Robert Russell

Reverend Robert Russell arrived in Evandale to commence his parish duties on the 9th April 1838. At that time there was no church building and services were then held in private residences. The Scottish Community of Evandale had raised funds for the building of a Kirk (Church) and along with a grant from the Government this enabled the laying of a foundation stone in 1838 by the Governor, Sir John Franklin and from this the Kirk (Church) became a reality with the dedication of St. Andrews on 5th September 1840. Russel served as minister up until 1873. He was involved in the setting up of the Evandale reading -room and Library. He died in Launceston 31st March 1877