A joyful chorus of songs and hymns of praise rang throughout St John’s Church on Sunday in a finale performance for the 2016 National Trust Heritage Festival.
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The church hosted a number of celebrations during the month of May as a contribution to the festival, celebrating Tasmania’s heritage and history.
Organiser Marlene Johnston said the event aimed to give praise for the heritage we have in the state and in Launceston.
“We’ve previously had history tours, we’ve had lectures in the spirit of the festival because this is a heritage protected building, so we’re really pleased to contribute,” she said.
“There’s a very rich history, and we've ridden on the back of the 190th anniversary of the church which we did late last year.”
Mrs Johnston said it was important to celebrate heritage, because it allowed the public to contribute more to the growing knowledge and stories.
“For example we’ve been given a little tool, handmade by Gordon Cummings who carved all the capitals around the pillars... his family have kindly given us this heirloom which goes back to 1938,” she said.
A showcase of local talent was featured during the event, including the Evandale Singers, Meegan Hughes, the Launceston Handbell Choir and the St John’s music group. The church’s famous organ was played by Craig Stenton, and his family Sarah and Stuart joined in playing the violin and cornet.