St John the Baptist

The solemn commemoration of the centenary of the Church of St. John the Baptist in Ouse was chronicled in a report published by The Mercury newspaper in July 1943, offering a poignant glimpse into the enduring legacy of this revered place of worship. Miss Bolland, serving as organist, provided a melodic backdrop to the proceedings held within the hallowed walls of the church. Despite the unavoidable absence of the rector, Reverend L. L. Oldham, the mantle of leadership was assumed by Reverend J. Bethune, who delivered a stirring sermon and imparted words of wisdom to the assembled children. With heartfelt reverence, the preacher invoked the sacred heritage and cherished associations binding the congregation to their beloved church, urging them to remain steadfast in the faith of their forebears. A testament to their devotion, the offerings collected for the special centenary commemoration surpassed the notable sum of £113.

Delving into the annals of history, an excerpt from "Church News," penned over half a century prior by the esteemed Canon Adams of Hagley and authenticated by revered figures such as Mr. Bethune of Dunrobin and Reverend H. W. Adams, offers invaluable insights into the church's genesis. Constructed entirely through the labor of parishioners during the incumbency of Dr. Pogson, the church and cemetery were established on a picturesque rise within the township, courtesy of a generous donation of land by the Late W.A. Bethune Esq. of Dunrobin. The luminous stained glass of the East window, adorning St. John's Church, serves as a poignant tribute to the memory of T.L. Gellibrand Esq., a prominent figure hailing from Lleintwardine, Ouse.

In a missive dated July 1845 addressed to the Editor of The Hobart Town Advertiser, E.J. Pogson proudly announced the establishment of a Sunday School at St. John the Baptist Church, attended by over twenty eager students, and acknowledged a modest contribution from the Board of Education.

Further historical insights gleaned from the meticulous records of Dorothea Henslowe in 1978 and preserved by Geoffrey Stephens in 1992 shed light on the church's early beginnings. Originally granted by the Crown in 1840, the construction of the church commenced in 1842, culminating in its consecration in May 1867. Crafted from stone and rubble, adorned with a quaint bell turret housing a bell purportedly sourced from Port Arthur, the church stood as a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and community.

Walter Angus Bethune (1794-1885), hailing from Scotland and initially of the Presbyterian faith, underwent a spiritual transformation to embrace Anglicanism, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of Ouse through his instrumental role in the establishment of the Anglican Church.