The Church Of Our Fathers. 183 PART III.
The See Parish And The Formation Of The Diocese.
Sale, 100 Years Ago, Or, As It Was Known In Those Days-Flooding Creek.
It is doubtful whether there were very many settlers in Flooding Creek prior to 1844. Since that time it has developed into the capital town of Gippsland, a See town, or, as one Gippsland Centenary handbook describes it, "The seat of two Bishops."
In an article specially written for the "Gippsland Times," Sale, and published in the "Centenary Souvenir," the writer says:- "The discovery of a practical route by land from the Manaro district into and through the wilds of Gippsland, and the opening of a navigable port at the Mouth of the Albert River on the eastern side of Corner Inlet early in the forties were immediately followed by a steady stream of enterprising settlers into the province. But with these hardy adventurous pioneers came also an element 'of the baser sort.” - the flotsam and jetsam of colonial life, ticket-of-leave men and escapees from the penal settlements in Van Dieman's Land or at Sydney Cove.
The district around Flooding Creek, mostly plain land adjoining the Latrobe and Avon Rivers and Lake Wellington, had been quickly taken up for sheep and cattle runs.
Commissioner Tyers, in a report to Governor Latrobe, from Alberton, dated 15th July, 1844, estimates the number of stations in Gippsland at 40, the people employed thereon 327, of whom 278 were free, the remainder prisoners of the Crown. He speaks of the "runaway convicts and other bad characters,
who had been dispersed from Alberton where they had infested the place for months." [No wonder poor Mr. Hales was nearly driven out of his mind. There must have been gay doings in Alberton until the time of the dispersion.]
"One of the early settlers, W. Odell Raymond, who had occupied a station near the Avon River, in a letter forwarded to Mr. Tyers stated : 'We feel the want of a police bench here very much,' and in the interest of law and order made several recommendations, voicing a general complaint as to the insecurity resulting from the lawless character of the undeserving and restless section of the settlers, and from the menace of depredations by the blacks who, at that time, were in considerable numbers."
At that time, in 1844, there was no settlement whatever at Flooding Creek, which was a prominent feature in the network of billabongs and waterways connecting through the swamps and morasses with the Latrobe and the Thompson Rivers. Just above the main creek is the old coastal plain, several feet higher in elevation than the swampy area. Hither, early in 1844, following in the track or road afterwards known as York Street, and probably favoured by travellers as the least difficult and dangerous in approaching the morasses of the Latrobe River, through which the way to Port Albert ran, Charles Lucas, afterwards of Stradbroke, returning "from Bairnsdale Station, brought with him in his dray to Flooding Creek, Archibald McIntosh. The latter, perhaps liking the appearance of their camping ground, or tired of the wearisome journey, decided to go no further, and pitched his tent just above Flooding Creek. "Not once or twice in our rough island story" a homely blacksmith's shop has formed a fitting nucleus of settlement; and to the forge naturally came drovers, teamsters, and horsemen generally in those days of settlement, men usually thirsty from travel in dust and heat. In accordance with that affinity noticeable in colonial life McIntosh’s blacksmith shop was soon naturally followed by the rough bush hostelry known as the Woolpack Inn, built by Mr. R. Fitchett.
This was erected between the present sites of the State Savings Bank and the Brewery, but nearer to the former. Of necessity these buildings were rough in construction, usually of "wattle and dab," with bark roofs, red gum and stringy bark being used for the framework. The spacious fireplace and chimney had a wooden framework plastered inside with mud. Red gum slabs were utilised for flooring, where that luxury was in demand.
Provision was usually made in these huts for an attack by the blacks. McIntosh's house was situated not far from Lake Guthridge, and the present site of the residence of the Sergeant of Police. A later building, evidently displacing the original, was dismantled only a few years ago. (ie. pre 1947)
Here Archie lived for many years with his brother, Donald, and his two sisters. Nearly opposite, George Green started a butcher's shop, and B. Smith supplied milk. Mr. Raymond's request, backed by the neighbouring squatters, was recommended by Commissioner Tyers. In the report above mentioned, speaking of the inadequate police force at his disposal, he suggested establishing two police stations in the occupied country, each consisting of five troopers of the border police, and two of the native police attached as trackers. "One of these stations I should propose fixing in the midst of the settlers on the Latrobe or Maconochie under the orders of the border police." The other station was to be where Bairnsdale now stands. Thus a little lonely settlement in the heart of the wilder- ness was in train to become, in due course, a village. The late Mr. R. Ball, who came to "The Creek" in the year 1845, used to say that there were then only five residents. The settlement grew slowly. In 1848, the first Church of England minister in Gippsland, the Rev. Willoughby Bean, estimated that the population of Flooding Creek, including The Heart and Clydebank, was 111 persons. [Evidently the writer did not know that there had been two Church of England clergymen before Mr. Bean, viz., the Revs. E. G. Pryce and Francis Hales. "Parson Bean" was the first resident minister.] "It was not until 1848 that the first survey of the township at Flooding Creek was made by Penrose Nevins, and not until the year 1850 that the first land sale took place, the name "Sale" being first used on that occasion, and officially approved in the same year.
From the nature of the site in the vicinity of creeks, swamps and morasses, the approach, especially in winter-time, was exceedingly difficult. As yet there was little cultivation. All supplies had to be brought over bad and heavy roads, hard beset, according to season, by flood or fire.
Frequently care in the use of necessities had to be exercised until an eagerly awaited consignment of goods came from the "Port." Game, however, was abundant; wild fowl could be shot almost from the doorways, kangaroos and koalas were in great numbers; fish was easily obtainable. When a bullock or sheep was killed by a settler, others took sufficient for their wants, water was easily obtainable, Scrubs of dense tea-trees, reeds and rushes were about the swamps, a profuse growth of vegetation lined the banks of the streams, whilst a thick forest of eucalyptus all round gave woods for building purposes and for fuel. Bullock wagons took five days to come from the "Port," or even longer in flood time, for after heavy rain it was not unusual for the country to be submerged from the site of the village to the foot of Longford Hill, "The Creek" fully justified its name. The road, an unimproved bush track, led to a crossing about half a mile below the present Swing Bridge, where as early as 1842, a rough punt had been installed for crossing the Latrobe. Sometimes boats had to be used for conveying passengers and supplies over the flooded area from the Longford side to the Flooding Creek. Her Majesty's mails were carried on horseback with many a mischance and exciting incident "by flood and field." The post was received at the Woolpack, the bags being tipped out for the recipients of letters to collect their own, money being: paid at first instead of postage stamps for letters. Very little money was current, a system of barter, in which, rum and tobacco often played a prominent part, being in vogue, or else orders on shopkeepers might be given for work done. Although life was rough, privations many, comforts few, it had its compensations, especially in building up a self-reliant, resourceful character, as well as a hardy and robust frame in those who, as pioneers, cheerfully encountered and triumphantly overcame the difficulties that surrounded them. Around the Woolpack Inn, to which as regularly as possible Jamaica rum and Colonial beer were brought from Port Albert in, barrels, sometimes unaccountably shorter in measure than when dispatched. Here bullock drivers rested their teams, lone shepherds "knocked down" their cheques or cash, if any. Swagmen loitered indefinitely round the bar, or slept off their carouse. Casual travellers, an occasional trooper or other official, settlers: in eager search for the latest news from outside their narrow environment, or hoping for the infrequent English mails to receive letters or news sheets from "Home" across the sea, foregathered and exchanged experiences. The Inn was a focus of attraction alike to those of high and low degree, a local centre for discussing matters of business, making or hearing public announcements, a meeting place as well as one of departure, not only a place of refreshment, but occasionally an itinerant preacher with the care of souls from Manaro to the sea, held a well-attended service at the friendly inn. Outside would be seen, some dusky members of the local tribe of natives, with opossum skin rugs or blankets covering their nakedness, the men with their spears, nullahs, and boomerangs, the gins with dilly bags for carrying food and their scanty possessions, whilst, perhaps bright-eyed piccaninnies would also be part of their burden. Contact with white people brought the inevitable deterioration. in their tribal customs and manner of life, and the acquisition of habits which quickly decimated their numbers.
Some of them, both for domestic work and for station life. became useful servants in the early days. Commissioner Tyers in, 1884, estimates their numbers round the Lakes as about a thousand.
Now they are almost extinct. The forest has long since disappeared, the hunting grounds cleared, the dense jungle of vegetation destroyed, the swamps drained, and open roads lead to other centres in every direction.
The little band who, amid toil, privation, dangers and difficulties well and truly laid the foundation upon which we build. As a. result after eight decades of steady growth, we have the progressive town of today.
