Dear Editor,
The Anglican Parish of the Huon has decided to sell the heritage listed St John’s Church in Franklin. An interstate visitor has offered to buy it to build a home and the lure of the dollar has won the day. Although Tasmanian Heritage listed and listed on the Australian National Heritage register there is little protection to prevent the church being demolished if the new owner chooses so to do.
It would be a tragedy if this historic icon of the Franklin village is to cease to be available for community access. We have had a number of community activities in the church as well as irregular church services. Although many locals are not regular church goers, they have supported the church by attending the community events in good numbers.
Although only a humble little building, St John’s has an amazing history and was, in Franklin’s heyday, the focus of the church in the Huon. Unfortunately the focus of the church has, over the past 30 years, moved to Ranelagh and it is people from this area that have made the decision without consulting the people who call Franklin home.
It is really up to the community of Franklin to stand up and say no to this sale.
It was proposed, at a special meeting, that the community of Franklin be given the opportunity to take over the church for 12 months to see if we can make it a focal point for a wide variety of activities. The Bishop’s representative, who chaired the meeting, reported back to the Bishop and the Parish council and recommended that the community be given the chance to support and manage the church. The parish council did not accept his recommendation. We have yet to here what the Bishop has decided.
At a community meeting on 18th June 2014 a unanimous vote by the people in attendance declared that the Church was an important asset to the community and that it should neither be sold nor demolished. The meeting also expressed determination to fight to save the church and cemetery as a vital part of the community landscape. A delegation will attempt to meet with the Bishop of Tasmania in the very near future
Letters of support are being sent to the Bishop by Jaquie Petrusma and Nick McKim. Lara Giddings was contacted and has pledged her support also.
Robert Armstrong was too busy to attend the meeting and offered no support.
The Church and our battle was featured on the front page of the Huon News this week.
A group of volunteers are willing to form a delegation to see the Bishop on behalf of the community of Franklin.
We are seeking as much support from all aspects of the community and are determined to act before it becomes a fait accompli.
The people of Franklin worked hard to raise the money to build the church in 1863 and the people of Franklin will fight hard to save the church in 2014.
Kind regards
Pat Lee
Braeside Road,
Franklin
