The church and cemetery was originally owned by the Anglican Diocese of Tasmania. In 2018, the Diocese made a decision to deconsecrate the church and sell the property.

Recognising that members of local community families had provided significant input to the property for over 180 years, a group was formed to try and purchase the property, and to retain it for community use.

This resulted in the formation of St Mary’s Community Cemetery Kempton Inc., an Incorporated Not-for-Profit Association, and Registered Charity, who successfully raised the funds for the purchase, through fundraising activities and donations.

The Association is run by a volunteer committee, which is elected at the Annual General Meeting of Members, held in September each year. Membership of the association is open to all, and costs $20 per year. Membership Application Forms are available from the treasurer.

The Association now has a number of roles:-

• It is currently the Registered Cemetery Manager, and is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the cemetery in accordance with Tasmanian Government Legislation. The cemetery remains an active cemetery; plots for the memorial cemetery and niches for the columbarium can be reserved. Plots for the lawn cemetery follow on from the last person buried. Right of burial certificates are available for all three cemeteries. Arrangements for new and future burials can be made by contacting the treasurer.

• It is responsible for the overall maintenance of the cemetery, but maintenance of individual graves is the responsibility of families or their representatives.

• It manages bookings for functions and activities at the church, hall, and associated land. We encourage members of the community to use the facilities for family and community events.

• It is responsible for all on-going maintenance of the church and facilities to ensure that its heritage is maintained, and that it will continue to be a community asset that will be held in high esteem by future generations. Details of current projects being undertaken are periodically published on our website.