A 138-year-old church organ will soon no longer call Launceston home.
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The former Trinity Uniting Church on the corner of Margaret Street and Balfour Street will have its 1880 George Fincham pipe organ sent to Hobart, following its prospective purchase by South Hobart’s All Saints Church.
The Launceston property, which is a Tasmanian heritage listed building, will be turned into a fitness studio, after the Uniting Church sold it last year.
A development application advertised by the City of Launceston included the contract of sale between the trustees of the Anglican Diocese of Tasmania and Harley Commercial.
The contract showed the organ would be purchased by the trustees of the Anglican Diocese of Tasmania from Harley Commercial for $12,100 if a number of conditions are met.
The Heritage Council of Tasmania must approve the removal of the organ from Launceston by June 29 for the sale to proceed.
The Anglican Bishop of Tasmania, Dr Richard Condie also must give his approval for the organ to be installed at the All Saints Church before June 29.
Managing director of Australian Pipe Organs Daniel Bittner said the organ was built in 1880 by Melbourne builder George Fincham.
This is one of the larger and more comprehensive pipe organs in Tasmania.
- Managing director of Australian Pipe Organs Daniel Bittner
The organ made its way to the former Uniting Church in 1914, after a 34-year stint at the Wesleyan Methodist Church on Paterson Street.
“This is one of the larger and more comprehensive pipe organs in Tasmania,” Mr Bittner said.
“Because of its historical significance and quality we believe that it is most important that it remains in Tasmania as part of the state’s cultural heritage.
“Because of the sale of this former church property to a developer and plans for its redevelopment it is clear that this fine instrument does not have a future in its present location.
“We are delighted at the possible prospect of its move to All Saints Church, South Hobart, where we know it will be put to a much greater use than it has had at Launceston for many years.”
Australian Pipe Organs will move the church to its new location if the sale is successful.
The City of Launceston and All Saints Church were contacted for comment about the potential sale.
Stefan Boscia
Stefan came to The Examiner after working as a copywriter at a digital media firm in Melbourne and interning at The Conversation. He is enthusiastic about reporting on business, local government and environmental issues. When he is not chained to his work desk, Stefan enjoys getting brunch, reading Saul Bellow novels and watching Carlton games.
Stefan came to The Examiner after working as a copywriter at a digital media firm in Melbourne and interning at The Conversation. He is enthusiastic about reporting on business, local government and environmental issues. When he is not chained to his work desk, Stefan enjoys getting brunch, reading Saul Bellow novels and watching Carlton games.
