No. 224 - St Alban's at Harford - "Peace Rejoicing"

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Originally called Heidelberg, Harford was an agricultural settlement in the Port Sorell- Latrobe region. The name was changed to Harford during World War 1, due to its German association. There were once two churches at Harford; a Wesleyan Methodist and an Anglican church hall.

The new Anglican church hall opened 17 April 1918 and was celebrated with a sports meeting. The inaugural service was conducted by Reverend R. Weld Thomas. The church hall included a vestry, with folding doors, which could be locked when the building was in use as a hall. A chancel was added and blessed in February 1921. In February 1934 a gift of a font, in memory of Miss Nellie Boden, the church organist, was blessed by the Venerable Archdeacon Atkinson.

There is not a great deal of information about religious activities at the church hall but the following report of 'peace celebrations' leaves no doubt as to the loyalties of the former ‘Heidelbergers’:

Peace Rejoicing - Saturday 7 December 1918
A large gathering assembled at the Harford Church Hall to celebrate a peace demonstration. The hall was beautifully decorated by the ladies of the committee. A procession took place at 8:30 pm from the hotel to the hall, which was headed by two young ladies carrying “the Kaiser”. Speeches were given by the Warden and Mr Chamberlain. A concert then took place, the performers mostly being from Latrobe. The bonfire was lit, and supper was handed around by lady helpers of the committee. Dancing was then indulged in, until the early hours of the morning”. [The North West Advocate and the Emu Bay Times]

Photograph: Duncan Grant 2018

Photograph: Duncan Grant 2018

Photograph: Duncan Grant 2018
Sources:

North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times, Tuesday 16 April 1918.
North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times, Wednesday  17 April 1918.
North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times Thursday 18 April 1918, page 3.
North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times, Saturday 7 December 1918.
The Examiner, Wednesday 13 April 1921, page 6.
The Advocate, Saturday 17 February 1934, page p9.

Henslowe, Dorothea I and Hurburgh, Isa Our heritage of Anglican churches in Tasmania. Mercury-Walch, Moonah, Tas, 1978.




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