St John’s The Evangelist Catholic Church | Old School House

Architect/s: Unknown (1843)

St John’s (The Evangelist) Catholic School was established in 1843 in the Old School House adjacent to the church, with only 20 students and 1 teacher. The school moved to its present location, closer to the Richmond Bridge (but still within the parish and school ground) in 1925. The Old School House will present a display of church memorabilia and regalia.

The church, representing the resistance movements in Ireland impacting British colonies, epitomises the global Christian development. Richmond, a Catholic hub in the 1820s, sustained a primary school that continues to thrive. Today, St. John’s, along with the old School House and cemetery, is a cherished tourist attraction, reflecting its historical and architectural significance.

Located behind St John’s Church presbytery, the St John’s Old School House will open its doors for Open House Richmond. It will proudly host an exhibition of historically significant items from the Archdiocese of Hobart Archives & Heritage Collection, plus photos and items of interest from the Sisters of St Joseph & the Presentation Sisters. The Old School House has served the community in numerous ways since ceasing its role as a school, when the nearby St John’s Catholic School was opened in

Combine with a visit to St John the Evangelist Catholic Church (1837), designed by Henry Edmund Goodridge and Augustus Pugin, St John’s Cemetery, and view the 1957, Paul Fox, designed presbytery.

Open: Saturday 24 February, 10 am – 4 pm, Sunday 25 February, 11 am – 4 pm

Access: Some uneven surfaces and steps

Note: There is little on street parking available and St. John’s Circle is one way only. Please park beside St. John’s Church.

Open House Richmond experience: The church will be open throughout the weekend – featuring the Eveleen Brettingham-Moore designed and made altar. The Modernist lines of the 1957 presbytery, designed by Paul Fox, can also be enjoyed from outside.