No. 1512 - Ranelagh - Methodist Church (1932)
Ranelagh is a township situated on the Huon River approximately 2 kilometres north of Huonville. Formerly known as Ranelagh Junction it had previously shared the name ‘Victoria’ with neighbouring Huonville. Four religious denominations have been represented at Ranelagh including the Anglican, Catholic, Salvation Army and Methodist.
Two Methodist churches have been built at Ranelagh; the first dating back the early 1880s, was replaced by a new building in 1932. In book “Tasmanian Methodism”, Reverend Max Stansell writes:
“The Church at Ranelagh….commenced during 1856. The pioneer of Methodism in the district was a Mr. Reeve who arrived from England in that year. He settled at Rokewood, three miles from Ranelagh, and in 1858 commenced services in his home…”.
A small wooden church was built in about 1882. By the late 1920s the old building was described as being beyond repair “as the foundations had rotted, and the roof was almost falling in”. In September 1931 a scheme was put forward to replace the old church and in September 1932 the foundation stone of the new building was ceremonially laid. The Huon Times reported:
“A very interesting ceremony took place at Ranelagh on Saturday afternoon last, in the presence of about 200 persons, when the foundation stone of the new Methodist Church was laid by Mr Jas. Sheppard. The building at present in use for the Methodist Church services was built 50 years ago. It was in need of repairs and additions, but the stewards in charge decided that it would be better in every way to erect an entirely new building, and about three weeks ago a start was made with the work. Mr Jas. Sheppard has taken a leading part in the undertaking, and he and his grandson have been responsible for a great deal of the work which has been done to date…. The actual cost of the new building will be about £400, but as a great deal of work is being done by voluntary effort and handsome donations are being made towards the building fund, Mr Rimon being one of the principal workers, and that many a time he worked inside the building by candle light, after having already done a day's work…”.
The church was officially opened on Saturday 5 November 1932. The new church was built of wood on a concrete foundation. A report on the dedication ceremony published by the Huon Times included a brief description of the church:
“The dimensions being 40ft. by 20ft. The inside walls are of dressed, hardwood and asbestos, sheets. The platform, on which the pulpit and organ are placed, is movable on 'low runners. It can be pushed into the main portion of the building, so that the southern end, may be converted into a meeting room by the opening of folding doors”.
In 1958 the centenary of Methodism at Ranelagh was celebrated at the church. In the same year the parsonage was converted for use as a Sunday school hall. The hall was sold in 1972 and the church closed in 1991. The church building is still in existence and has been converted into a house.
Two Methodist churches have been built at Ranelagh; the first dating back the early 1880s, was replaced by a new building in 1932. In book “Tasmanian Methodism”, Reverend Max Stansell writes:
“The Church at Ranelagh….commenced during 1856. The pioneer of Methodism in the district was a Mr. Reeve who arrived from England in that year. He settled at Rokewood, three miles from Ranelagh, and in 1858 commenced services in his home…”.
A small wooden church was built in about 1882. By the late 1920s the old building was described as being beyond repair “as the foundations had rotted, and the roof was almost falling in”. In September 1931 a scheme was put forward to replace the old church and in September 1932 the foundation stone of the new building was ceremonially laid. The Huon Times reported:
“A very interesting ceremony took place at Ranelagh on Saturday afternoon last, in the presence of about 200 persons, when the foundation stone of the new Methodist Church was laid by Mr Jas. Sheppard. The building at present in use for the Methodist Church services was built 50 years ago. It was in need of repairs and additions, but the stewards in charge decided that it would be better in every way to erect an entirely new building, and about three weeks ago a start was made with the work. Mr Jas. Sheppard has taken a leading part in the undertaking, and he and his grandson have been responsible for a great deal of the work which has been done to date…. The actual cost of the new building will be about £400, but as a great deal of work is being done by voluntary effort and handsome donations are being made towards the building fund, Mr Rimon being one of the principal workers, and that many a time he worked inside the building by candle light, after having already done a day's work…”.
The church was officially opened on Saturday 5 November 1932. The new church was built of wood on a concrete foundation. A report on the dedication ceremony published by the Huon Times included a brief description of the church:
“The dimensions being 40ft. by 20ft. The inside walls are of dressed, hardwood and asbestos, sheets. The platform, on which the pulpit and organ are placed, is movable on 'low runners. It can be pushed into the main portion of the building, so that the southern end, may be converted into a meeting room by the opening of folding doors”.
In 1958 the centenary of Methodism at Ranelagh was celebrated at the church. In the same year the parsonage was converted for use as a Sunday school hall. The hall was sold in 1972 and the church closed in 1991. The church building is still in existence and has been converted into a house.
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| The former Methodist church at Ranelagh |
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| The original Ranelagh Methodist Church can be seen in the centre of this photograph which was taken in about 1914. Source: Libraries Tasmania, Photographer: C.P. Ray, Item number: NS392/1/816 |
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| An undated photograph showing the old church and hall located at the centre-left off Margaurite Road. Photograph supplied by Matt Hillier |
Sources:
Huon Times, Friday 9 September 1932, page 6
Huon Times, Thursday 10 November 1932, page 5
Stansall, M. E. J and Methodist Church of Australasia Tasmanian Methodism, 1820-1975 : compiled at the time of last Meeting of Methodism prior to union. Methodist Church of Australasia, Launceston, Tas, 1975.
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