The writer ends with these words:-
"Honour we then, those heroes bold
Of strength of arm, and heart of gold
Who bore the burden of the day
To leave for us the open way;
Who sowed the seed mid toil and pain
That we might reap the ripened grain;
Gone with the years they leave us still
An impulse strong that nerves our will,
God grant that, when our rest is won,
Our record closed, our duty done,
May bear such fruit for after years
As that which crowns our pioneers." -Charles Daley-
I noticed in the Jubilee booklet produced by the Cathedral Parish in 1934 the statement that "So far back as 1846, Gippsland was visited on several occasions by the Rev. M. Price, the resident clergyman of Manaro, New South Wales. The principal centre of his labours was in and around Tarraville, but he came to Flooding Creek (Sale) and held a few services there."
Maybe this is true, but I doubt if there is any definite record to prove it. I have not been able to find it, neither has the Rev. G. Cox, that keen Gippsland historian. Again the name is incorrect. It should be the Rev. E. G. Pryce. His photo, together with other early pioneers, appears in the Alberton portion of this book.
For approximately seven years Flooding Creek was ministered' to from the "Port." The Rev. Francis Hales and Willoughby Bean made frequent journeys, conducting services in private residences and in the large room of the Woolpack Inn, Sale.
FIRST INCUMBENT OF SALE.
In October, 1854, the Rev. P. K. Simmons arrived in Sale and was duly licensed to the charge of the Parish, which then included a large area extending beyond Bairnsdale. With the coming of Mr. Simmons regular services were established in various centres. One was conducted fortnightly in the old Court House in Raymond Street, Sale, somewhere near the site of the present High School, and nearly opposite St. Anne's Girls" Grammar School.
In those days there was no Vicarage for the minister, and I believe he resided at Mewburn Park. "Through the liberality of Mr. Johnstone, of Mewburn Park, the old Glebe land on the Maffra. Road was purchased."
I have always been under the impression that Christ Church Tarraville, was the first church to be built in Gippsland, but I read in a booklet produced by the Cathedral Parish in 1934, the Sale Church "was commenced in or about 1856, and the foundation stone was laid by Captain Jones, of Fulham."
It is, of course, a trifle vague and, as there is nothing definite to go on, I think we can still safely give Tarraville the distinction. The same publication states, "Captain Jones also presented the Font which is still in use. There is still in the possession of Mr. Cecil Jones, of Stradbroke, a Bible with the following inscription: "March 21st, 1860. Presented to John William Jones. In the commemoration of the baptism of his son, Ernest William, being the opening of the Font in St. Paul's, Sale. With kindest regards and best wishes of the Rev. P. K. Simmons, Incumbent of St. Paul's Sale." Captain Jones' sister, Mrs. Kensall, was the first organist of the church, and with Mrs. Carpenter, started the first Sunday School.
In 1862 the Rev. P. K. Simmons resigned, and very soon after the Rev. Theodore Stretch was appointed and collated Archdeacon of Gippsland and Sale, in January of that year. Whether it was due to the "new broom" or not, I am not prepared to say, but the church was far too small, and it soon became apparent that extensive additions would be necessary to cater for the needs of the people.
The cost of the work was estimated at about £1700. This evidently took some time to raise, and caused some little controversy amongst the members of other religious bodies. This will be seen from the following, which appeared in the "Church Gazette," July 16th, 1864:- "Sale, Gippsland: Some time ago a bazaar was held and certain moneys collected, for the purpose of 'extending and enlarging the Church of England at Sale.' The amount realised is stated to be about £400 or £500. A correspondent of the local paper says he 'cannot see the prudence or justice in locking this up in the Bank of Victoria at a miserable rate of interest,' and coolly suggests, that, because the money was subscribed by members of all denominations, who at that time worshipped in the church, not having churches of their own, as the Church of England does not require it, 'the application of the money towards building a Wesleyan Chapel would not in any way be diverting the money from its original purpose, i.e., extending and enlarging the Church of England at Sale.' "
Well, it's good to know that there were optimists in those days, and know that we had wise, level-headed men both in Sale, and at our headquarters in Melbourne, for an answer to this suggestion appeared in the "Church Gazette," August 1st, 1864. "The township of Sale, as being the Metropolis of the district, is of course, the centre of Clerical work. We have here a small church well-filled, which, it is proposed to enlarge as soon as the necessary arrangements are completed.
Those who have been conversant with the details of church building in any part of the Colony know the difficulties and delays invariably connected with work of this kind In the meantime the money in hand (some £45'0) is quite safe, and in no danger of being applied, as suggested in the last issue of the Church Gazette, to erection of a Wesleyan Chapel. We may add that the need of an enlarged place of worship is no less now than it was. There are two services in St. Paul's Church every Sunday and during the winter months an afternoon service at the Parsonage, which is nearly two miles from the church. Services are conducted on one Sunday in each month at the following places: Bairnsdale or the Mitchell River, 50 miles away, Rosedale 18 miles distant, and Stratford 10 miles distant. There arc also occasional services at Bruthen and other smaller townships not to mention various sheep and cattle stations.
Whenever there is a fifth Sunday in the month, it is devoted either to Omeo, 125 miles, Crooked River, 103 miles, Donnely's, 50 miles, or Jericho, 80 miles. The roads leading to these goldfields (rapidly growing as they are in importance), are of the rudest description, and carried over the steepest mountain passes.
The work of a clergyman among these ranges is one which requires, if anything does, the "mens sana in corpore sano." While only two of our staff are employed in traversing this immense district, it is impossible that the great work could be efficiently carried out. "
EXTENSION OF ST. PAUL'S, SALE
The foundation stone of the new portion of the church was laid in due course and, in a receptacle under it, was placed three coins, 1/-, 6d. and 3d., a copy of the "Gippsland Times," and two documents. One contained the following information: "To the greater glory of God, His holy apostle St. Paul. The foundation stone of this church was laid on Wednesday, 8th November, 1865 by John King, Esq., of Nambrok, Gippsland, justice of the peace, etc., etc. Sir Charles Darling, K.C.B., Governor of Victoria; the Right Reverend Charles, Lord Bishop of Melbourne Diocesan; the Venerable Theodore Carlos Beboni Stretch, M.A., Oxon., Arch, deacon of Sale, and incumbent of this Church, the Reverend Edward Samuel Ratcliff, B.A., T.C.D., curate; John King, Richard Bennison, trustees; committee, Edgar Slade, R.N., P. Platt, W. H. Foster, James Davey, L. Bolden, W. N. Stead, C. F. T. Farran (treasurer), W. Patten, F. Mawley, W. Bryant, J. Beattie, and]. J. English (secretary)."
I am sorry to say that I cannot tell you what was on the other document because when it was discovered by Mr. A. W. Cook contractor in 1913, the writing was undecipherable; but it was in Latin, "Tempus edax rerum," or was it the silverfish? Evidently they preferred Latin.
So the church was enlarged and the Methodist Chapel did not benefit by the little gold mine stored away in the Bank of Victoria. Note the size of the Parish: From Sale to Bruthen and sometimes to Omeo and Crooked River is a tidy little jaunt on horseback. Some idea of the conditions of travelling in those days may be gained from the following description of a journey from the Port to Sale. It comes from the pen of a correspondent to the "Church Gazette," November 1st, 1864. "Leaving the lower district I took the coach for the Borough of Sale, and having succeeded in holding on to the vehicle by a firm grip, that respected and obliging Jehu 'Tom Plows' rattled on along what is facetiously called a road, in daring style, over sand hills, and through water-splashes, mud and mire, across bridgeless creeks, with an occasional detour through the bush to avoid bog-holes and quagmires.
We arrived without injury or accident at Hill-top Morass, which is about three miles wide, over a portion of which is a long bridge or platform leading us to a spot celebrated and notorious, called "Punt Lane," only a very small portion of which could be observed, the late rains and melting snow having caused several rivers forming a junction here to overflow and conceal it. Jehu was here stopped and could not proceed further with safety to the passengers; consequently, the aid of a boat and a boat's crew was called in, and after transference, first of the ladies, and afterwards of the sterner sex, we were safely steered across to Sale. Arrived at Sale after engaging with Mine Host of the Exchange and refreshing ourselves, we next day strolled through the streets, and met the Ven. T. C. B. Stretch, first Archdeacon of Sale, just emerging from the National Schools, where he had been giving the limited amount of religious instruction the rules of the Education Board permit.
