June 2024 – Conservation Appeals: Church of the Apostles
NATIONAL TRUST CONSERVATION APPEALS
The National Trust of Australia (Tasmania) has operated a Conservation Appeal for the Church of the Apostles, Launceston since 1995.
Plans for the Church of the Apostles were drawn by the Tasmanian architect Henry Hunter, and the foundation stone was laid on 15 September 1864 by Bishop Willson, first Catholic Bishop of Tasmania. By October 1866 the nave and two aisles had already been built, and on 7 November the church was solemnly opened for religious purposes by Rev. Murphy, Bishop of Hobart. The church was dedicated to Mary, Queen of the Apostles.
Construction of the North section, encompassing the transept, sanctuary and sacristies, began several years later. Bishop Murphy laid the foundation stone on 17 June 1888. By then, Hunter was living in Brisbane and the task was entrusted to architect, Alexander North. A foundation stone for the tower was laid in May 1889, but it wasn’t finished until a century later. Designed by Melbourne architect Peter Staunton, the bell tower and spire were installed in 1989.
The church conserves its original stone high altar. The pulpit, made from blackwood and huon pine, was the work of Timothy Earley. The church’s pipe organ, in two flanking columns, was dedicated in 1933.
The Church of the Apostles has reactivated its National Trust Conservation Appeal and is currently fundraising for work on its stained glass windows. You can make tax-deductible donations to the appeal via. 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.