Sheffield Uniting Church

The first Methodist church at Sheffield was built of timber by Mr. Gideon Robson at a cost of £360. Mr Robson held the office of Church Steward for over 50 years.

The timber church measured 50 feet by 25 feet and could seat 250 people in comfort. This building is situated behind the current modern brick church. It was opened for divine service on Sunday 26th November 1882. The opening services were conducted by Rev. J.G. Millard, President of the Victoria and Tasmanian Conference, he was also Chairman of the Tasmanian District.

A new room was built at the rear in 1923 to house a kindergarten, the cost was £94-19-8. After the arrival of Rev. F.R. Woodhouse in 1935 the trust, put forward a plan to build and new church.

Article from the Advocate newspaper, 12th April 1937:

DEDICATION OF NEW CHURCH - Interesting ceremony at Sheffield.

The new Sheffield Methodist Church , which has been erected in front of the old building in Main Street, was formally dedicated on Saturday afternoon by Rev. F.R. Woodhouse L.Th. in the presence of a very large gathering, which included many old residents amongst whom were at least two who were present at the opening of the old church. These were Mrs. W. Jeffries and Mr. R . Charleston of Devonport.

Paragraph from the book The Sheffield Church, Wesleyan - Methodist - Uniting 1882-1982

An outstanding gift to the church was made by the Sheffield Ladies' Aid, formed by Mrs. Woolhouse in 1935 soon after her arrival in Sheffield. This gift was a stained glass window featuring a replica of Holman Hunt's painting 'The Light of the World", and dedicated to pioneer mothers. At a cost of 60 pounds, it has drawn many favourable comments by visitors over the years.

The original design had the provision for a tower above the front entrance, but after quotes from tenders came in the trust abandoned the idea.

When the Uniting Church of Australia (UCA) was formed on the 22nd June 1977 between the Congregational, Methodist & Presbyterian Churches of Australia this church became part of the union.