Accepting his invitation, we accompanied him in his buggy to his residence, "The Glebe," Sale. The Archdeacon's residence is built of wood, but of good size, and is very picturesquely situated on a mound of rising ground, which gives it a commanding view of the beautifully grassed plain and cultivated land around. Attached to the residence is a Glebe of about 30 acres of rich land, purchased for, and belonging to the church." (We must not confuse this with the Glebe at Rosedale, that comprised 104 acres, and was given, as recorded in the Rosedale section, by Mr. J. King). The writer continues: "This, of course,
is cultivated and occupied by the Archdeacon for his own use .... Retiring to Sale, a visit to the church, situated on the hill, or high tableland overlooking the celebrated, and to friend and self, ever memorable "Punt Lane," afforded us an opportunity of listening to the practice of the choir, which numbered from twenty to thirty persons, the Archdeacon and his Curate (Rev. Mr. Firth) being present.
The church is built of brick, but is not of a very pre-possessing appearance, and is much too small for the increasing population of the pretty little, bustling, lively Borough of Sale."
The writer certainly describes his journey very well, but I doubt whether either a "hill" or "high tableland" would fit the present site of St. Anne's Girls' Grammar School. In February, 1886, the Archdeacon resigned his Incumbency, and the Rev. T. W. Sergeant was licensed as Minister of the Parochial District of Sale and Stratford. February 1st, 1872, saw Sale declared a Parish and its minister licensed to that charge and given permission to officiate in the districts of Rosedale and Walhalla. Poor man, I thought his work would be lightened as far as travelling was concerned, but he is "out of the frying pan" into Walhalla, spelt with a "W," not a "V." The Rev. T. W. Sergeant was appointed a Canon, but whilst on leave he went off, or in other words, resigned, and his Locum Tenens, the Rev. George Wade Watson, was appointed as Incumbent of the Parish.
New Church
In August 1882, the land on which stands the present Cathedral and Residence was purchased for the sum of £1500. Plans for the new church were prepared by Mr. Billing. After considerable delay, the contract was let to Mr. Wynd, for the sum of £3389. On 3rd December, 1882,!!! the foundation stone was laid by Bishop Moorehouse, and on the 5th November, 1884, the new church was officially opened by Bishop Moorehouse, who preached at both services. In the same year a pipe organ was installed at a cost of £290. I believe the present organ is the same one. It has been repaired and improved by the addition of blower and stops.
The Jubilee booklet records an interesting item from the minutes of 1885, when to augment the income of the church, it was decided to hold an Art Union. The Rector was given authority to purchase three blocks of land, to be given as the first prize, and the old organ was offered as fourth prize. There is no record of the result of this unorthodox method of financing the church, but the following year the Guardians decided to raise the Rector's stipend to £360 per annum. Further on the same booklet records. "The clergy had their difficulties in those days. One Incumbent refused to hand over the church records, and at a meeting of the Guardians it ' was decided to take legal action against him. An assistant priest was indicted by the Bishop of Melbourne because of the language he used in one of his sermons. Much as you would like to know it, unfortunately there is no record of the offending words, and we simply have to use our imagination. The organists and vergers also had their problems, and the minutes from 1861 onwards reveal the fact that organists and vergers were appointed and dismissed at regular intervals.
The complaint against one verger was that he allowed his horse to tramp over the lawns of the church.
Amongst the organists appointed from time to time, the names of Mr. Maynard and Mrs. Rich appear.
In 1896, Miss Watson, the daughter of Canon Watson, tendered her resignation as organist when her father left Sale, and Miss Easterby, afterwards Mrs. Napper, was appointed. She presided there happily for thirty years until she left the district."
Speaking of vergers reminds me of the man who told me his father had been a "virgin" of the church for 40 years.
The Rev. Henry Forde Scott succeeded Mr. Watson in 1896, and remained in charge until 1908. He was privileged to see first the formation of the Diocese of Gippsland and, as the correspondence will show, played no small part in bringing it into being. Secondly, he saw the Golden Jubilee of the Parish in October and November of 1904. The visiting preachers on that occasion were Canon Watson, Archdeacon Hancock, and Bishop Ridley, of Caledonia. Thirdly, he saw the first Ordination service, when four men were ordained by the Bishop, and Canon Sadlier, who later became Bishop of Nelson, was the preacher. Fourthly, Mr. Scott saw the Consecration of the church, details of which will be found further on.
Now I must retrace my steps in order to record something of the preparatory work in the formation of the Diocese of Gippsland. If any reader feels a trifle bored over the details and correspondence, I trust he will forgive me, and at the same time try to realise that my main object in writing this book is to preserve records, and not merely to write something entertaining. Had I wanted to do that I should have chosen quite another subject. From now on, anything of a Diocesan nature will be recorded in the Sale chapters; otherwise I shall have my readers searching through pages backwards and forwards. It will be noticed in the beginning how interested the Rev. Forde Scott was in this new venture for God in Gippsland, and that he stayed long enough to see the Diocese well established.
PROPOSED DIOCESE OF GIPPSLAND.
Minutes of a meeting held in connection with the formation of the New Diocese and copies of correspondence are included.
A meeting of Clerical and Lay Representatives of the Archdeacony of Gippsland called together by the Very Rev., the Dean of Melbourne, George Oakleigh Vance, D.D., who presided over the Session of the Church Assembly in the absence of the Bishop of Melbourne, Field Flowers Goe, D.D., who was unable to be present through illness, was held in the Chapter House, St. Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne, on Friday, the 4th of October, 1901, at 12 o'clock.
The Venerable Archdeacon of Gippsland, Thomas Henry Armstrong, M.A., took the Chair and opened the meeting with Prayer. The Rev. William Parkes, Incumbent of Maffra-Chapter Clerk- was on the motion of the Rev. Henry Forde Scott, Incumbent of Sale and Rural Dean, appointed Hon. Secretary in connection with the movement.
The Venerable Archdeacon then stated the object of the Meeting was to accept or reject the Act creating the New Diocese. After several questions relating to the financial provisions of the Act had been put and answered, the Rev. William Hancock, M.A., Incumbent of Bairnsdale, moved that the Act be at once accepted; several members simultaneously seconded the motion, which on being put by the Chairman, was unanimously carried.
The meeting then proceeded to elect four (4) clerical and four (4) Lay Representatives to act on .behalf of the New Diocese on the Board of Nomination for the election of a Bishop. The following Lay Members were elected unopposed: W. Edney, Esq., J.P., Morwell, representative for Morwell in the Church Assembly, W. H. Goff, Esq., representative for Cunninghame, and W. West, Esq., representative for Traralgon. Most of the Clergy present were nominated, but after several had asked that their names should be withdrawn, the following six names were submitted for an election by ballot. The Revs. H. F. Scott, W. Hancock, G. M. Long, W. Parkes, W. D. V. Reid, and Robert Elliot. The Scrutineers, the Revs. H. T. Langley and E. F. Pelletier, declared the first four gentlemen duly elected. After some discussion upon the advisability of having a committee to promote the interest of the new Diocese and particularly to raise an Endowment Fund with a view more especially of providing a residence for the Bishop, it was unanimously resolved that the gentlemen already elected to the Board of Nominators should, together with the following gentlemen, form such a committee: The Revs. W. D. V. Reid, of Korumburra, Robert Elliott, of Traralgon, and F. Lynch, of Warragul. The Conveners of this committee to be the Revs. H. F. Scott and W. Parkes. In order, if possible, to secure absolute unanimity, it was decided that a circular together with a form of assent to the action of the meeting should be sent to each representative for his signature and returned to the Hon. Secretary. After a few congratulatory words as to the step which had been taken and the spirit of union that evidently animated the meeting the Archdeacon pronounced the Benediction and the meeting closed.
5/11/1901.
(Signed) HENRY SCOTT.
(Pg194) THE FIRST BISHOP OF GIPPSLAND.
The choice of these eight good men and true fell upon Canon Arthur Wellesley Pain, of St. John's, Darlinghurst, Sydney. Born in 1842 at Felmersham, Bedfordshire, England, he was educated at St. Catherine's College, Cambridge, where he took his B.A. Degree in 1866, and was made a Deacon that same year in the Norwich Cathedral. He became curate of Holbrook, Suffolk, and was Ordained to the Priesthood the following year.
Coming to Australia for health reasons Mr. Pain was appointed in 1868 Incumbent of St. Paul's, Cobbitty, with St. Thomas's, Narellan, N.S.W. In 1871, he married Miss Annie Bisdee Thorne, eldest daughter of the late George Thorne, Esq., of Rose Bay and Castle Hill. This gracious gentlewoman was a true helpmeet to him, and one who was loved by all Gippslanders who had the privilege of knowing her.
To Mrs. Pain were given eight children, two became clergy men, and one a Medical Missionary. In 1885 Mr. Pain was appointed Rural Dean of East Sydney; in 1893, Examining Chaplain to the Archbishop. In 1897, he was elected Canon of St. Andrew's Cathedral.
