Biography

Frank Tasman Christmas, (1886 - 1960) was a craftsman and designer in Launceston. He was born in 1886, son of Richard Edward Christmas, a grocer of Launceston, and Annie Adelaide, formerly Stuart. Frank was given a local education and moved into Launceston to take up his employment.

He eventually became a maker of the then new apparatus, the venetian blind. Such was his calling in life when on 30^th December 1912 he married Maria May Stebbings, born 1888, daughter of Herbert James Stebbings and Sarah, formerly Ralph. Maria, or Myra as the family called her, was a most accomplished costumier and designed and made her own wedding gown and years later another wedding gown for her daughter.

Frank and Myra moved into the old Stebbings home in White Street shortly after their marriage. Frank turned his hand to other aspects of interior decorating, including furniture making and upholstery. They attended St. John’s Church where, in later years, Myra was very popular with the young members of the parish as it is said she always handed out little bags of sweetmeats at special occasions.

Frank died on 10^th May 1960. A stained-glass window depicting ‘Pentecost’ was erected in his memory in the chancel of St. John’s. The inscription reads:
A.M.D.G.
IN MEMORY OF FRANK TASMAN CHRISTMAS

Source

Extract from 'Engraved in Memory' by J.S.Gill. 1988