St Paul's

The religious heritage of St. Paul's Uniting Church in New Norfolk has held a venerable position as Australia's oldest former Methodist Church still in active use. However, with the passage of time, the mantle of this historic distinction is set to be passed to another chapel, marking the end of an era for this cherished landmark.

After an illustrious tenure spanning nearly 185 years, St. Paul's hosted its final religious service on Sunday 22th November 2020. The closure of the church had long been anticipated, owing to dwindling numbers of worshippers at the Burnett Street site.

The roots of Methodism in Tasmania trace back to the year 1820, with services taking root in New Norfolk as early as the following year. Under the shade of a gum tree on the grounds of the New Norfolk State School, congregants gathered for regular worship beginning in 1834. Subsequently, Methodist services found a temporary home at the Bush Inn before relocating to the local courthouse. The foundation stone of the present St. Paul's Church was ceremonially laid in November 1835, with services commencing within its walls the following year, culminating in its official opening in November 1837.

The Methodist faith flourished throughout the Derwent Valley, with many pioneers, including the esteemed Shoobridge family, among its devout adherents. The church also played a pivotal role in the civic life of the community, with several parishioners ascending to positions of political leadership and municipal governance.

As the years passed, declining congregational numbers signaled an inevitable shift in the church's fortunes. With the onset of the pandemic, the cessation of services hastened the congregation's dispersal, with some members finding solace in alternative places of worship.

The future of St. Paul's buildings, which include the chapel, an assembly hall (1936), and a larger hall with kitchen and amenities (1962), remains uncertain. While discussions regarding potential community uses have surfaced, concrete plans for the site have yet to be finalised.

St. Paul's Uniting Church stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Methodism in Tasmania, its storied history intertwined with the fabric of the Derwent Valley's cultural and spiritual heritage.

See also 1496