THE Bothwell Town Hall was full to near capacity on February 26 for a meeting to discuss the future of the St Michael’s and All Angels Church. The former Anglican church has been listed for sale for some time and was formally deconsecrated just before Christmas.
The public meeting was hosted by the Central Highlands Council and a welcome was given by mayor Loueen Triffitt. Council general manager Stephen Mackey gave some background on the council’s previous considerations of buying the church, and the holding of public funds for the possible acquisition of the property. Mr Mackey also highlighted the need for $44,000 worth of immediate maintenance work needed on the church and an additional $80,000 of work needed in the medium term.
From the front table, Henry Edgell of the Friends of St Michaels group addressed the gathering, followed by James Oakley from the Anglican Diocese of Tasmania. Mr Oakley spoke of the process of the deconsecration of St Michaels, and the benefits this might have for future use of the property. He said consecrated premises can only be used for Anglican events, whereas the deconsecration property could potentially be used by a wider range of faiths and also secular weddings, funerals and cultural events.
Following Mr Oakley, speakers from the floor included local residents Dianne Fowler, Mary Ramsay, Anita Campbell, Greg Ramsay, Emma Datlen, Gordon Young, Jim Poore, Councillor Yvonne Miller, Christine Ferguson and Janet Monks. Most of the speakers referred to the strong emotional attachment they have to the church.
Greg Ramsay pointed to the example of the Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery in Ireland, operating from what was the St James’ Church in the Liberties district of Dublin. He showed photos of copper distillery equipment in the converted St James’ Church and asked if this might be a way ahead for St Michael’s, Bothwell. Other speakers acknowledged the difficulties of meeting the costs of council ownership, including a suggestion of a rates levy for Bothwell ratepayers to fund church maintenance.
Janet Monks asked whether the Anglican Church could donate the property to council so that the Friends of St Michael’s funds could be directed to maintenance of the church rather than its purchase. Mr Mackey concluded the meeting by noting that it was clear there was community support for the Central Highlands Council to take ownership of the property, and the matter will be further considered by the council.
One Response
What about a go fund me collection!