St David’s Anglican Church, Port Arthur

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Built and opened 1927.
Church Street, Port Arthur. Google Maps

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Located across the road from the ruins of the convict church.

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CHURCH FOR PORT ARTHUR
Laying of Foundation Stone
Ceremony in Rain
Badly-needed rain fell in torrents throughout the ceremony of the laying of the foundation stone for the new Church of England at Port Arthur yesterday, but the attendance was large, for all that, and the ceremony was most impressive. Port Arthur and the surrounding district has been without a Church of England since some years ago fire reduced the historic structure to a tourist attraction. In any case, the district could not have continued to support such an edifice as the old Port Arthur church must have been.
[continued]
The Mercury, 12 May 1927

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NEW CHURCH AT PORT ARTHUR
BISHOP PERFORMS DEDICATION SERVICE.
CONGREGATION CONGRATULATED
The dedication service in connection with the recently erected Church of England at Port Arthur, was performed by the Bishop of Tasmania (Dr. B. Snowdon Hay) yesterday. Despite the steady rain that fell, there was a crowded congregation in attendance, residents from all parts of the Peninsula being present. The church, which has taken St. David as its patron saint, is a pretty little building, erected in a prominent position in the township in the shadows of the ruins of the old church. It is a welcome addition to Hie buildings of the township. The building is the realisation of the ambition of a number of enthusiastic residents, who, for many years, have felt Hie need of a church in the district. Mr. R. w. G. Shoobridge helped considerably in the project and donated £100 to the funds. Mr. Charles Gathercole, senr., donated the land on which the church has been erected, Messrs. Blackwood and Lowe the altar cloth, and carpet for the sanctuary, the Rev. T. Quigley and wardens of St. George’s Church the seats, and Rev. H. C. Brammall the lectern. Two of the hardest workers in connection with the raising of funds were Mesdames Mathias and Marshall, who promoted a number of entertainments from which a good deal of revenue was derived. The architects were Messrs. Glaskin and Ricards, of Hobart, and the builders Messrs. Gathercole and Quinn, of Port Arthur.
[continued]
The Mercury, 19 December 1927

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That says:

St David’s Church was built after many years of conducting Anglican Church services in the Town Hall/Asylum.

The land was donated and members of the congregation gave money, raised funds and donated the alter cloth, seats and carpet. The foundation stone was laid in May 1927 and the church dedicated on 18 December. Despite the rain, people from all over the Peninsula came to see the Bishop of Tasman, the Rt. Rev. R.S. Hay, perform the ceremony.

The church is still one of the Anglican parish church and services are geld regularly. Visitors are very welcome to join the local congregation in worship.

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Asylum/Town Hall

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