IT IS not often that a 190-year-old experiences something new.
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But Launceston’s St John’s Anglican Church will record a first for itself and for churches in Tasmania on Friday when it plays host to a black tie fundraising dinner for St Giles.
The Black Diamond dinner will see 200 guests dine on some of the state’s most exquisite produce – including the hero, truffles – complemented by Tamar Ridge and Pirie wines.
On Wednesday, the biggest hurdle was tackled: removing the 120-kilogram pews from the church for the first time in its history. The mammoth task was orchestrated by Justin Lee, an engineer with Contact Electrical, with church volunteers pitching in with the heavy lifting.
Dinner organiser Danielle Blewett said the pews came out without a problem.
‘‘Everything went really, really well ... we’re testing the heating now, and the church is looking beautiful,’’ Ms Blewett said.
There is still plenty to do in the lead-up to the sold-out event, Ms Blewett said, with the kitchen and light projections to be set up.
Photographs taken by Rob Burnett and Chris Crerar will be projected onto the church’s facade between 6pm and 7pm on Friday.
