THE BAPTIST CHURCH OFFICE TODAY |
This is the first of four postings
about a remarkable set of buildings located at Wellington Street
Launceston.
Before it became the Baptist Church
Office, the building at 22 Wellington Street, between the Church and
Regal Press was initially a house, but for many years after that
operated as a hotel.
I
haven't been able to find out who undertook the initial construction
or when it occurred, but an article in the Cornwall
Chronicle of September
26th
1846 makes mention of Benjamin Hyrons building a “substantial and
lasting structure” in the vicinity of Charles and Wellington street
so it seems probable that he may have been responsible, especially as
when the house was converted to an inn in 1851, Hyrons was granted a
license to operate the business under the name of “The Royal
Hotel”.
An
interesting biography of Hyron, an ex-convict who established an
extensive business network in early Tasmania, and whose broad
interests included many inns in both the north and south of the
state, as well as early transport and mail services can be found at
http://innshumpagegoodegreenwell.familytreeguide.com.
Benjamin Hyron's enterprises, included stagecoaches which left from
the Royal Hotel immediately after steamers from Port Phillip arrived
in port. He offered to deliver his passengers to Hobart within twelve
hours.
In 1853, the
hotel was advertised for sale, as was Hyron's brewery which was
probably also located on the site. According to QVMAG's informative
article about Launceston's industrial heritage, Hyron offered “the
best ale in Launceston” for sixpence a quart if customers brought
their own vessels.
Other
proprietors followed Hyrons, but the next licensee of note was Henry
Davey Parr, who developed the site further, and added the stables –
the second oldest structure on the site. More about him next
posting....
Note: Its been
very hard to get a photo of this building without it being obscured
by vehicles, even in early morning semi-darkness! Then there are
telegraph poles obscuring the front, wires everywhere etc etc etc. I
have had a bit of a go at doing something presentable, but
fortunately the lovely Lee, who has had a long association with the
Baptist Church not only provided lots of useful information to use in
this series, but also some photos taken during the early days of the
church, which give a much better view of the building.
AN EARLY PICTURE OF THE ORIGINAL BUILDING AND NEW CHURCH |
The "God is love" sign was gas illuminated.
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