St Michael and All Angels

The Bothwell Parish is one of the oldest Anglican Diocese in Tasmania. First services were held in private homes, then from 1830 until 1891 the Anglican's shared St Luke's Presbyterian church.

Around 1886 the Anglican's decided to build their own place of worship. The foundation (corner-stone) was laid in October 1887, its present whereabouts today remains a mystery. Mr. Alexander North of Launceston was the architect, who designed a stone Gothic style building. The original cruciform plan was not built to the full extent. The stonemason was Mr. Thomas Lewis who personally supervised the cutting and dressing of the Bothwell quarried stone.

On the 15th October 1891 the church was opened and consecrated by the Bishop of Tasmania The Right Rev. Henry Hutchinson Montgomery M.A. The cost of the building and furnishings was $7000.

St Michael and All Angels' is listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register as follows:

*The Anglican Church of St. Michael was built just prior to the turn of the century. It is well designed in the

Academic Gothic Style. The church was built by stonemason Thomas Lewis. It was to have another wing

which was never built.*

*St. Michael's Church is of historic cultural heritage significance because of its strong and special association with the

general community as an important religious landmark and as a community focal point.*