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In
1885 the people of Patersonia and St. Patrick's river felt that a
church was a necessity for their community.
Previously, at rather long intervals, a clergyman of the Church of
England came to Millwood’s Hotel at Patersonia to hold
religious services, weddings, funerals and christenings.
It is not known for certain who gave the five acres of land for the
church and cemetery. Some believe Millwood gave the land, others say
Warren and there may have been others.
The local residents worked together raising funds for material;s and
through working bees, built the church in 1885.
It became the centre for social activity in the district. A monthly
church service was held by a preacher from Launceston.
A Sunday school was run by Warren, aided by a man named Wilson.
The church was also used as a temporary school from 1886, until the
Patersonia school was built in 1887.
As far as it is known the church was first used by Anglicans in 1944,
before this they worshiped in a local hall.
In 1981 the Rector Brian Rayner, negotiated with the Uniting Church,
the then owners, and offered a nominal sum for the purchase. So it came
about that the Patersonia Church and five acres of land was acquired
for fifteen pounds. We are extremely grateful to the Uniting Church.
The bulk of the restoration work fell squarely on the shoulders of two
great workers, namely Mr. Athol Bessell and Mr. Reginald Collings. Also
Mrs. Helen Poxon was a tireless worker. There were numerous others, too
many to name and through the efforts of all the restoration of the
Patersonia Church came to be.
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