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Tasmanian Anglican

March 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 


Stephen Atkins in concert on King Island

 

Big year for the Anglican Parish of King Island

by Richard Minol

 

 

On 2 November, the Anglican Parish of King Island began its combined celebration of 140 years of Anglican worship on the Island, and 100 years as a parish.

The exact dates for King Island to be made a separate parish are not known, but we do know that by 1904, the Bishop of the day visited the newly formed parish.

Anglican worship on King Island began with the small settlement around the Cape Wickham lighthouse. It is believed that a small building was used as a chapel for Baptisms, funerals, and worship services. This site is now covered by a large boxthorn bush.

Permanent

King Island was part of the North West Parish of Smithton and Stanley and was serviced by the minister on a regular basis. As the Island population grew, the need for a more permanent arrangement became evident and King Island was officially made a parish somewhere between the end of 1903 and early 1904, with worship services taking place in the Methodist Church or Halls. It was not until 1913 that the building of All Saints Church took place. This original church building was destroyed by fire on 19 December 1997 and a new All Saints was consecrated on 14 April 2002.

On Sunday 2 November the Parish celebrated All Saints Day with a family service and parish luncheon. The Women's Guild of the parish has been active in raising funds for ministry within the parish, and for missions outside the parish, and during the service they presented a book to all members of the Sunday school.

Modern

As part of its celebrations, the parish arranged a visit by well known Tasmanian singer, Stephen Atkins, son of Peter Atkins, who was a former rector of the parish.

Stephen took several workshops during his time on the Island and has been teaching keyboard at the King Island District High School and running music workshops at All Saints. He gave two concerts: one in the school on Friday 8, and the other in the Currie Town Hall on the Saturday evening. His week-long visit was capped by a modern worship service on the Sunday evening.

Support from BCA

The Parish of King Island receives support from the Bush Church Aid Society, an Anglican society that helps ministry to isolated and rural areas of Australia. A BBQ is planned for the summer months, to say thank you to BCA.

The Anglican Parish of King Island looks forward to other events during the course of the next twelve months. Any past parishioner or minister who is planing to visit the Island should contact the current priest, Richard Minol, to see if an event may be taking place during their visit.