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Media release Sunday 28 October 2007 Holy Trinity Church to be deconsecratedHoly Trinity Church, North Hobart, will be deconsecrated at a special service today, Sunday 28 October. The deconsecration will mean that regular Sunday services are no longer held there. In March of this year the Holy Trinity Parish Council, which is the annually elected leadership body of the parish, petitioned Bishop Harrower to close the Holy Trinity building. This was in response to a comprehensive report from an expert heritage architect which put the cost of urgently needed restoration and upkeep of Holy Trinity at around $4 million. Bishop Harrower said that he had not taken this decision lightly and had considered the request of the Parish Council, the expert advice, and the opinions of other interested parties. He said, 'It is with sadness that I have taken this decision. We recognise the significance of a building like Holy Trinity to many people. However, there comes a time when we must make difficult decisions to ensure the future viability of the Church as a whole.' The church members of Holy Trinity also voted in August to merge with the neighbouring parish of BayWest, and the combined members of the two parishes will begin services together from Sunday 4 November. Whilst Holy Trinity is being deconsecrated, the church now needs to decide the future of the Holy Trinity building itself. This will take some months at least. Bishop Harrower said, 'We are grateful for the Hobart City Council's offer of assistance to formulate a conservation management plan for the building. This will help us as we now decide the best future for this important building in our city.' Dr Chris Jones, the Vicar-General of the Diocese, will be available for interview at 12 noon on Sunday 28 October at Holy Trinity, Church Street, North Hobart, following the service. At this time media will be given opportunity to film the interior of the church. Media Officer - Rev. Stephen Carnaby 0417 343 710 or Dr Chris Jones 0419 585247 |
Read Bishop John's pastoral letter of 18 August 2007 Read Bishop John's letter to the edior in The Mercury of 3 September 2007 |
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