175th Anniversary of the Founding of the Diocese of Tasmania, the Cathedral of St David and the City of Hobart

The Anglican Bishop of Tasmania, Dr Richard Condie, said, “This week the Anglican Diocese of Tasmania, St David’s Cathedral and the City of Hobart are celebrating our 175th Anniversary”.

On 21 August 1842 Queen Victoria decreed Letters Patent creating the Diocese of Tasmania. The first Bishop of Tasmania, Bishop Francis Russell Nixon, was consecrated in Westminster Abbey on 24 August 1842.

The church of St David was considered suitable to become a Cathedral, and in the English tradition this also changed Hobart Town into a City.

“We are marking this special occasion with a reception at Government House on Friday 25 August, and a Celebration Service at St David’s Cathedral on Saturday 26 August at 10am,” said Bishop Condie.

“During the service, we will give thanks for the past as we look to the future.

“I will publicly launch our new Diocesan Vision: A Church for Tasmania, making disciples of Jesus.

Bishop Condie said, “We will also commission the Ven Stephen Carnaby as the Director of Ministry Development. His role is to work with parishes and clergy to achieve our new Diocesan Vision.

“We want to be a church FOR Tasmania, to make a positive contribution to our public life.

“We are seeking to be a people of blessing to our communities,” said Bishop Condie.

St David’s Cathedral will display items of historical interest, especially from Bishop Nixon