Janet Cripps
Dating back to 1878, the church is an attractive and well maintained landmark in Perth and over the years Perth families have bequeathed money for the upkeep of the church and the nearby Anglican cemetery. Items have been purchased for the church in memory of past loyal parishioners, by their surviving families. What will happen to these? St. Andrew’s is more than just a church and a place of worship.
On Sunday 24th February, the final service was held in St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Perth.
While being well aware that churches are closing all over Australia and St. Andrew’s Perth is just another one, the suddenness of this closure has left a small, but dedicated band of parishioners extremely sad and disappointed. With a mostly aging congregation, still eager and keen to worship each week in their church, Sundays are not going to be the same.
Just after Christmas 2007, parishioners were informed that St. Andrew’s final service would be held in late March/early April, 2008, but by mid January, parishioners were told the final service was scheduled for 24th February – barely 4 weeks notice.
Two weeks prior to the final service, it was suggested to Parish Council that the local community be notified of the final service by way of the 3 local publications which are circulated throughout the Northern Midlands. The Tasmanian Anglican and the 3 major newspapers would have informed the wider Tasmanian community.
This does not appear to have happened. A letter drop to a small portion of Perth residents was conducted just a couple of days prior to Sunday 24th February. I am sure that many current and past parishioners and others with a connection to St. Andrew’s would be extremely disappointed to know that they have been denied the opportunity to participate in what should have been a fitting finale.
Dating back to 1878, the church is an attractive and well maintained landmark in Perth and over the years Perth families have bequeathed money for the upkeep of the church and the nearby Anglican cemetery. Items have been purchased for the church in memory of past loyal parishioners, by their surviving families. What will happen to these?
St. Andrew’s is more than just a church and a place of worship.
It has been a reason to gather together to fundraise, to clean and maintain the church, to cut the hedges, mow the lawns and create community spirit. It is so sad that people who have dedicated their time over many decades have had decisions made over them of which they have had no control.
Janet Cripps
Hobart