In 1899, he paid a visit to the homeland and completed his M.A. degree at Cambridge. He was consecrated in St. Andrew's Cathedral on Whit Tuesday, the 20th May, 1902. The degree of D.D. was conferred on him by his University in 1903 .
THE ENTHRONEMENT, THURSDAY, JULY 10th, 1902.
(Copied from "The Weekly Times" of July 19th, 1902).
"The impressive ceremony of enthroning the Bishop of the newly-formed Diocese of Gippsland was performed at St. Paul's Cathedral, Sale, on Thursday, the 10th instant, under auspicious circumstances. The Province of Gippsland in area is nearly one' fifth of the State of Victoria, and yet, until a short time ago, this great area, besides those contained in what are now the Bendigo and Wangaratta Dioceses, formed part of the Melbourne Diocese of the Church of England in Victoria. Bishop Armstrong, of Wangaratta, and Bishop Langley, of Bendigo, who were enthroned a few months ago, were present at the ceremony in Sale on Thursday.
The Rt. Rev. A. W. Pain, M.A., arrived at Sale on Wednesday, the 9th instant, and was met at the Railway Station by the Rev. H. F. Scott, the Vicar of Sale, and the local and visiting Clergy. On Thursday, when the time for the ceremony arrived, there was a congregation of 800 in the Pro-Cathedral, including about 50 visiting Clergymen, and a number of Ministers of non-conforming churches. A procession, comprising the Administrator of the Melbourne Diocese (Dean Vance), the Bishop and Clergy, and a surpliced choir of 40 voices, was formed outside the Church, and the photograph reproduced was obtained. The procession passed up the centre aisle in double file, and then down the side aisle in single file.
On reaching their places the choir and congregation sang "The Church's One Foundation." At the conclusion of the hymn, the Rev. F. Lynch, M.A., of Warragul, read the prayers to the third Collect. The Proper Psalms 121 and 145 being afterwards sung. The Rev. Mr. Prentice read the first lesson from Isaiah VI., 6, 9. The Canticles coming in between, and the second lesson taken from St. John, V. I, 10, was read by the Rev: E. F. Pelletier. The hymn "Oh, Thou Who Makest Souls to Shine," came after the Collect, after which the Primate's certificate of the Diocese's election was read. The Bishop then made the usual declaration, and at its conclusion the Administrator of the Diocese resumed the solemn ceremony with the appropriate Collect, at the conclusion of which he escorted the Bishop to the Throne by the right hand, saying:-"By my authority as the Administrator of the Diocese of Melbourne, I install and enthrone thee in the possession, authority and jurisdiction which pertain to the Diocese of Gippsland. In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." The Bishop then celebrated the Holy Communion. Prior to the commencement of the sermon, the Choir, which had been carefully and successfully trained, rendered the anthem, "Send Out Thy Light." The congregation standing (one of our photographs was taken during the actual installation ceremony).
The Rev. Canon Godby, of St. George's, Malvern, preached the sermon. This was in thorough keeping with the important occasion, and occupied the most part of forty minutes. The Rev. gentleman being a fluent speaker found no difficulty in commanding the earnest attention of his large congregation. . .. The text chosen by Canon Godby was taken from St. Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians (6th Ch., 12th verse), "For the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the Ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Jesus Christ."
I am deeply grateful to the Editor of "The Weekly Times" for the reproduction of these old photographs, the present blocks are from them.
The Rt. Rev. Arthur Wellesly Pain, M.A.
The Revs. Alfred Ernest Albert Britten, St. John's, Walhalla; George Cox, St. Mary's, Mirboo North; Robert Elliott, St. James, Traralgon; Herbert Thomas Fowler, Christ Church, Foster; William Hancock, St. John's, Bairnsdale; Herbert Hitchcock, St. Mary's, Rosedale; Walter Donald Kennedy, St. Mary's, Morwell; Arthur Leavold Kent, St. James, Orbost; Henry Thomas Langley, Holy Trinity, Yarram; Frank Lynch, St. Paul's, Warragul; Robert Martin, St. Martin's, Coongulmerang; William Parker, St. John's, Maffra; Edmund Frederick Pelletier, St. Peter's, Leongatha; William Thomas Prentice, St. David's, Toongabbie; William Read, Christ Church, Drouin; William David Villiers Reid, St. Paul's, Korumburra: William Thomas Roach, Holy Trinity, Stratford; Henry Forde Scott, St. Paul's, Sale; Edward Taffs, Loch; Edmund Charles Tanner, Bruthen; Thomas John Winsor, St. Mary's Trafalgar.
Stipendiary Readers: Messrs. E. ]. Cox, Thorpdale; E. Hankinson, Longwarry; C. R. B. Oelrich, Grantville; F. A. Reed, Alberton; M. N. Woods, Neerim South. There were in addition 29 Honorary Lay Readers.
THE EXTENT OF THE DIOCESE.
"Commencing at Cape Howe, being the eastern extremity of the State of Victoria, thence north-westerly along the boundary of the said State of Victoria, to Forest Hill, thence south-westerly along the Great Dividing Range to the 37th parallel of latitude to the intersections of the Great Dividing Range, south-west of Mt. Hotham, thence by the Great Dividing Range to Mt. Useful, thence m a straight line to Mt. Baw Baw, thence westerly along the southern boundary of the County of Evelyn to a point thereat two miles east of the township of Emerald, thence in a line due south to Western Port Bay, thence by the eastern boundary of Western Port Bay to Bass Strait, and thence by the sea coast to Cape Howe. The approximate population of the Diocese, as furnished by the Government Statist on 7th December, 1901, is 78,210."
THE FIRST CHURCH ASSEMBLY.
"The first Church Assembly was opened in the Guild Room, Sale, on Monday, November 17th, 1902. Bishop Pain, in his opening address, while dealing with the question of finance, laid special emphasis on the need of direct giving, and especially the use of this method in connection with the Home Mission Fund, upon which the grants to the clergy and readers are the first charge. To this he asked every member of the church to give a regular contribution weekly, monthly, or annually, as might be most convenient, because the Fund formed the very backbone and support of every single existing operation, and provides the power, first dormant, and then active, for new and aggressive work." (History of Home Mission in Victoria, by W. C. Sadlier, M.A.).
Pg 197
THE FIRST ORDINATIONS.
On 21st December, 1902, the Bishop, at the request of the Administrator of the Diocese of Melbourne, ordained two priests (The Rev. Alfred Charles Gates and the Rev. Edward John Bernard White, M.A.), and two deacons (Mr. William Francis Burnett Hoysted and Eustace Vernon Wade) for Melbourne, and on letters commendator from the Bishop of Wangaratta, ordained the Rev. Howard Westley priest for Wangaratta.
In the Official Acts there is an entry that the Rev. W. F. B. Hoysted was licensed as Deacon in the Parochial District of Poowong on 18th April, 1903.
On Tuesday, 6th January, 1903, the Bishop held an Ordination in St. Paul's, Sale, when the Rev. Robert Martin and the Rev. William Reed were ordained priests and Mr. John Bulmer made a Deacon.
On Monday, the 21st December, 1903, the Bishop held an Ordination in St. James Church, Traralgon, when the Rev. William Francis Burnett Hoysted was ordained priest.
BISHOPSCOURT, SALE, 1904.
Thursday, May 5th, 1904, was a "Red Letter Day" in the life of the early clergy of this Diocese, for they gathered the fruits of their labours. Their thoughts and prayers were realised when Bishopscourt, which had been erected at a cost of £3,500, was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. A. W. Pain, first Bishop of Gippsland, who, with Mrs. Pain, were "At Home" to about 500 guests. The day was specially suitable for such an important function, being fine and cool, and visitors were present from all parts of the Diocese.
The ceremony took place in front of the main entrance to the building, where seats had been provided for the guests. At 2.30 p.m., the service of dedication was commenced. The proceedings were conducted by his Lordship, Bishop Pain, while amongst the clergy assisting could be noticed Archdeacon Hancock, and the Revs. H. F. Scott, A. D. Freeman, E. P. Pelletier, W. T. Roach, W. T. Prentice, H. Hitchcock, R. Martin, W. A. Phillips, and W. F. Hoysted.
The plans and specifications were prepared by Messrs. Gibbs and Finlay, of Melbourne, and the clerk of works, a townsman of Sale, Mr. Cain, who seems to have done his work in a spirit of generosity, kindliness and willingness which was much appreciated by the Bishop.
A DESCRIPTION OF THE HOUSE.
