The Bishopric of Tasmania was founded by letters patent, dated 27th August, 1842, appointing the Rev. Francis Russell Nixon, D.D., first bishop.

He landed in June, 1843; and on the 23rd of that month commenced his public ministry in the church now known as the Cathedral of St. David, with the words of the Apostle Paul - "I determined to know nothing among you, save Jesus Christ." On the 27th of June Bishop Nixon was conducted to the episcopal throne by the senior-chaplain of the colony, the Rev. William Bedford, D.D., with these words - "I assign to thee this chair or see episcopal, and place thee in the same, in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."

For about twenty years the Right Rev. Dr. Nixon fulfilled the duties devolving on the Bishop of Tasmania. He was then, through the failure of his health, induced to resign the office; and on the 27th June, 1864, the Rev. Charles Henry Bromby, M.A., and D.D., was appointed his successor.