Woodbridge Uniting Church

A foundation stone records: This stone was laid by - G. Hiddlestone Esq -  Mayor of Hobart - on April 11th 1898.

A heritage sign records: The Union Chapel, near the Cemetery, was built in 1858 on half an acre given by Mr Joseph Davies for a place of public worship and shared by Protestants for many years. Parts of the old Government House in Hobart were used in the construction. In 1884 the Church of England withdrew to build St Simon and St Jude. The Wesleyans continued to worship there till the major bushfire of 1897 when the chapel was burnt. Today the old cemetery marks the site and the lives of first settlers. - After the 1897 fires Mr George Miles gave this land for the Methodists to built a new church. Home Missionary Mr A R Pratt lead the people and despite losing orchards, farms and buildings donations rolled in. The foundation stone was laid on April 17, 1898 [date not the same as on the foundation stone] and the first service was on July 17, 1898 in 3 months! This classic C19 building retains it high ceilings, lovely untouched Baltic pine lining, and some original oil lamps. - The new Methodist Church became the centre of community life. Sunday School was vital, and country people were expert in entertaining themselves. An extra hall was added in 1923, with a kitchen  - electric power had just arrived! There were concerts and films, socials, young mens camp-outs, flower shows, lunches for school children, with apple pies, strawberries and cream, weddings, funerals, and magnificant harvest festivals. And we still have great Community choirs on Christmas Eve and other times! -A Vision for C21 - On June 22, 1977 the Methodists Church became part of the Uniting Chuch in Australia...'A place of public worship for all" So do come in!