The foundation stone of the beautiful residence at the north end of the town, which faces Raymond Street, and from which site admirable views of the surrounding district can be obtained, was laid in October, 1903, by the wife of the Hon. Wm. Pearson, of Kilmany Park. The building is approximately 90 x 50, a verandah and balcony (about 9ft. wide), extend on the south-east and north-east sides. An entrance is gained by way of a porch, with tiled floor on the south, west side. From the entrance hall, which is 7ft. wide, the study is on the right-a bright, cheerful room, 18 x 14, with a view right down Raymond Street (this view was later obscured by the Chapel), the room was fitted up with bookcases and the usual accessories for a library. There many a young man in the later days toed the carpet in some trepidation as he answered the Bishop's many questions prior to Ordination.
Further on, is the staircase hall, 16 x 12, containing a staircase partly executed in walnut. This hall leads to the drawing room, 24 x 18, and an exit is gained from this room to the garden through the long windows with sills at floor level. From the hall, too, a stained glass door leads to the lawns. There is also a passage leading off this hall. It is 5ft. wide and gives access to a dining room, 18 ft. 7ins. x 14ft, and to the back lobby, containing the back staircase and entrance to the pantries, stores, kitchen, scullery, woodhouse, etc. These are all provided with necessary modem appliances as sinks, bins, cupboards for china and glass, and all the dozen and one modem contrivances for the easy working of the domestic arrangements. There is hot water service for both floors. The main stairway is rather narrow. It is only 3ft. 6ins. in width and has, I think three flights. The top floor contains 7 bedrooms of various sizes. One of them later was used for a chapel. The two front bedrooms open out on to the balcony, the rooms are all very low. Those on the ground floor being 12ft. 6ins. and those on the top 12ft. There are large bathrooms with all accessories. A septic tank system deals with the entire sewerage most effectively. The brickwork was done by Mr. Bearup, and the plastering by Mr. C. Carroll. Messrs. Hopkins and Reynolds were the plumbers, Mr. R. P. Jamieson the painter, and the carpentering was under the personal supervision of the contractor of the whole building, Mr. W. Cook. The staircase work and fittings and polishing were in the very capable hands of Mr. James Bell, who was a skilled workman. Of this house I express this wish: "Lang may its lum reek and hinges of friendship never rust."
(Pg199)
THE FIRST SYNOD, 1905.
The name by which our Legislative body had hitherto been known had given place to a name which brings the Dioceses in this State in line with the Dioceses in the Commonwealth. We are no longer a Church Assembly; we are a Synod. The change has been brought about by the Act 4, Edward VII., No. 1947, called
"The Church of England Act, in the State." So announced the Bishop in his Presidential Address to the 1st Synod, December 4th, 1905.
CONSECRATION OF ST. PAUL'S, SALE.
On Tuesday, October 22nd 1907, the Lord Bishop of the Diocese consecrated the church, being assisted by Archdeacon Hancock, the Rector, the Revs. Forde Scott, H. T. Fowler, Godfrey Smith (Registrar), W. T. Roach and H. de P. Hitchcock. The sermon was preached by the Rector, Rev. Forde Scott, who chose as his text Ezra V'l1.: "We are the servants of the God of Heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago. "
On Tuesday 12th November, a special meeting was held to elect a vestry. The Rector chose for his church warden Mr. ]. Walden, and the People, Messrs. R. ]. Cherry and C. W. Bell. Vestrymen for the Rector, Messrs. C. H. Becher, G. Kelsey and]. T. Mountjoy. The People's choice being Messrs. Wm. Pearson, W. H. Omerod, G. H. Cain, A. G. Holt, H. Wilkinson. S. Napper, Jnr., E. Phipps, Jnr., S. Bolitho, and T. de B. Twycross.
Further additions were made to the Pro-Cathedral in 1908, when the Choir Vestry was added. In 1908 the Rev. Henry Forde Scott resigned, and the Rev. C. H. Nash, M.A., became Rector, and was collated Archdeacon of Gippsland.
In 1910 the Bishop paid a visit to England.
1911 marks two outstanding events, viz.:- The first Diocesan Festival and the visit of the Primate of Australia. The Archdeacon of Sydney, Dr. Wright, was the chief guest at the First Diocesan festival held in Sale, on August 31st, 1911. His Grace was also the Preacher in the Pro Cathedral on Sunday, September 3rd, and although the weather was, as one man expressed it, "unpropitious," "the congregations both morning and evening quite filled the church." The only authority I have for the 1st Diocesan Festival is "The Parish Messenger,"-Jubilee Number-1929, Sale.
1912: The Ven. Archdeacon C. H. Nash resigned and the Rev. G. H. Smith was appointed Rector of the Parish. About this time the question of a new Parish Hall was discussed. By arrangement with the Diocese the Parish received £300 for the old site in Raymond Street where St. Anne's Grammar School now stands. The present Parish Hall was built at the cost of £1066, the donations towards it amounting to £327. The tennis courts were put down in 1914 and were controlled by the Vestry.
1913 marked a little more progress in church activities and building, for the old St. Paul's now used for a Guild Hall was to be demolished to make room for a Divinity Hostel, and Thursday, 15th May, a farewell gathering was held in the room. The audience was a large enthusiastic one, and very rarely in the past had its size been equalled, there was, of course, much eating at that function, in fact they had to have three sittings. Then the good Bishop took the opportunity to set before the gathering the needs for the hostel and for the financial support towards the building which was to cost approximately £3500. There were many speakers and a musical programme. The Bishop suggested that the last note sung in the building should be one of praise and thanksgiving and remembrance. The Doxology was then sung, followed by the Benediction.
THE DIVINITY HOSTEL.
On the 27th November, 1913, the foundation stone was laid with a silver trowel by the Bishop of the Diocese in the presence of a large gathering. Nine months later, or to be exact, on Thursday, August 12th, 1914, the building was finished, officially opened, and dedicated by the Bishop, the clergy present were: The Rural Dean, Rev. E. F. Pelletier, Rev. L. G. H. Hall (Assistant Registrar), A. Booth (Warden of Hostel), R. Poydner (Acting Incumbent of St. Paul's, Sale), A. Brain (Stratford), A. E. F. Young (Bairnsdale),
W. J. T. Pay (Traralgon), G. Cox (Yarram), G. W. Blanchard (Trafalgar), G. Pricket (Boolara), J. M. McEvoy (Rosedale), A. Banks (Bunyip), A. E. Adeney (Morwell), R. Birch (Cunning, hame), and A. E. Ingram, B.A. (Heyfield).
The building, which is in Raymond Street, covered an area of 121 x 100, is built of brick and contains 35 rooms, Bishop's Committee room, Diocesan Registrar's office. The building of this Hostel marked the greatest forward movement since of the formation of the Diocese, for it showed a keen desire on the part of the Diocesan authorities to build up men of spirituality, of force, of tact and culture for the work of the sacred ministry. The Rev. R. G. Nichols was the Warden and Miss Kilpatrick Matron. However, it apparently failed to justify its existence, for just five years later the students on the roll were two in number. Meanwhile an attempt to start a Boys' Hostel in an old delicensed hotel was unsuccessful owing to lack of proper supervision, and it was not until 1924 that this work was taken up again by the Ven. A. E. and Mrs. Adeney in the old Divinity Hostel. They carried on this work for about eight years without much backing from the authorities.
Later their work was taken over by a committee with the Rev. F. E. Thornton as the Head. The Girls' Hostel began at an earlier date than the Boys' Hostel and was run by a committee; it occupied several different buildings. Mrs. England, then Mrs. Laird, and Mrs. Flowerday were among the earlier Matrons. Later it came under the control of the Deaconesses and finally was submerged by St. Anne's School.
When Bishop Pain announced his resignation at the Diocesan Festival on June 20th, 1917, it came as a great surprise to many. The good Bishop was greatly beloved by all and a sense of loss was instantly felt. But the pioneer Bishop had aged quickly in the 15 years of his Episcopate, and in his "journeying often" per buggy and pair over rough, and in the winter time, boggy roads, his abounding energy had gradually been sapped. Knowing all this, he very wisely relinquished his task, and became the very valued Secretary of C.M.S. Three years later he was called Home. Friday, May 14th, 1920, marked the close of his great earthly life and the beginning of a greater.
THE TASK OF CHOOSING A WORTHY SUCCESSOR.
The Bishopric Election Board met in Sale on Tuesday, July 17th, 1917, for the purpose of choosing a new Bishop. The Rev. A. E. F. Young, Vicar General in Chair. Ven. Archdeacon Pelletier, the Revs. G. H. Smith; A. Brain, .A. E. Adeney, and W. ]. T. C. Pay; Lay members Messrs. W. West, A. L. Johnson, H. R. Sandi- ford, R. J. Cherry, S. A. Bush and W. J. Coulter. The meeting was adjourned for a week.
