This is our story so far
From humble beginnings to a vision for the city and beyond
Humble Beginnings
Midway through 1884 an inspired missionary to Tasmania arranged for an advertisement to be placed in the Launceston Examiner newspaper seeking Christians interested in forming a church…the foundations were laid for the formation of the first Church of Christ in the Launceston area.
In 1913 a mission tent erected on the corner of the Kings Way and Brisbane Street saw two hundred & seventy one people commit their lives to Christ.
Nine original members began meeting in private homes, the Bijou Theatre and the Temperance Hall.
Growing members resulted in the need for a permanent place of worship. The Margaret Street chapel was purchased in 1913 and the members continued to congregate there for over 80 years.
Within twelve months of occupying the Margaret Street chapel, wings were added to each side to accommodate the growing attendees.
Ever increasing numbers inevitably led to the need for larger premises. In 1994 a factory site in Frederick Street was purchased and extensive renovations were undertaken.
The Frederick Street renovation sufficed for the next nine years, but with a growth rate of over one hundred percent in this period, the need arose for even larger premises. Ironically a newspaper advertisement led to the consideration of another huge factory site. After lengthy negotiations the majority of the Coats Patons property was bought in 2002.
Coats Patons: lifeblood to the city
Patons & Baldwins grew from Hames Baldwin’s small wool business in Halifax, England, which started in 1785 and John Paton’s spinning works in Alloa, Scotland, established in 1914. The two industries merged in 1920 and the first overseas venture was to 
establish a mill in Launceston.
Construction commenced on the first stage of the Paton’s building and Baldwins site in March 1922. Within eight weeks a large portion of foundation had been readied and much brickwork laid. Almost all of the project was undertaken by Launceston trades people.
The original stage was completed in July 1923. It covered four and a half acres with a floor space of over 18,500 metres.
The fist machines became operational in August of 1923 with a dummy run held at the opening of the mill. The first outward delivery was made on the 20th December of the same year.
By 1933 the factory had increased its area by over 50% and had added two extra stories to the warehouse block. During World War II the plant ran almost non-stop, working on government and military contracts seven days a week.
Very little development occurred for a period of twenty years. But in 1955 a program commenced which saw the factory increase in size by another 50%; the buildings covering an area of ten acres. Baldwins eventually changed its name following a merger with Central Agency. The now “Coats Patons” continued the two main brand identity products: Coats’ sewing threads and Patons’ knitting yarns.
Coats Patons was the largest textile factory and major employer in this city since 1923 making it a very important part of Launceston’s history. Those employed here were like members of an extended family. Due to increasing costs and an inability to compete in an ever-changing market Coat’s Patons was forced to close its doors in October 1997.
At its peak Patons & Baldwins employed over 2,400 people.
To this very day there are still members of the community who remember “the good old days” and are overwhelmed by the incredible changes the facility has undergone.
The journey continues
Only God knows what the future will bring for Door of Hope Christian Church. We are excited about the days that lay 
ahead as we continue to pray and seek what God expects from us as a church.
We recognise we are not a perfect group of people but it is through grace and love that we continue to want to make a difference in our community, in our city, in our nation and beyond.
We’re thankful for the heritage laid down by those who went before us, and we
don’t take for granted the 127 years of history and influence made possible by the faithfulness and commitment of previous generations.