St David’s Church is an Anglican church that sits beside the ruins of the convict-built church at Port Arthur.

Built in 1927, The Mercury called it “a pretty little building”.

“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) [on Sunday, 18 December],” the newspaper reported.

“Despite the steady rain that fell, there was a crowded congregation in attendance, residents from all parts of the [Tasman] Peninsula being present.”

Building St David’s next-door to the old church was likely one of those decisions that make sense in hindsight, like dipping sushi rolls in soy sauce, putting a camera in a mobile phone, or saying your lawn mower is broken when your neighbour asks to borrow it.

Services are still held at St David’s. It is a tangible link between history and faith, and also illustrates the enduring significance of religion across generations.

Tas That Was is a column that includes:

  • anecdotes of life in Tasmania in the past;
  • historical photographs of locations in Tasmania; and/or
  • documentaries about locations in Tasmania.

If you have an anecdote or photograph you’d like to share with us, please send it to [email protected].

Callum J. Jones studied English, History, and Journalism at the University of Tasmania. He has written fiction and non-fiction for Tasmanian Times since 2018, and can be traced by the smell of fresh coffee.

Follow him on Twitter (@Callum_Jones_10) and Facebook (@callum.j.jones.creative).