At the second meeting the Rt. Rev. W. C. Saddler, M.A., B.D., Lord Bishop of Nelson, New Zealand, was nominated but declined the offer. The Board met again on Thursday, August 2nd., and then adjourned till Tuesday, August 14th. At this meeting the Rev. G. H. Cranswick, B.A., Rector of All Saints, Bendigo, was chosen and accepted the call. He was consecrated on All Saints Day, 1917, at St. Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne, by His Grace, the Archbishop of Melbourne, the Most Rev. Dr. Lowther Clarke, :assisted by the Bishops of Ballarat, Bendigo, Wangaratta and Grafton, N.S.W. The Bishop-elect followed his father in the procession and was attended by his two Chaplains, the Revs. H. Horden, his brother-in-law, and W. Gurnett, his late Curate at Chatswood and Bendigo.
202 THE ENTHRONEMENT OF BISHOP CRANSWICK.
"Gippsland's second Bishop was enthroned in St. Paul's Pro- Cathedral, Sale, on November 15th, 1917, in the presence of a. large and representative congregation.
Punctually at 11 o'clock the Procession started in the following order from the Parish Hall:-
Verger, Choir, Municipal Authorities, Lay Members of Synod; Lay Members of Diocesan Council, The Chancellor, Readers, Deacons, Priests, The Ven. Archdeacon Pelletier, The Rev. A. E .. F. Young (Administrator), Staff-Bearer, Rev. L. M. Nancarrow; The Bishop of Gippsland, Chaplains, Rev. A. Brain, Rev. G. H .. Smith, The Registrar, Mr. W. S. Rymer, Staff-Bearer, Rev. E. W .Bradley, The Metropolitan, Chaplains, Revs. G. H. Devlin and A.. E. Adeney.
The Rev. H. J. Harvey (of Leongatha) read morning prayer to the end of the Third Collect, after which Psalm 121 was sung.
The Rev. A. E. Adeney read the first lesson, and the Ven. Archdeacon Pelletier the second. The Third Collect was followed by the singing of Hymn No. 51, "Oh, Thou Who Makest Souls to, Shine." The reading of the Metropolitan's Certificate of Consecration devolved upon the Rev. W. J. T. Pay, and at the request of
the Chancellor (Mr. P. P. Sergeant) the Bishop made the prescribed' declarations. The sermon was preached by His Grace, the Archbishop of Melbourne, who based his subject on the text: "It is more blessed to give than to receive," Acts XX., 35. The Sacrament was administered at the conclusion of a lengthy but very interesting and impressive service."
The Pastoral Staff used in the ceremony was presented to Bishop Cranswick by his Sydney friends, and was the first one of its kind made in Sydney. The Bishop's robes were the gift of his relatives. A public welcome was extended to the new Bishop and Mrs. Cranswick. This was held in the Parish Hall, the Vicar-General, Rev. A. E. F. Young, presiding.
The second Bishop had to preside at the Fifth Synod of the Diocese twelve days later, so had an early opportunity of showing his mettle, and one notices the theme of his Presidential address (for it was during the days of the Great War). (1) The duty of Patriotic Citizens. (2) The Duty of Church People. (3) A Call to concentration. It was a stirring address delivered by a young' man filled with energy and power.
Of the special gifts of Bishop Cranswick I do not intend to write, as the Vicar-General said at the Public welcome: "The Bishop came at a psychological moment. Bishop Pain had done the pioneering work, had laid the rails and provided the engine. Bishop Cranswick had come along with fire, energy and power."
That "fire, energy and power" may be seen in the steady progress made by the Diocese during the Episcopate of Bishop Cranswick, and in the growth of the various Parishes and Districts recorded herein, may be seen his guiding hand. After the resignation of the Rev. G. Smith, the Rev. R. G. Nichols acted as Locum Tenens during 1919 until the appointment of the first Canon-in-residence. About this time the Bishop left for England to attend his first Lambeth Conference, and from the Mother Land he seemed to get an inspiration or vision of THE BROTHERHOOD OF ST. JOHN.
In his letter from England and published in the "Church News," August, 1920, his Lordship said:-"All being well I am bringing out with me eleven men, all ex-soldiers, fine stuff, and five women. The former will be the first members of the Brotherhood of St. John the Evangelist, and the latter will go to Sydney for
training for Deaconess work and then follow Deaconess Shoebridge's footsteps as "Women Ministers." (Deaconess Shoebridge was licensed December 16th, 1918). The Bishop returned in October, but not "the eleven good men and true," they came later, thirteen of them, I think. They were licensed as Lay Readers and then sent out to Croajingalong, Buchan, and other places. Later their headquarters were established at Stratford with the Rev. P. A. Wisewould as Warden and the Rev. H. C. Busby Junior Warden.
THE DEACONESSES.
The four women arrived on the s.s. Borda on Saturday, 5th March, 1921. There had been a fair amount of sickness on board. and these four took over the hospital work. At one time Nurse Bennett had three wards in full swing while Miss Sundell and Miss Warden helped with the V.A.D. work, and Nurse Almond undertook night duty. After resting at Bishopscourt the four students journeyed on to Sydney.
The second Deaconess accepted for training was Miss Mary May Lambert, of Maffra. She was ordained in St. John's, Maffra, on April 25th, 1922.
Sister Dorthy Allmond went into residence at Cann River as a nursing sister.
Miss Marie Sundell was ordained on the 1st November, 1922 and sent to Walhalla, where, with but one or two brief changes, she has laboured ever since.
Miss Winnifred Holton was ordained on St. Thomas' Day, December 21st, 1931. She, too, has done splendid work in the Alberton, Port Albert District.
204 DEACONESS HOUSE.
The Diocese purchased Mr. Newman's residence at the corner of Dundas and Macalister Streets, the price paid being £800, and the Deaconesses entered into possession on March 1st, 1923. Owing to the kindness of someone who wished to remain unknown, the Diocese only had to find £500, and of this amount the interest on £300 was guaranteed, so it left a yearly rental of £12 besides rates to be met by the Deaconesses. The building was dedicated by the Bishop on 23rd March, 1923.
ST. ANNE'S GIRLS' GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
St. Anne's was opened as a Primary School in February, 1924, by Sister Marie (Deaconess Sundell). In 1927 Miss A. B. Ritchie became headmistress, and in the same year a School Council was formed, with the Bishop of the Diocese, the Rt. Rev. G. H. Cranswick, D.D., as President. At the beginning of 1929 Sister Maud, 'of the Deaconess Community, was appointed Headmistress, while the boarders were accommodated at St. Anne's Hostel. From local primary School to Diocesan Secondary, from ten boarders to thirty five, from an enrolment of thirty nine to an enrolment of seventy- this has been the history of St. Anne's in three short years.
In 1934 the Deaconesses were released for women's work in Gippsland, and Miss Constance Tisdall, M.A., was appointed Principal of the School and of the Hostel, which were combined under the title of "St. Anne's Church of England Girls' Grammar School." All this time school was held in the Parish Hall. In 1936 one immense step forward was taken in the move to St. Alban's, which afforded rooms for the separation of classes, and also an abiding place for equipment, and where cloak-rooms, staff room and library found welcome but inadequate accommodation in cubicles once planned for the housing of theological students.
The School Council, with the approval of the Diocesan Council undertook extensive alterations in the Hostel and Registry office, -which enabled the day and boarding school to be accommodated in the one building, which stands on the site of the old church and guild hall. In June, 1937, the new section of the building was -officially opened by His Grace the Archbishop of Melbourne, the "Most Rev. F. Head, M.A., D.D. In July, 1937, the school was "moved in.
The growth of the school is paralleled by ever-widening interest taken in it. It began as a parochial school in Sale, today it draws its scholars from all over the Diocese.
Equally wide is the field of interest represented by both 'branches of the Friends of the School Association, which has already been formed in many parts of Gippsland, and also by many generous donors from Melbourne. The school has not stopped growing, for at the time of writing the official opening of a new school block is taking place. The guest speaker being His Excellency, the Lieu' tenant-Governor, Sir Edmund Herring, K.B.E., D.S.O., D.S.C., M.C., E.D., the date being Friday, 30th August, 1946. The solemn Dedication was done by the Bishop of the Diocese, the Right Rev. D. B. Blackwood, M.C., Y.D., M.A., Th. Soc. The new block comprises an up-to-date pre-school and two class rooms.
All this has been made possible by the fact that the school spirit is based on its motto-Deo, Patriae, Tibi (For God, for Country, and for Thee, 0 School). The founder of St. Anne's is the church, its country is Gippsland, and its aim is to so develop the special gifts of each individual pupil that she may make her unique contribution to the welfare of the community in which she lives.
