St Michael and All Angels

In August of 1871, a significant initiative took root within the community as residents established a church building fund dedicated to the construction of a Church of England edifice. Their collective efforts resulted in the accumulation of nearly £50, with an additional £30 pledged towards the cause. This financial endeavor reflected a shared commitment to bolstering the religious infrastructure of the region.

The motivation behind this endeavor stemmed from a palpable need articulated by local inhabitants. Their expressed urgency was underscored by the conspicuous absence of any churches between Browns River (Kingston) and Franklin (Huon). This void stood in stark contrast to the existence of a thriving Channel mission, which had maintained a prosperous presence for approximately four years. Despite the mission's commendable efforts, residents deemed the establishment of a permanent church building imperative for the spiritual and communal well-being of the area.

The discourse surrounding the construction of the church persisted over the subsequent years, as evidenced by deliberations still ongoing in March of 1875. During this period, community members reiterated the significance of this endeavor, characterizing it as both "embracing and important" for the district. The proposed church was envisioned not merely as a physical structure but as a cornerstone of religious life, facilitating essential rites and ceremonies such as marriages, confirmations, baptisms, and burials.

The Tasmanian Tribune of March 1875 reports:

... unhappy state of affairs (well known to all) in connection with the undertaking of building a church at Long Bay have been unsuccessful. Some £100 would be available, and additional subscriptions are promised, but these cannot be paid over in the present circumstances ...

Tenders were called in August 1894 for the erection of the Anglican Church at Long Bay by the Architects North & Dunning of Launceston.

Dorothea Henslowe diligently recorded the consecration of 'The Church of Holy Spirit' at Middleton in June 1899. Despite her meticulous documentation, my search through newspapers of the era has yielded no mention of this significant event.

The Channel and town of Middleton was reported to be in great danger from heavy bushfires during January 1906. he following information was reported in the Examiner newspaper in February 1906:

About 3 a.m. the Anglican Church caught fire, immediately followed by the state school, and within 15 minutes both buildings were entirely demolished, with all the furniture.

The intensity of the fire rendered it impossible for anyone to salvage any fittings from the church. By 4 o'clock, reports indicated that the entire town of Middleton had succumbed to the flames.

The foundation stone for the new church was laid by Bishop Mercer on the 7th September 1907. The site for the new church was on a corner allotment at a junction of three roads and close to the beach. The contractor was Mr. W. Bailee.

It was opened and dedicated by the Ven. Archdeacon Whitington on 19th April 1908. It was considered a landmark to all who travelled on the Channel. The site for the church was donated by Councillor McDowall. The total cost for the build was about £300 with about one third yet to be paid.

Unfortunately, this building was burnt in the 1967 bushfires which ravaged Tasmanian's south.