, with the ceremonial opening of the 'Green Pond's Congregational chapel' The first services were conducted by Reverends Frederick Miller, Alexander Morrison and Joseph Beazley.

This architectural gem owed its existence to the indefatigable efforts of Reverend Joseph Beazley, a pioneering "bush missionary" who ventured into the district around 1835. Initially conducting services in private residences, Beazley eventually secured the use of a schoolroom, laying the foundation for congregational worship in the area. Settling in Green Ponds in January 1838, Beazley's missionary zeal extended beyond Kempton, fostering the establishment of Congregational chapels in Bagdad, Tea Tree, and Richmond.

In 1847, Reverend Beazley departed for Sydney, where he assumed pastoral duties at the Redfern Congregational pastorate before ultimately returning to England. His enduring legacy endured, with the establishment of a Sabbath school and the expansion of the chapel to incorporate a schoolroom, meeting space, and vestry. Notably, the church played a role in the spiritual lives of 'Canadian Rebels' laboring at the Green Ponds Probation Station in 1840, a testament to its inclusive ethos and community outreach.

The passage of time ushered in a period of restoration in 1970, generously supported by funds commemorating the late Thomas Gorringe. Subsequently, in 1977, the church became part of the Uniting Church before ultimately ceasing operations. Its transformation into a private residence marked the denouement of its ecclesiastical journey, a poignant reminder of its enduring significance within the fabric of Tasmania's religious landscape.