Thomas Hassall, eldest son of Rowland and Elizabeth, was born in Coventry, travelled with his parents to Tahiti at the age of 3, and arrived with them in Australia in 1798.
He was one of the first Anglican ministers in the country and was known as “the galloping parson”.
In 1822 he married Anne Marsden, daughter of Rev Samuel Marsden, and together they had 8 children.
He bought Denbigh, Cobbitty, in 1827 where they lived for the rest of his life. The next year he built the Heber Chapel which was used as the discrict church until he established the church of St Paul’s, Cobbitty, in 1842.
His grave sits just outside the Chapel. Also buried with him are his wife, Anne Marsden Hassall, and daughter, Eliza.
Inscription
In Memory of
THE REVd THOMAS HASSALL M.A.
Colonial Chaplain
First Incumbent of St Paul’s
Narellan
who after preaching the Gospel
for 46 years
fell asleep in Jesus
March 29th 1868 Aged 73 years
—
He that winneth souls is wise
Also
In Memory of
ANNE
Wife of the Revd Thomas Hassall, M.A.
who died June 18th 1885
in her 92nd year
—
Also
ELIZA MARSDEN
Fourth Daughter of the above
Thomas and Anne Hassall
Born at Denbigh 2nd November 1834
Died 26th December 1917
—
Oh happy saints for ever blest
at Jesus’ feet how safe your rest.
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