Work is underway at the Church of the Apostles at Launceston through a Tasmanian Government Built Heritage Grant and funds donated via the National Trust Tasmania Conservation Appeal.
Work is underway at the Church of the Apostles at Launceston through a Tasmanian Government Built Heritage Grant and funds donated via the National Trust Tasmania Conservation Appeal.
The first stage of replacing the opaque Perspex shields over the stained glass windows with low-iron non-reflective glass has been completed. In addition to lifting the church’s external presentation, there has been an increase in the amount of light coming into the church.
Closer inspection of the Church of the Apostles stained glass windows has revealed costly work must be done before stage 2 of the protective glass can be installed. Estimated at $85,000, this involves reconstruction of the windows in the Nun’s chapel the Sacred Heart and Our Lady windows designed by William Montgomery. This will involve dismantling the glass from lead cames, replacement of broken glass and reinstatement together with repairs to the window frames and surrounding sandstone.
The cross on the southern end of the Church of the Apostles was dislodged during the strong winds in September 2024. The cross damaged the western slate roof as well as putting a hole in the roof of the Nun’s chapel. This damage is part of an insurance claim but with an insurance excess of $25,000, some decisions will need to be made on replacement.
Hans Wanders
TO DONATE: The Church of the Apostles has a National Trust Conservation Appeal. You can make tax-deductible donations to the appeal via direct deposit to:
National Trust of Australia (Tasmania)
BSB: 017-042
ACC: 354-473-702
Please include RES-01 + your surname in the payment narration and contact us to confirm your donation at admin@nationaltrusttas.org.au and request a receipt for tax purposes.
IMAGES: The replacement of stained glass window screens (before and after) at the Church of the Apostles at Launceston.
The historical William Montgomery windows behind the Sacred Heart altar after the Perspex was removed and the glass installed.
