
Queenstown Uniting Church
Queenstown, Tasmania
Tasmanian ecclesiastical history bear witness to the modest beginnings of a weatherboard church nestled on the corner of Dixon and Cutten Streets. On the auspicious date of the 1st of...
- Denomination
- Uniting Wesleyan Methodist
- Region
- West Coast
- Year Built
- 1945
- Architectural Style
- Church
- Heritage Status
- Heritage listed
Overview
Tasmanian ecclesiastical history bear witness to the modest beginnings of a weatherboard church nestled on the corner of Dixon and Cutten Streets. On the auspicious date of the 1st of August 1897, Reverend G.A. Judkins presided over the inaugural service, marking the establishment of a sacred haven for worship and communal gatherings.
However, the nascent Wesleyan congregation encountered an early setback as chronicled in The Mercury newspaper on the 7th of July 1897. A tempestuous onslaught of heavy weather exacted a toll on the construction efforts, resulting in the lamentable collapse of the Wesleyan church-in-progress. Despite the adversity, the community remained undeterred, displaying resilience in the face of adversity.
By the turn of the century, circa 1900, a Methodist circuit, known as the Methodist Home Mission, began to take shape. This ecclesiastical initiative extended its reach to the towns of Gormanston and Strahan, with zealous probationers assuming administrative responsibilities. The superintendent minister, stationed at Queenstown, wielded influence over the region, fostering spiritual growth and community cohesion during this formative era.
The winds of change swept through the congregation in 1945, precipitating the demolition of the aging weatherboard church, which stood on the precipice of collapse. In its place, a sturdier edifice emerged, crafted from concrete bricks, symbolizing the dawn of a new chapter in the church's storied history. The foundation stone for this modern bastion of faith was laid in April 1945 by Reverend R. Gordon-Hotham M.A., signaling the commencement of a transformative architectural endeavour.
Upon its completion, the new brick church stood as a testament to the congregation's enduring commitment to spiritual renewal and communal fellowship. Measuring 25 feet by 40 feet, with an adjoining hall spanning 20 feet by 36 feet, the church embodied a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. Adorned with newly acquired furniture including pews, chairs, and screens, the church radiated an aura of solemn grandeur.
Finally, on the 21st September 1946, the resplendent doors of the new church swung open, ushering in a new era of worship and spiritual enrichment under the auspices of Reverend R.H. Howie M.A. The consecration of this hallowed sanctuary heralded a renaissance of faith, inspiring the congregation to embark on a collective journey of spiritual enlightenment and communal upliftment.
This building was listed for sale in 2020.
History
1897-08-01
inaugural service held at the church
opened1897-07-07
construction collapse due to heavy weather
damagedcirca 1900
Methodist Home Mission circuit began taking shape
1945
aging weatherboard church demolished
demolished1945
new brick church completed
completedApril 1945
foundation stone laid for new brick church
built1946-09-21
new church opened and consecrated
opened2020
building listed for sale
sold
Gallery
References
- Methodist Church of Australia, Tasmanian Methodism 1820-1975, Methodist Church of Australasia, Launceston, 1975, pp 86-87Tasmanian Pictorial Church Index
Links
- TASMANIAN TELEGRAMS. (1897, July 7). The Mercury (Hobart, Tas.: 1860 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved April 12, 2022
Tasmanian Pictorial Church Index
- QUEENSTOWN WESLEYAN CHURCH. (1899, May 8). Launceston Examiner (Tas.: 1842 - 1899), p. 5. Retrieved April 12, 2022
Tasmanian Pictorial Church Index
- OPENING OF QUEENSTOWN WESLEYAN CHURCH. (1897, August 14). The Mount Lyell Standard and Strahan Gazette (Queenstown, Tas.: 1896 - 1902), p. 4. Retrieved April 12, 2022
Tasmanian Pictorial Church Index
Services
Listed for sale in 2020
Open
Not recorded
Address
2-4 Dixon Street cnr Cutten Street, Queenstown TAS 7467
Contact
Not recorded
Accessibility
Not recorded

