from The Courier (Hobart), 19 August 1846

“PROSSER’S PLAINS CHURCH

The foundation-stone of this Church was laid on Wednesday last, the 12th instant. The Venerable Archdeacon Marriott, attended by the Rev. J. P. Gell and the Rev. F. H. Cox. The Archdeacon was received at the site by a considerable number of the inhabitants and neighbours and the children of the parish school. The day was most propitious for the event, but the effect of the late rains upon the roads and rivers prevented many distant well wishers of the work from being present. The proper office appointed for this diocese was used on this occasion, the clergy and people joining. After the 100th Psalm had been sung, suitable Scripture sentences were read by the Archdeacon, with a preliminary exhortation. This was followed by a short Litany. The stone was then offered in behalf of the donors by J. Forster, Esq , Police Magistrate of the district, and the Blessing of the Almighty implored on the undertaking and all concerned in it.

Part of the 118th Psalm was then sung, and the stone deposited with the following inscription: ‘That GOD may in this place be glorified, and the prayers and praises of the Faithful continually offered, until CHRIST shall come again. This stone … laid by Fitzherbert Adams Marriott, Archdeacon of Hobart Town, to be the foundation (if God will) of a Church, which shall bear the name and commemorate the ministry of Saint John, the Baptist and Preacher of Repentance, on the Eve whose Festival the quarry whence it is hewn was opened.’

This ceremony performed was succeeded by thanksgiving and an appropriate address by the Archdeacon. In reference to the absence of the Bishop, the rev. gentleman assured his hearers that, though absent in person, his heart was with them; that his anxious wish had been to take a part in this day’s work. But they were all aware that important services for the welfare of his Church had called the Bishop from his diocese before these preparations could be matured. The style of the intended building is that of an English village Church of the 14th century, the purest age of Gothic architecture. The site is well chosen, being central with regard to the town of Buckland, and from its elevated position, commanding the neighbourhood round for a considerable distance. The school-house adjoining is rapidly approaching completion, and will combine to form another and most important feature in this newly formed parish.”

View the original Hobart Courier newspaper article

Extract: “The Church at Prosser's Plains was consecrated on the 15th instant. The singular beauty of the fabric has been heard of in many quarters, and was doubtless a contributing cause to the gathering of a considerable congregation, who came to witness and give thanks for its dedication.

The Bishop and attendant Clergy, in their vestments, were met at the church-door by several of the inhabitants of the place, whose petition for consecration having been read by Thomas Crittenden, Esq , the Bishop entered the church, followed by the clergy and by the congregation which had assembled outside. The office of consecration usual in this diocese succeeded. Morning Prayer was said by the Rev. C. Dobson, the present chaplain of Prosser's Plains; the Rev. F. H. Cox read the appropriate lessons; and the Rev. Messrs. Tancred and Davenport assisted the Bishop at the altar. The sermon was preached by the Bishop; and, the office of the holy communion being ended, the people were dismissed with his benediction. It is not too much to say that many who were present felt deeply the privilege of attending a church and a service in which every outward circumstance and detail of worship brought to their hearts the time-honoured sanctuaries of their native land.”

Myths and legends abound about the provenance of Buckland Church’s stained glass windows, the biggest set in the east wall of the building. Whilst it’s fun to read the various stories, most are not true! But this does not detract from the stunningly beautiful colours and craftsmanship.

Perhaps the best description is by ‘Stained Glass Australia’; you can read their online article here.

The two gate posts at the entrance to the church have inscriptions.

On one it reads:

A.M.D.G. In memory of Silas Alfred Gatehouse 1872 - 1951 fifth son of John and Charlotte 1817 - 1898 1838-1911 and a grandson of Clement and Dinah 1783 - 1864 1784 - 1858

and on the other:

And in memory of Florence Nelson Gatehouse His eldest daughter who died at Brockley on 9th August 1957. Steadfast and true and his wife Anne 1877 - 1985

A list of most of the clerics who served at Buckland Church from 1846-1981 can be found here. They lived in the rectory nearby (shown above) built by Thomas Cruttenden, a local sheep farmer, as a home for his sister and her husband, the then rector (1846-48) Rev Frederick Holdship Cox, who had purchased the land. The house was later gifted as a rectory to the Buckland parish.

From the 1980’s onwards the rectors were:

Reverend A H Young 1988 – 1990

Reverend P R Arnott 1990 – 1994

Reverend Bruce Williams 1995 – 2002

Reverend Brian Curtis 2002 – 2006

Reverend Ross Ellwood 2007 – 2012

Reverend Trevor Smith (2012 - 2019) was the last rector of the Parish of Buckland.

From a local article: “Sunday, 6th June, 1920 was a memorable occasion in the history of St John the Baptist Church, when a dedication service of a new American organ was held.

The organ, by well-know firm of Mason and Hamlin, cost seventy pounds (£70.00). The organ was considered to be well-finished and to have an exceedingly fine tone.

Clergy present on the occasion were the Venerable Archdeacon Whitington and the Reverend JM Devenish, Rector of the Parish. Mrs. W.B. Gatehouse was the organist on the day.”