The grand church turns 150 this year.

Its foundation stone was laid on September 15, 1864 and the church was opened on November 17, 1866. 

In a tradition reflecting dedications of churches worldwide, the church was dedicated to Mary, Queen of the Apostles.

Originally, only the nave was complete, and the transept, sanctuary and sacristies were added in 1888.

The imposing bell tower and spire weren't installed until 1989, and blessed and dedicated until 1990. 

The Church of the Apostles replaced the St Joseph's Catholic Church, which resided at the same site for 20 years from 1842. 

The Roman Catholic Church took over the site in 1838. 

Particular unique features of the church intrigue parishioners.

The pulpit, made from blackwood and huon pine, was carved by Timothy Earley at his Charles Street premises, which is now the Saloon Bar. 

At the entrance of the church a tradition prevalent in European churches was echoed by stained glass windows featuring the faces of people central to the building's inception. 

The stained glass windows at the entrance to the Church of the Apostles feature apostles’ figures with visages of the first pastor of Launceston and three others intrinsic to the church's growth.

The sheer grandeur of the church's architecture and size creates an interesting contrast with the intricate stencil work adorning the walls, and the multitude of stained-glass windows around the building. 

Parish Priest of Launceston Father Mark Freeman had been the parish priest since 2010. 

He grew up in Launceston and often attended the Church of the Apostles as a child, as he attended the neighbouring primary school. 

"All my life, [there] is an association with this church," Father Freeman said. 

"Because it's been here all of these years, 150 years...there's a connection that so many people have with it as the main church in Launceston."

Father Freeman said 100 years ago, apart from a few minor changes, the church "generally speaking, [was physically] much as it is now".

"I think [parishioners] just like its beauty and all the decoration of it,” Father Freeman said. 

“It's a particular style and if you were building a church now you probably wouldn't put those sorts of things in.”

The church will mark its 150th anniversary at the last weekend of November with events including a dinner, a mass and an open day.