Bridge St, Richmond. Google Maps
Stone laid 1873. Opened 1875, replacing an earlier chapel.
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RICHMOND NEW CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
LAYING THE MEMORIAL STONE BY THE COLONIAL TREASURER.
The ceremony of laying the memorial stone at the new Congregational Church in Bridge-street, Richmond, was performed yesterday afternoon by the Hon. P. O. Fysh (Colonial Treasurer). The event was to have been celebrated on Thursday last, but the weather on that day was such that the church committee had to postpone it. And they had their reward ; for not only did yesterday dawn with a bright and spotless sky, but it continued so throughout ; and, as a consequence, several vehicles loaded with ladies and gentlemen from the city countenanced the occasion, and assisted in giving eclat to the proceedings. Besides the Hon. Mr. Fysh and Mrs. Fysh, we noticed among the visitors the Revs. Geo. Clarke, W. C. Robinson, J. Wilkes Simmons, and J. Nisbet ; Mr. William Hodgson, M.H.A., Mr. James Salier, Mr. Woolley, Mr. Witherington, Mr. Stevens, and Mr. Weymouth, with several lady members of their families, together with a large number of gentry from the neighbourhood, including the Warden (Mr. Simmons.) The ground on which the base of the building is erected is situated at the angle of Bridge-street and Percy-street, and is in the heart of the township. The building is to measure 39 feet by 24 foot, and is computed to accommodate, when completed, about 120 persons. It will be of white freestone ; and if the builder, Mr. John C. Shipley, only carries out the plan of the architect, Mr. Rountree, as he no doubt will the new Congregational Church, Richmond, will be a decided acquisition to the place ; we mean, of course, from an architectural point of view. However, to the ceremony. A large company was collected on the spot shortly before one o’clock, and the visitors having taken places on a temporary platform specially erected for their accommodation.
[continued]
The Mercury, 11 September 1873
A paragraph from above news article:
In a small district like that of Richmond it was really surprising that two or three ladies should start out one fine morning with an idea that they should be able to collect a sufficient sum of money to raise an edifice such as that which was to be placed on the ground on which they stood ; and that, as he had said, with-out first consulting those whose social position in the community would entitle them to form an opinion as to whether the work could be carried out. But these ladies had done so. They seemed to have been animated by that spirit of faith of which the motto on the flag-staff in front served to remind them ; and the result had been a proof that if they engaged earnestly in God’s service, they would succeed beyond even what the most sanguine of them could have anticipated before they started upon it. He repeated that the success which had attended the young ladies who had commenced this work reflected great credit upon them ; for out of the £430 which the building was to cost, they had already collected a sum of over £300 at the present moment.
The Rev Mr Tinning, the Congregational Minister, is working vigorously in getting a nice little chapel built in the main street of Richmond, that will improve the appearance of the locality, and be of use to his congregation.
The Mercury, 30 July 1873
RICHMOND.
OPENING OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The opening of the Congregational Church of Richmond was a great day, and a grand success, if we may judge from the general interest taken in the event, the numbers attending, and the collections taken. The day broke beautiful and fine. From every part of the district, dog carts, chaise carts, and horsemen pulled up in Richmond, and by 11 o’clock the church was filled from end to end. The minister (Mr Tinning) conducted the opening part of the service. The congregation, led by an excellent choir, having sang, among other hymns, the once commencing “Light up this house with glory, Lord,” and the minister having read Solomon’s beautiful and sublime prayer at the dedication of the temple, the Rev. B. S. Bird, of Davey-street Congregational Church, Hobarton, delivered a discourse full of thought and power for three-quarters of an hour from the words of our Lord “Preach the gospel,” the whole congregation remaining in breathless attention. Collection, £8 3s. 4d ; the rich and the poor gave of their substance to the Lord. Unto God be all the glory.
[Rest of article]
A word or two about the building. The plans, &c., are by Mr Rountree of Hobart Town, and I suppose it would be called Gothic. For neatness, strength of walls and butments, and a general compactness there are few superior country churches in the island. Inside it is ceiled and partly arched, and plastered throughout. A platform crosses the far end, and is partly railed off for the pulpit or rather desk ; and the seats are everything to be desired ; neatness is joined with severe simplicity, over all the buildings inside and out. There is no sign of Ritualism about the place ; no altar but the devout heart ; no cross, but the one on Calvary ; nor crucifix, nor candles. And the only motto on the walls, and it temporary, contains the expressive words, “The Lord hath done great things for us.” The Rev. Mr Robinson, it is announced, will officiate on Sunday.
The Mercury, 22 January 1875