About Our Building
We acquired the church building in 2010. Situated in the heart of the city, it is one of Hobart’s architectural treasures. The heritage building was built over 1870-72 from fine sandstone of a pinkish brown colour. It was designed by local architect Francis Butler in High Victorian Gothic style with French overtones. With its tower and spire standing 37 metres high, the landmark church is visible from a long way down Elizabeth Street.
History
The church was built for the first local Congregational church formed in Australia and called Memorial Church to commemorate this and the ministry of the first Congregational minister in this country, Rev F Miller, pastor from 1830 to 1862. The motivation of these Christians is seen in the inscription on the lower panes of the large stain glass window at the front:
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
Almost 150 years later we are privileged carry the same Gospel message. As an autonomous local church it seems appropriate that Hobart Central Church meets in the beautiful house of worship built by these Christians who called themselves independent.
Pipe Organ
The historic pipe organ was built in 1879 by George Fincham as a two-manual instrument of 18 stops. In 1936 it was rebuilt with tubular-pneumatic action and detached console by George Fincham and Sons who added a Choir Organ of five stops in 1939. The Clarinet stop came from St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne. The instrument underwent further alterations around 1990, but the majority of the original pipework survives.
