No. 1655 - Royal Hobart Hospital Chapel (1948)

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Chapels have been established in almost every form of public institution including gaols, hospitals, retirement homes, schools, universities, convents and military camps. In Tasmania at least seven chapels have been established within public and private hospitals. This article will focus on the non-denominational chapel at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

The chapel within the Royal Hobart Hospital is located in a small, retrofitted space located on the first floor of the hospital’s ‘C Block’. C Block was constructed in the late 1930s as the ‘Acute Wing’, replacing the original sandstone Convict and Colonial hospital.

The Royal Hobart Hospital is Australia's second-oldest hospital (after Sydney Hospital) and the longest-running civil institution in Tasmania. Established in 1804, it has operated continuously for over two centuries, transitioning from a rudimentary convict facility into a premier modern medical teaching centre. In 1938 King George VI granted the "Royal" prefix, officially creating the Royal Hobart Hospital as well as a dedicated coat of arms bearing a Latin motto meaning "To Care with Compassion”.

The hospital’s chapel was dedicated on Wednesday 28 April 1948 by the Anglican Bishop of Tasmania, Geoffrey Franceys Cranswick (1894–1978). The dedication service was conducted by the president of the State Council of Churches, Reverend James Clemens Salter. The bible used in the service had been presented to the hospital in 1917 by the Archdeacon Whiting.

The chapel is used for regular services, prayer meetings and private devotions. Features of the chapel include two stained glass windows, one of which depicts St Luke the physician. Near the entrance a tapestry depicts Moses with his arms being lifted up as Israel fights a battle against the Amalekites. This reminds the faithful that miracles in life are sometimes the result of continuous, persistent spiritual effort and prayer. A board with a list of principal donors who enabled the creation of the chapel is located near the entrance.









Sources:

Mercury, Thursday 29 April 1948, page 5

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





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