"The Pavilion"

T his plaque situated on Tamar Street side of the Albert Hall records the first meeting of the Salvation Army in Tasmania which took place at "The Pavilion" on the 25th November 1883. The following is a report from the Tasmanian News:

THE SALVATION ARMY

The so-called Salvation Army, which has recently arrived on our Northern shores, is but a fraction of a vast and might organisation, whose power for good requires the impetus of unselfishness, humility, sobriety, and reason. ..

We learn that yesterday our Northern capital was in a state of uproar , owing to the manner in which these Salvationists conducted their services. It would appear that the army accompanied by a brass band, marched through the streets singing hymns to popular tunes, while their leader shouted "Hallelujah".

The Launceston Examiner reported that a meeting was held in 'The Pavilion', in the Town Park, and that the building was packed with people for the occasion. This building fell into a dilapidated state and in April 1890 the foundation stone was laid for the new 'Pavilion'.

The Tasmanian Heritage Register records the building as follows:

The Albert Hall is a three-storey Victorian Academic Classical building purpose built as an

exhibition hall in 1891. It features a highly decorative parapet, prolific use of pediment detail and rendered banding. The roof features a domed tower and gilded ball finial. The interior includes a stage, decorative ceiling and balconies with cast iron decorative treatment. The interior of the Albert Hall contains a Brindley water-organ dating to 1861, rare

on a national scale...