EARLY TASMANIAN METHODISM.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16986, 8 November 1920, Page 3

EARLY TASMANIAN METHODISM.

♦ ■■■ Tho centenary of Tasmanian Methodism, which was celebrated a few days ago, recalls the persecution to which the founders were subjected. Tho first attempt to establish tho Wesley Church in Hobart was by Mr Benjamin Nokes, who, as ho put it, "being affected by the low moral conditions of the people, and the abseneo of means of grace*," went round tho town in October, IS2O, inviting people* to nrayer meetings. were held in private houses, but worshippers had a Gad timo, being assailed by a mob ivith stones, bricks, and other missiles. Not until a threat of appeal to Governor Soroll for protection was made did tho disturber's desist. Melville street Church, the principal Methodist Church in Hobart to-day, was opened in October,. 1840, Sir John Franklin, the Governor, being present. The Rev. David Cargill, a scholarly Scotchman, preached ift one of tho opening services, and after a terribly long sermon he announced, in giving out the concluding hymn, "W© will sing only tho first verso and the last." A stern voice responded, "No, wo won't. You have charge of the pulpit, but I liavo charge of the choir." litis was from Mr Chapman, leader of tho choir, and at his signal the choir rose and sang the hvmn from beginning to end. •