Caught in the crosswinds

By Wendy Shaw

Parishioners and pilgrims are once again invited to reflect on the journey of Jesus on the cross as they pause outside the Church of the Apostles in Launceston.

For nearly 18 years an eye-catching wooden cross had been a landmark at the historic bluestone church.

It was erected following the journey of the World Youth Day cross and icon around the state in 2008.

It was one of 14 forming the Way of the Cross Tasmania pilgrimage, with other crosses at Catholic churches in Queenstown, Smithton, Somerset, Forth, Deloraine, Beaconsfield, Longford, Oatlands, Richmond, Pontville, New Norfolk, Kingston and Hobart.

But it came crashing down during high winds on 10 October last year. Following repairs, it is now back in place, albeit slightly shorter and with ‘a few war wounds’, as Parish Finance Council chairman Hans Wanders explained.

“I am very happy with the outcome,” Mr Wanders said.

“It did make the forecourt area of the church look a bit bare when it wasn’t there.”

The wood of the cross had rotted where it had been concreted into the ground, and it fell during the spring storms that lashed Tasmania, with the Bureau of Meteorology recording wind gusts of up to 87kmh in Launceston.

“The first job was to cut the uprights back to solid timber,” Mr Wanders said.

“I think its height above ground may now be about 250mm shorter.

“The second problem was that its design was such that it was not a solid structure. We had already added some extra cross supports to firm it up but one of these broke loose when the cross fell.

“This strengthening was re-attached to the cross. Really, there was very little overall damage to the timber. It now has a few war wounds and could possibly do with a bit of … varnish.”

Parish Finance Council member Jason Bresnehan contacted Launceston City councillor Joe Pentridge who picked up the cross, took it to his workshop, repaired and re-installed it. 

The cross is the backdrop for annual events such as the public Rosary and the blessing of the animals.

A plaque near the cross reads in part: “This cross is one of many that form a pilgrimage around Tasmania. You are invited to take a few moments to reflect on the journey of Jesus on the Cross.”

According to a framed print entitled ‘Way Across Tasmania’ that hangs in the office of the Launceston Parish Priest: “The large wooden cross stands before the historic Church of the Apostles and is visible from both Margaret and Elizabeth Steets in central Launceston. The design of the cross evokes an intersection typical of the city and where human and divine also meet. Bluestone retaining walls house a garden which creates a secluded paved sandstone area for quiet reflection.”