473 issues + - 4 pages
Physical size of publication changed several times during the period covered.
Digitised example attached
Available online - https://resources.allsaints.network/?page_id=1784
73 issues are held in this collection of Church Messenger, the first being Vol. 2 No. 5, suggesting that the publication dates back to 1895, but may even have overlapped with the publication of Parish Messenger, as we have issues of that publication up to June 1895. A complete set of sequenced issues is held up to the end of 1902. Beyond that, no newsletters or magazines are held until the appearance of a new publication, The Churchman, from January 1905 (Vol. 1 No. 1)
Early issues identify as 'Printed and Published at The Examiner office, Paterson St Launceston for the proprietor, Richard Charles Nugent Kelly of St. John St. Launceston.' Later issues identify as 'Printed and Published by Henry Button at his office, 75 Paterson St. Launceston, for the Proprietor, Alfred Richard Beresford of St. John Street Launceston'. Button is well-known as one of the earlier historians of Tasmania, and is featured in the Australian Dictionary of Biography. See http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/button-henry-3131
There is some evidence that the collection of parish newsletters and magazines in the first half of the 20th century was the personal collection of Ernest Whitfeld, a long time church warden, as a number of the copies bear his autograph.
See https://allsaints.network/?page_id=562/#_Toc489043744 )
Significance:
Historic: monthly articles about current events at St. John's Church and other Tasmanian churches allow a greater depth of understanding about previously recorded events and programs, as well as events, programs and people not mentioned in existing historical records.
Social: Provides insights into attitudes and beliefs and the role of individuals and groups in the church and wider society at the time of publication.
Condition: The more or less complete and intact set covering 7 years at turn of 20th century adds to the value of the collection.
Provenance: Published by St. John's Church (in the name of then rectors) and held in stored documents by that church, so can be considered an authentic record.
Interpretive: Easy access to digitised copies will enable further in-depth study of, and insights into, the history of St. John's and the wider church, which will also provide a greater understanding and appreciation for a broad range of audiences.
Parish Messenger 1920 - 1985
Identifer
ASJ2020.01.4Physical Description
Monthly magazine/newsletter473 issues + - 4 pages
Physical size of publication changed several times during the period covered.
Digitised example attached
Available online - https://resources.allsaints.network/?page_id=1784
Historical Details
From the 1890s, St. John's Church published a series of mostly monthly newsletters under several mastheads, but mostly known as Parish Messenger. At times, the format was expanded to a magazine, and the contributors and target audience were Anglican churches across the colony, then state. Church Messenger arises from this statewide period.73 issues are held in this collection of Church Messenger, the first being Vol. 2 No. 5, suggesting that the publication dates back to 1895, but may even have overlapped with the publication of Parish Messenger, as we have issues of that publication up to June 1895. A complete set of sequenced issues is held up to the end of 1902. Beyond that, no newsletters or magazines are held until the appearance of a new publication, The Churchman, from January 1905 (Vol. 1 No. 1)
Early issues identify as 'Printed and Published at The Examiner office, Paterson St Launceston for the proprietor, Richard Charles Nugent Kelly of St. John St. Launceston.' Later issues identify as 'Printed and Published by Henry Button at his office, 75 Paterson St. Launceston, for the Proprietor, Alfred Richard Beresford of St. John Street Launceston'. Button is well-known as one of the earlier historians of Tasmania, and is featured in the Australian Dictionary of Biography. See http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/button-henry-3131
There is some evidence that the collection of parish newsletters and magazines in the first half of the 20th century was the personal collection of Ernest Whitfeld, a long time church warden, as a number of the copies bear his autograph.
See https://allsaints.network/?page_id=562/#_Toc489043744 )
Significance:
Historic: monthly articles about current events at St. John's Church and other Tasmanian churches allow a greater depth of understanding about previously recorded events and programs, as well as events, programs and people not mentioned in existing historical records.
Social: Provides insights into attitudes and beliefs and the role of individuals and groups in the church and wider society at the time of publication.
Condition: The more or less complete and intact set covering 7 years at turn of 20th century adds to the value of the collection.
Provenance: Published by St. John's Church (in the name of then rectors) and held in stored documents by that church, so can be considered an authentic record.
Interpretive: Easy access to digitised copies will enable further in-depth study of, and insights into, the history of St. John's and the wider church, which will also provide a greater understanding and appreciation for a broad range of audiences.
Materials
Dating of Item
1920-1985Database Date: Faculty Date:
December 8 2020;