"One loving spirit sets another on fire." [The school owes much to the late Mr. Jack Glover, and to, many others who, like him, laboured so unselfishly through the difficult years of development, wondering sometimes whether they could possibly carry on. These were the men and women of vision" and they held on until their vision became a reality].
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS.
Well set back from the street, St. Anne's stands in its own extensive grounds with large lawns and gardens. There are three wings to the main building, comprising the school, the domestic- block, and the boarding school. The boarding school, with verandah and balcony facing north, has two stories and is built in accordance with the latest principles of modern architecture and hygiene. The school rooms are large, well lit and heated, with every modern equipment, including a library and science laboratory.
The grounds afford ample space for tennis, baseball and basket" ball, also for gardening and other hobbies.
AIM.
The great cities of Australia owe their very existence to the country districts which, in turn, depend for success upon attracting to themselves the best type of men and women. For such people a deep love of the soil and of work on the land has often been defeated by disability to cope with discomfortable surroundings.
Hence the increasing need for attractive country homes and for women fitted by education as well as by inclination to make them. To give its girls such an education, religious, individual and modern, with special consideration for the needs of life on the land, is the aim of St. Anne's Church of England Girls' Grammar School.
The Principal of the School is Miss Lorna D, Sparrow, M,A.B. Sc., Dip. Ed.
Now I must take you back to the year 1920.
THE FIRST CANON IN RESIDENCE.
206 THE CHURCH OF OUR FATHERS.
The Rev. D. Haultain, who had returned from missionary work in East Africa, became the first Canon in residence. "Under the new Act it was necessary that the Cathedral Officers should have a new status, and be known by a new name. The annual meeting of 1920 records the appointment of the first Lay Canons and Sidesmen. The Bishop appointed Mr. E. McQuie, and Messrs. Rymer and Walker were appointed by the people. It is interesting to note that three bankers were the first Lay Canons of the Cathedral. It was perhaps appropriate as the Lay Canons are really the Treasurers of the Church, and the people of Sale showed their wisdom in committing their finances to the care of such worthy and capable men.
The Sidesmen appointed were Messrs. Phipps, Snr., and jnr., W. Brumley,]. Webster, Lawson, L. C. Treloar, W. W. Napper, C. G. Richards, R. ]. Cherry, and Best elected by the parishioners, and Messrs. A. G. Holt and W. Futcher were appointed by the Bishop. Canon Haultain remained at the helm for five years, and had as his assistant for part of the time the Rev. S. T. Ball. During his incumbency the Ladies' Guild cleared the debt off the Parish Hall, and the Kindergarten Hall was built at a cost of £875, as a memorial to Mrs. Pain. The electric light was installed in the church, and a bell was brought from England and erected on a belfry as a memorial gift from Mrs. Pearson, in memory of the Hon. W. Pearson, who had been a generous benefactor of the church. Soon after, Mrs. Pearson passed on, and a very beautiful stained glass window was erected to her memory by her children. Mrs. J. Walden had also presented a very fine brass eagle Lectern in memory of her husband. All these gifts have enriched the Cathedral.
Archdeacon White, who came from Holy Trinity, Yarram, was Canon Haultain's successor; during his day the front part of the Rectory was re-built at a cost of £1300. Shortly before this the Cathedral Chapter had received a legacy of £500 from the estate of the late Mrs. Pearson. This money was put into the Rectory, and the Ladies Guild undertook to raise £600. They fulfilled their promise.
Canon F. E. Thornton, M.A., was installed on February 10th, 1927. He, too, came from Holy Trinity, Yarram. In this year the church acquired the properties on the east side of the Cathedral, and they are used at the present time for Croquet Club greens.
Pew rents were abolished, and the finances of the church put on a much better footing.
THE CHURCH OF OUR FATHERS. page 207
The congregation then decided that it was high time that the Cathedral was renovated, and so began a complete scheme of interior decoration and general improvement. The work was carried out at a cost of £2000. Towards this, gifts amounting to £1200 were received, and the remaining £800 was wiped off steadily year by year.
Those of us who remember the old church appreciate what has been done. The old vestry and organ chamber, where a small boy laboured so industriously to keep the organ full of wind, has now been changed into a very useful side Chapel. At the main entrance to the church there is a commodious entrance porch, with glass doors leading to the Nave. Choir Vestries were built on each side, and on the inside a very beautiful Baptistry has been incorporated. The Chancel has been lengthened, the Sanctuary enlarged, and the organ brought a little further down the Chancel. Many new furnishings were added, including a marble pulpit in memory of Bishop Pain. Other gifts were the Clergy Stalls and the Choir Fronts in memory of Alfred and Arthur Napper; a Canon's Stall, in memory of Maude Cobain; a Reredos, in memory of Theodore and Ada Little; Sanctuary Chairs, in memory of George and Sarah Pruden; a Font Ewer and Shell, in memory of Cathie Dalziel; a Font Vase in memory of Jack and Frank Shepherd; a Cross for the Side Chapel, in memory of Reginald Lander. There were many other beautiful and useful gifts by members of the congregation. At a later stage a Processional Cross was given and dedicated in memory of Isobel Cartledge. The Cathedral in its new and beautiful form was officially reopened by the Hon. W. H. Edgar, M.L.C. (representing the Premier, Sir Stanley Argyle, who was unable to attend), on Friday, 1st November, 1929, All Saints Day, in the presence of the Primate, the Most Reverend J. C. Wright, Archbishop of Sydney, and the gifts were dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Bishop of the Diocese. Special Thanksgiving Services were held on the following Sunday, November 3rd, and his Grace the Archbishop of Sydney was the preacher at both services. The Rev. J. H. Blundell, the Diocesan Missionary Secretary and Rector of St. James, Traralgon, was chosen as Canon Thornton's successor. He was Collated Archdeacon of South Gippsland in the Cathedral on Monday, 25th March, 1935.
RESIGNATION OF BISHOP CRANSWICK.
Dr. Cranswick resigned in 1942, to become Chairman of the Australian Board of Missions. It seems rather a strange coincidence that the first two Bishops of Gippsland should resign to take this work, one as Secretary of C.M.S., Sydney, and the other A.B.M.
Pg 208
THE THIRD BISHOP.
The Ven. D. B. Blackwood, M.C., M.A., Th. Schol., Vicar of Holy Trinity, Hobart, was the choice of the Bishopric election board, and many of the Gippsland clergy were present at St. Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne, on St. James' Day, 1942, to see their new Bishop consecrated. Punctually at 10.20 the first procession left the Corridor and entered the Cathedral at 10.25.
This procession was led by the Cross Bearer and his attendants, followed by the Cathedral Choir. After them came the Students of Ridley and the Students of Trinity College. Then came the Lay Readers of the Diocese of Gippsland, followed by the Lay Readers of the Melbourne Diocese. Then the Deaconesses and visiting clergy, the Clergy of the Diocese of Gippsland and the Clergy of the Diocese of Melbourne. The second procession left the Corridor at 10.25 a.m. and entered through the main door punctually at 10.30. This procession was led by a Cross Bearer and attendants, then the Lay Canons of the Cathedral Chapter, next the Precentor, the Clerical Canons of the Cathedral, the Verger, the Sub, Dean; then the Bishop-Designate, followed by two Chaplains. The Chancellor of the Diocese of Gippsland, then the Bishops, Bishop Ashton, Bishop Donald Baker, Bishop Cranswick, Bishop Stephen, the Bishops of Ballarat, Bendigo, Wangaratta, and St. Arnaud, each Bishop being followed by one Chaplain. Then the Metropolitan Cross Bearer, the Metropolitan of the Province of Victoria, followed by two Chaplains, the Acting Chancellor of the
Diocese of Melbourne, the Primate's Cross Bearer, and the Primate of Australia and his two Chaplains. The service began with the singing of the hymn:-
"Thy Kingdom come,
On bended knee,
The passing ages pray
And faithful souls have yearned to see
On earth that Kingdom's day."
