St Matthias'

St Mathias’ Church stands on the eastern bank of the Tamar River, commanding a view of its picturesque waters. The site and an initial endowment of fifty pounds were generously provided by Dr. Mathias Gaunt. Additional support came through a grant from the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge, supplemented by local subscriptions.

The church, designed in the Gothic style by Robert de Little of Launceston—an architect noted for several prominent Tasmanian buildings and churches—was constructed of stone and brick. It was opened for worship in 1843 and consecrated, together with the burial ground, by Bishop Francis Russell Nixon on 28th April 1845.

Renovations were undertaken in 1884 and again in 1931. Church News recorded that the building was reopened following restoration in 1939, with further works carried out in April 1978.

Although at one stage listed for closure under the Anglican rationalisation programme, St Mathias’ was subsequently removed from that list, ensuring its continued presence as part of Tasmania’s ecclesiastical heritage.

This church is listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register.