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CHAPEL OF ST PAUL AT MYALLA, WYNYARD

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CHAPEL OF ST PAUL, MYALLA

Myalla is a hamlet west of Wynyard, accessed from the Bass Highway.

According to a note (author C D Kinch) held in St Stephen's records, services began on 30th March, 1918. Mr H P Preestly (?), a visiting Lay Reader, held a Service in the baggage van at the railway station, 'there being an attendance of 41'. Services continued there for several months until 'transferred to the Goods shed'. The rector was Rev. E A Salisbury.

A Church hall was built in 1919 and formally opened on 5th October 1919. The Rector held two services, filling the hall on both occasions. The hall was licensed for Public Hall purposes and doubled as a Community Hall for some years. The licence lapsed for a period in 1933, while services continued, run by the Rector and lay readers. After work was done on the roof 'by a working bee', the hall was again licensed. Mr G V Cartledge relined and painted the hall in January 1940. The Hall was extended twice. Toilets were added. As it stands, the Altar is concealed when the Hall is not in use as a Chapel, as shown in the old photograph shown below (Jacobson, 1995, see footnote).

An article in The Advocate, dated 4th October 1919, noted that open services in the 'Anglican Mission Hall' were to be held the next day at 3 and 7pm. Rev. Salisbury was to conduct both services. A concert was to be held at 8pm the following Monday.

The same newspaper on 20th November 1925 noted that Messrs. Medwin and Harvey had nearly completed alterations at the Myalla Hall so that the Lord Bishop of Tasmania could conduct a service on Sunday 22nd November when he would 'dedicate the new sanctuary'.

In 1944, as reported in The Advocate in October 1944, Myalla Silver Jubilee was celebrated. Rev. W H Terry conducted a special service with members of the choir from St Stephen's, Wynyard, leading the singing. On 5th October, the anniversary a 'ballette' (raffle? Or 'ballet'?) was held in the hall. After expenses, ₤11 8s was raised. Mrs W Medwin presented a jubilee cake. After supper, Rev Terry outlined the purpose of the celebration, thanking all those who contributed its success. He asked Mrs E Lohrey to cut the cake so that everyone present could have a slice.

Competition prizes were won by Miss Farnham, Mr S Wise and partner, Mr J Elphinstone and partner. The music was provided by Mr P Walsh on the piano, Mr Bock (drums) with 'extras' by Mrs L Boys of Rocky Cape. Mr B Saward acted as MC, while Mr L Medwin was 'doorkeeper'.

Alice Bramich, a teacher at the Myalla School, was pianist from 1920-1936. Mrs Gwenneth Wise was responsible for the altar and the flowers.

Sunday School began in the railway carriage, then moved to the Post Office with Mrs Jack Robinson. The School moved to the back room in the Hall with Mrs Ann Austin acting as superintendent for the next 16 years. The logs showed attendances between 9 and 49.

The Ladies Guild began in the late 1950s. The Guild ran the Annual Flower Show.

According to Jacobson (1995), Mr Bert Saward, grandson of Matilda Kinch, held a position on the hall committee for over 36 years.

The Chapel of St Paul (called 'Church' on the sign) is at the north end of the hamlet of Myalla. The village is approached past the new Community Centre and cricket ground. Memorials¹ in the Chapel are the Cross (Matilda Kinch, 3 December 1920), vases (Catherine Austin), candle sticks (Mrs Bramich), Font (Guild), Altar Rails (Mr and Mrs G R Tyrrell in 1976), Myalla Hall Life Membership Certificates, Len and Lois Page, Bert and Olive Saward, David and Nancy Wise.

Click a picture to see a larger view

Once into the fringes of Myalla, before reaching the old railway line, on the right is the Chapel of St Paul, set between houses and with a grassy yard at the rear.

The interior, neatly set out with benches, can be dimly seen through net curtains. We hope to put up fresh photos of the inside in due course.

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