All Saints'

The new All Saints' Anglican Church in Swansea replaced a small convict built church on Waterloo Point. By 1868 gale force winds rendered the old building unfit for services.

Church wardens John Meredith, Edward Carr Shaw and John Lyne applied to the Glamorgan Council in October 1868 for a block of land to build a new church.

For a time services were held in the school house and council chambers.

The foundation stone was laid by Mr. John Meredith at 4 o'clock on Wednesday 1st February 1871.

The new church was designed by the well known Hobart architect Henry Hunter in August 1870. Mr. Andrew Gemmell was appointed contractor and builder, the cost was £459/15/6.

Built on top of the hill from local stone : It is a fine example of workmanship and one to be proud of. Miss H. Mayson, the youngest daughter of Rev. Joseph Mayson designed the pulpit constructed by Mr. Andrew Gemmell. The foundation stone was laid in February 1871 by Mr. John Meredith.

The following account of the opening from The Tasmanian 24th May 1873:

... On Sunday the new church was crowded to witness the ceremonies of consecration and confirmation. Shortly after 11 a.m., His Lordship the Bishop and his chaplain were received at the church door by the Rev. Joseph Mayson and Messrs. John Meredith, E.C. Shaw, W.J. Lyne churchwardens. The usual ceremony on such occasion was then gone through, during which the sentence of consecration was read by Rev. H.B. Bromby, and signed by the Bishop, the church receiving the beautiful name , "All Saints." ...

In 1913 the walls were strengthened with tie bar rods, these can be seen in the sepia photograph below.

The bell tower section was renovated and new grey colourbond roof replaced the old shingles in December 2018.

See also No's 224 & 1184