St John Square Chapel (Milton Hall)

Milton Hall, formerly known as St. John's Square Independent Chapel, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Congregational Church in Launceston. Its foundation stone, ceremoniously laid on September 2nd, 1841, marked the commencement of a landmark architectural endeavor, culminating in its consecration for worship on August 12th, 1842. The architectural and construction prowess behind this edifice is often credited to the esteemed professionals John West and George Gould.

The architectural style of Milton Hall, characterized by its impressive portico adorned with Greek Doric influences, reflects the prevailing taste for Greek revival architecture during the Georgian era in England. However, this design choice did not escape criticism, particularly from the outspoken advocate of the gothic revival style, Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin. Pugin vehemently opposed the use of Greek temple architecture, including the Greek Doric style embraced by Milton Hall, within Christian places of worship. He argued that such architectural motifs were incongruent with Christian principles and labeled them as "heathen" architecture. Despite Pugin's dissent, the Greek revival aesthetic persisted, leaving an indelible imprint on the architectural landscape.

In tracing the congregation's trajectory, its origins can be traced back to its separation from the Tamar Street Chapel, where initial meetings were held in the infant school inaugurated in 1836. Subsequently, the congregation transitioned to a modest wooden chapel located along Frederick Street, a structure unfortunately lost to time in 1885. Over the years, Milton Hall underwent expansions, with notable enhancements in 1858. Following the completion of Christ Church in 1884, the chapel underwent a significant transformation, assuming the new identity of Milton Hall.

In a testament to its historical significance, Milton Hall exchanged hands in 2022, transitioning into private ownership while retaining its rich architectural and cultural heritage as a symbol of Launceston's religious and architectural legacy.