Lyons Labor MHA Jen Butler said there was growing concern among parishioners at St Mary’s Church about the impending sale.

Ms Butler said Sir Richard was so popular and highly regarded that he was buried in the chancel of the church, a rare honour.

“The congregation is very worried about what will happen to the church,” Ms Butler said.

“Sir Richard Dry is such an important part of Tasmania’s history and the church.

“He is the first Tasmanian born Premier and the first Tasmanian to be knighted.

“Sir Richard was a fierce advocate against the convict system and he introduced compulsory primary education.”

Ms Butler said his funeral procession took four days to reach his home at Quamby, so great was the respect shown to him along the way.

Sir Richard, who grew up on Quamby Estate, was Pemier from 1866 until he died in 1869, aged 58.

He built St Mary’s church, a bluestone gothic revival church, which opened in 1862.

Ms Butler said if the Anglican Church failed to remove the church from sale the government must step in.

“The government cannot let the resting place of this important Tasmanian be lost,” she said.

“They need to understand and recognise the contribution  Sir Richard Dry made to our state and country.”

Registrar of the Anglican Diocese of Tasmania James Oakley said he had spoken to the Parish of Quamby, which covers Hagley, Carrick and Westbury.

“They have indicated that if Synod approves the redress proposal, they intend to put a submission in to Diocesan Council,” Mr Oakley said.

“I am excited that they are thinking creatively about how to fund redress and continue ministry in their local area.

“This is the creative thinking and consultation that we want to encourage over the coming six months with parishes.”

The Anglican Synod will meet on June 1 and 2 to decide whether to approve the redress scheme proposal which includes the sale of church property to help fund it.

Parishes will have until October 1 to put in a submission about St Mary’s at Hagley which will be considered by the Diocesan Council in December.

Mr Oakley said if  the Synod agreed to the proposal, the Anglican Diocese would  work to support parishes with their submissions, including making experts available.

The public can make submissions on any proposed sale of churches until 1 September.

Lyons Liberal MHA Guy Barnett has written of Sir Richard’s legacy calling him “a sociable, kind and humble pioneer.”

Historian Dr Dianne Snowden said because of the connection to Sir Richard Dry, St Mary’s Anglican Church was a significant Tasmanian heritage site.

“It should remain as part of the community, in acknowledgement of the man who built it and is buried there,” Dr Snowden said.

“We need to preserve and respect our historic heritage.”

She said cemeteries and memorials formed a significant part of Tasmania’s history.

“They have social and historic value and should be protected and conserved,” Dr Snowden said.

“The sale of church properties threatens this heritage.”

Vicki Wood is a Catholic but has attended St Mary's on a number of occasions.

She said the church welcomed all denominations, was an integral part of the community and still enjoyed a strong attendance.

"It is the best place for the community to gather and if this church goes it will be another connection lost to the community," Ms Wood said.

"It will further fragment the community and in this day and age we need communities to support each other and for 

"The church is a major link to the community and is important for the values it teaches young people."

Ms Wood said the church also had "great historical value.”