St James'

The beginning of the mining industry in Tasmania begun when tin was discovered by James 'Philosopher' Smith at Mount Bischoff (Waratah) in 1871.

Mount Bischoff precipitated a mining boom which made Smith Tasmania's first native-born popular hero and probably Australia's first prospector hero.

The town is situated at the top of a waterfall, the water was diverted for the processing at the mine. Loads of ore were carried by bullock carts over rough bush tracks to Emu Bay (Burnie) until a tramway was built. With the mines success the town and population grew, at its peak there was around 4,500 people residing in Waratah.

St James' church was opened by the Ven. Archdeacon Hales of Launceston on Sunday 17th October 1880. At the time Waratah was administered by the parish of Emu Bay (Burnie).

The church was described as a handsome little edifice, of an oblong form constructed in the English style architecture. It is situated on the northern side of the company's tramway. The cost was £500, with a debt of about £100.

In 1889 the church was lit with eclectic light from the Mount Bischoff mine, it was believed to be the first in Tasmania and possibly Australia. Church repairs were undertaken in 1895.

The last service was held in the church on Sunday 15th December 2013. The building is heritage listed.