The organ was build by J.C. Bishop of London in 1843 for Tasmania's first C of E Bishop (Francis Russell Nixon). The Bishop had the organ installed in his New Town home "Runneymede". When the bishop returned to England in 1863 the organ was purchased for St Andrew's Campbelltown, which had been completed seven years earlier.
The spire of this beautiful little church is a landmark in the town. It is reported that the builders forgot to untie a rope and left it dangling from the top of the spire when their work was finished and the scaffolding taken away. Not wishing to have the unseemly thing in evidence on the day of dedication, a rifleman of repute was asked to come along and shoot it down. After several tries with various missiles, among which it is said, even marbles were used, the offending rope at last came tumbling to the ground.
In 1871 the Rev. Alexander Michie came from South Australia to assist the doctor, who, full of honour retired in July, 1874. Old Mr. Alick Turnbull, the doctor’s brother and a keen gardener, used to keep the church grounds in perfect order until the time of his death. Here came lovers in the moonlight and children played away the happy hours.
The church itself has been closed for some time and recently was privately purchased and the intention of the new owners is to turn the old church into a café & functions venue.
Main Text & Information Sources –
Australian Heritage Database
Historic Photos –
Organ Photos –