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The Anglican Church in Tasmania Search |
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a healthy church...transformingLIFE |
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A special piece of colonial heritage |
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The foundation stone of St David's Church, Hobart Town, was laid in February 1817 during the tenure of the first Colonial Chaplain Robert Knopwood, who had encouraged the use of music in Church; but it was his successor William Bedford who was responsible for the installation of this piece of colonial heritage, the John Gray organ. Bedford secured Government and private assistance for this project and placed the order with John Gray of London, a respected family firm of organ builders who were in business until the 1970s. The organ was built under the 'inspection' of George Cooper, organist of St Sepulchre's London, at a cost of £300 sterling. Bedford's very faint inscription on the sound-board testified to this; on the inside is 'Organ first erected in St David's Church Hobart Town, by William Hance April 1825.' Hance was paid £25 to set it up. AccidentThe Hobart Town Gazette described in detail the arrival, after almost four months, of the ship Lady East, in April 1825, with its cargo of private passengers, regimental guards, convicts and government stores, and not one mention of an organ. A brief and separate statement informed that the 'organ for St David's' had arrived. An accident prevented Bedford from officiating at Divine Service on Sunday 15 May and the organ was played by William Hance, who had, coincidentally, a connection with Clarence Plains. Sneak previewRobert Knopwood records in his diary on Saturday 14 May, 'Mrs Morrisby and Miss Chase who was staying with her and self went to hear the new church organ playd.' No doubt a sneak preview. Knopwood preached in Bedford's place and chose the text 'Awake up, my glory: awake, lute and harp.' (Psalm 57.9), and pointed out the use of church organs in Britain as early as 758. Following Knopwood's retirement in 1823 he eventually went to Clarence Plains, where he agitated for a church building in the parish, which in those days extended from South Arm to Risdon. Although built after his death, St Matthew's Church was the result and Knopwood and his ward Elizabeth Morrisby (Betsy Mack) are buried in the churchyard. In 1858, superseded by a larger organ at St David's Church, the John Gray organ followed Knopwood to St Matthew's Church, Rokeby. The organ underwent a major restoration in 1968, retaining its original character and charm and has been lovingly maintained, free of charge, by the late John McClelland. AppropriateIt is somewhat appropriate that the organ, Knopwood and his ward all have come to rest at St Matthew's, and that his view on the special place of music in life and worship has been perpetuated by the use of the John Gray organ for both church and secular music, involving the community, whether parishioners or not. As a Bicentenary project funded by Clarence City Council the Clarence Plains Historical Society has been joined by the Sound Preservation Society of Tasmania to produce a recording of church music ranging from Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring and modern carols, to more secular music such as Memory from Cats. Stanford's Te Deum and Negro Spirituals are performed by the Friends' Singers.
Profits from sales will benefit these two groups as well as maintenance for the organ. To buy CDs ($20) and cassettes ($15) contact Wendy Andrew 6247 6925 or Eric Arnold 6247 8256 |
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