Church of the Apostles, Launceston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of the Apostles |
|
|---|---|
| Church of the Twelve Apostles | |
 |
|
 Church of the Apostles
Location in Tasmania
|
|
| 41°26′33.9″S 147°8′1.7″E / 41.442750°S 147.133806°E | |
| Location | 44 Margaret Street, Launceston, Tasmania |
| Country | Australia |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Dedication | Mary, Queen of the Apostles |
| Consecrated | 7 November 1866 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Henry Hunter, Alexander North, Peter Staunton |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Years built | 1866 (nave and aisles) 1888 (transept, sanctuary & sacristies) 1989 (bell tower & spire) |
| Groundbreaking | 15 September 1864 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Launceston Parish |
| Archdiocese | Archdiocese of Hobart |
The Church of the Apostles is an important Catholic church located in Launceston, Tasmania. It is part of the Archdiocese of Hobart. This beautiful church has a long history and is a key landmark in the city.
Contents
A Look Back: The Church's Story
First Churches in Launceston
Imagine a time when people didn't have a regular church to go to! In 1838, a temporary chapel was built in Cameron Street for the local Catholic community. They finally had a place to worship.
That same year, the government gave them land on Margaret Street. This spot was perfect for building a permanent church. It was called Saint Joseph's Chapel.
The first stone for St. Joseph's Church was laid on March 19, 1839. The church officially opened in October 1842. After about 20 years, St. Joseph's Church started to show its age. So, everyone decided it was time to build a bigger and better church.
Building the Church of the Apostles
The plans for the new church were drawn by a talented Tasmanian architect named Henry Hunter. The first stone for this grand new building was laid on September 15, 1864. A special ceremony was held by Bishop Willson.
By October 1866, the main part of the church, called the nave, and its two side sections, called aisles, were finished. On November 7, the church was officially opened for services. It was dedicated to Mary, Queen of the Apostles.
The northern part of the church, which includes the transept, sanctuary, and sacristies, was started later. Bishop Murphy laid its foundation stone on June 17, 1888. By this time, Henry Hunter had moved away. So, another architect named Alexander North took over the project.
A foundation stone for the church's tall tower was laid in May 1889. However, it took a very long time to finish! The bell tower and spire, which are the very top parts, were finally completed in 1989. They were designed by Peter Staunton, an architect from Melbourne.
Inside the church, you can still see its original stone high altar. The pulpit, where sermons are given, is made from beautiful blackwood and huon pine. It was crafted by Timothy Earley. The church also has a large pipe organ, which was installed in 1933. Its pipes stand in two sections on either side of the church.
Images for kids
-
Front view of the Church of the Apostles.
-
A side view of the church.
-
Beautiful stained glass windows and organ pipes inside the church.
-
A view of the church's interior.
-
A close-up of the church's high altar.
