A Brief History of the Southern Presbyterian Church

The history of the Southern Presbyterian Church has its roots in a spiritual awakening that occurred in the late 1950s.  Between the years of 1957 and 1960, there were a number of people throughout Tasmania who became concerned about the liberal teaching in many of the so-called evangelical Churches. They were also troubled regarding the number of people who had made a decision for Christ but later showed no interest in the things of God, but were rather hardened.  The people with these concerns began to have fellowship with each other and formed about seven home Bible study groups throughout the state of Tasmania. 

In 1957 a number of these groups began to consider the doctrines of the Reformed Faith.  This interest was encouraged by the publication of such books as Thomas Watson's ‘The Body of Divinity.'  The Lord’s blessing was upon these people in a very wonderful way.  The Holy Spirit made such great truths as God’s sovereignty and free grace very real and precious to them.  Immediately they began to spread abroad the doctrines of grace.