No. 438 - Eastside Bible Chapel at Devonport

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The Eastside Bible Chapel is located at Douglas Street in East Devonport. Founded in 1969, it is now one of 27 churches that fall under the umbrella of the Association of Christian Community Churches in Victoria and Tasmania.

The Association describes itself as “a movement of like-minded local churches, predominantly of a Christian Brethren heritage, that have united under a common vision and mission, set of beliefs and core values”.

The Christian Brethren, also known as the Plymouth Brethren, originated in Great Britain in the 1820s. By the mid 19th century the movement had spread to Australia, with the first revival meetings held in Tasmania from 1869. As a result, fellowships were formed in Hobart, Launceston, the Huon Valley, Smithton, Sheffield, Wynyard, Burnie and Scottsdale by the end of the 1870s. The Brethren placed an emphasis on weekly communion, the baptism of believers by immersion, and evangelism. The Christian Brethren should not be confused with the 'Exclusive Brethren, a restrictive group which broke away in 1848.

In Tasmania, most Brethren are 'open', that is, they do not belong to the 'exclusive' Brethren who avoid contact with outsiders to the religion. The 'open' Brethren are evangelists and carry-out community work, including overseas missions.

Photograph: Duncan Grant 2019

Photograph: Duncan Grant 2019

Sources:

https://cccvat.com.au

https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/tas/TE00667

http://www.utas.edu.au/library/companion_to_tasmanian_history/C/Christian%20Brethren.htm

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