His Grace, the Archbishop of Melbourne, then began the Holy Communion service. The Epistle being read by the Bishop of Wangaratta and the Gospel by the Bishop of St. Arnaud. Dr. Cranswick, the second Bishop of Gippsland (now Chairman of the Australian Board of Missions), preached the sermon. The Verger then conducted the Bishop Designate to the Vestry where he put on his rochet; during his absence the Choir rendered the anthem, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee." On his return the Bishop Designate was led to the Sacrarium by the Bishops of St. Arnaud and Wangaratta, and presented to the Metropolitan, the declaration of Ordination to the Priesthood, the Certificate of his Election, and the Certificate of his Confirmation by the Bishops of the Province of Victoria were read by the Acting Chancellor, and the Oaths of Obedience to the King and to the Metropolitan were administered to the Bishop Designate by the Registrar. The Litany was then sung by the Precentor, and after prayers by the Archbishop, the Bishop- Designate with his Chaplains retired to put on the rest of his Episcopal habit; during his absence the hymn, "Lord speak to me That I may speak," was sung. The Bishop- Designate then returned and kneeling before the Metropolitan received the laying on of hands from his Grace and the other Bishops present. The service of Holy Communion then proceeded. The Bishop's relatives and friends being the only ones to communicate. At the close of the service the Order of Procession was reversed. The Metropolitan and Bishop Blackwood leading the way, followed by the Primate, the Melbourne Clergy being at the end of the Procession. And so ended a really beautiful service. The Episcopal robes adding a touch of colour to the whole proceedings. One found it hard to realise that such a service could be held on Saturday morning with the city, perhaps at its busiest, and yet be undisturbed. Yet such was the case, only occasionally could the sound of the electric tram bells be heard. It seemed a symbol of peace which comes into the noisy, busy lives through the Christian message coming to them through the servants of God.
So the third Bishop of Gippsland, a man small in stature, but with the reputation of being big in brains and heart, came to us; let us hope and pray that he may lead us "upward and onward though our steps be slow."
THE ENTHRONEMENT.
Many of us were present at the Consecration, but far more were able to attend the Enthronement, which took place in St. Paul's, Sale, on Wednesday, August 5th, 1942. The order of Procession was much the same as in the Consecration Service in Melbourne, viz., Cross Bearer, Choir, Honorary Lay Readers, Representatives of St. Anne's School, Deaconesses, Heads of Churches, Members of Synod, Lay Members of Bishop-in-Council, Visiting Clergy, Diocesan Clergy, Rural Deans, Visiting Bishops, followed by three Chaplains, the Bishops of Ballarat (Dr. Johnson), St. Arnaud (Dr. James), Bendigo (Dr. Riley), and Bishop Baker (Principal of Ridley College, Melbourne), then followed his Grace, the Archbishop of Melbourne. In the second Procession, which halted just inside the door, were the Administrator, Ven. D. W. Weir, Archdeacons A. E. Adeney, J. H. Blundell and the Lay Canons.
Pg 210 THE SERVICE.
At the conclusion of the hymn, "Glorious things of thee are spoken," three sharp knocks were given on the outer door, and the Bishop standing without, said, "We pray you give us admission to this church."
The Administrator replied, "What desireth thou?" And the Bishop answered, "Venerable Sir, we desire that you will conduct, install and enthrone us Bishop of Gippsland with all rights, privileges. and appurtenances thereto belonging." The Administrator then replied, "Right Reverend Father, we bid you welcome in the name of God, and willingly undertake to install you on your making the declarations customary on your behalf." The Bishop then entered the Cathedral, and during the singing of the 121st Psalm,
"I will lift up mine eyes unto .the hills," the second Procession, Cross Bearer, Lay Canons, Archdeacons, Bishop's Chaplains, Bishop, Administrator, Chancellor and Advocate, moved up to the Chancel steps where the Certificates of Election, Confirmation and Consecration were presented, and the Declarations made. The Bishop was then led to the Throne where the Administrator enthroned him with the following words: "I, David William Weir, Administrator of this Diocese do on this fifth day of August, in the year of our Lord, one thousand nine hundred and forty two, install effectually and in full Episcopal rights thee, Donald Burns Blackwood, in thine own person, Bishop of Gippsland, consecrated, elected and confirmed into the real, actual and corporal possession of the said Bishopric, with all its rights, dignities, honours, privileges and appurtenances whatsoever, and I pray the Lord be with thee." The Administrator then handed the Bishop his Pastoral Staff. Then came the recognitions. This was done for the Bishops of the Province by his Grace the Archbishop. For the Clergy of the Diocese, by Archdeacon ]. H. Blundell, and for the Laity by the Chancellor, Mr. T. G. Littleton. Then followed the hymn, "Breathe on me Breath of God," the Bishop being conducted to the pulpit mean' while. His sermon, based on the words, "As the Father hath sent me, even so send I you," will remain long in the memory of those who heard it, for I venture to say that the somewhat husky voice of the preacher was soon forgotten as folk became intent on what he had to say. Looking from my point of vantage I noticed a slight sense of disappointment and unrest when the preacher began, but ere many words had been uttered, he had gripped his listeners and left them with the thought that here was a man who would not spare himself, his clergy or his people, in his effort to extend the Kingdom of God. The hymns, "Forward be our watchword," and "Thy hand, 0 God, has Guided," closed the service, and seemed to leave us all with the spirit of enthusiasm and new life.
Pg 211
The new Bishop soon settled down quite happily under the wise guidance of the Ven. D. W. Weir, and those of us who, had long since given up the study of geography soon learnt that there was, and is, a tiny Island called Tasmania, somewhere down south of Australia.
THE PASSING OF TWO ARCHDEACONS.
Seldom has a new Bishop been faced with such a loss as confronted Bishop Blackwood when, on 24th June, 1943, just ten months after his Enthronement, that great servant of God, David William Weir, Archdeacon, was called Home. Many of us were conscious of the fact that our dearly loved Archdeacon might receive the Home call at any time, for we knew of his heart trouble, still, when the news of his passing came we received it as a blow.
He was laid to rest in the Sale Cemetery by the Bishop, assisted by the Ven. J. H. Blundell and the Rev. S. T. Ball, and if memory serves me well, only one of the Diocesan Clergy was absent, and that one through illness.
I would that an abler pen than mine were writing something of his life and work, for pages could be written on his guidance, not only as a Pastor, Archdeacon and Administrator, but also through many a stormy Synod. He always seemed to have a happy knack of saying the right thing at the right time. And in the twenty-five years in which I had the privilege of knowing him and calling him friend, I never heard him say one unkind word of man, woman, or child, and when anyone else said unkind things he was always the first to say, "Oh, well, you know he's not such a bad sort," and then he would go on to point out the good qualities in the person under discussion. I remember on one occasion when he was the Rector of St. John's, Maffra, there was a function on in the Parish Hall, and some lively lads were having rather a heated argument in the supper room of the hall, the Rector took things in at a glance, "My word," he said, "Jimmy (mentioning a well-known member of Parliament) will have a great funeral." "What, is Jimmy X dead?" they gasped. "No," came that somewhat monotonous voice, "I mean when he dies." It stopped the argument, and that was typical of the man. He had a keen sense of humour and a ready understanding of human nature. And I venture to say that for many moons David William Weir will be sadly missed by many a Synod and Synodsman until there arises a generation that "knew not David" nor yet the things that he had done for Gippsland.
212 THE SECOND BLOW.
We were just recovering somewhat from the first blow when the second came in the passing of the Yen. J. H. Blundell, Archdeacon of South Gippsland and Canon in residence of St. Paul's Cathedral, who was called Home on September 2nd, 1943, three months after his colleague. The late Archdeacon was not able to do as much in office as Archdeacon as D. W. Weir, for his duties at the Cathedral occupied most of his time, but we all knew and loved him for his genial personality and spiritual outlook. He was known better, I think, as the indefatigable Diocesan Missionary Secretary, a post which he held for many years.
Of these two servants of God we say in the words of a well, known hymn:-
"Sleep on beloved, sleep and take thy rest,
Lay down thy head upon thy Saviour's breast,
We loved thee well, but Jesus loved thee best
Good-night. Good-night."
The Bishop was then faced with many problems, first of all the personnel of the Diocese was gradually undergoing a change, due to some extent to the War; men were entering the services as Chaplains, Locum Tenens were being offered other posts, and soon it looked as if the whole Diocese was playing the old game of "Family Coach," but the Bishop took things quietly, working on the advice of the old hymn, "One step enough for me," and so with that one step at a time policy he has led the Diocese through the difficult days of the closing stage in the war years, until we see signs of things settling down to normal under his wise guidance.
The Rev. J. D. Sansom, Rector of Leongatha, succeeded the late Archdeacon as Canon in residence. He had been an A.I.F. Chaplain for close on two years prior to his call to the Cathedral.
ST. MARK'S, THE HEART, BECOMES ST. MARK'S,
COBAINS.
The re-opening and blessing of St. Mark's Church, Cobains, near Sale, took place on September 7th, 1946. This church, which was opened on September 29th, 1884, was removed from the Heart where it had ceased to function, to this new site, given by Mr. W. Tann. Working bees of men and women put up a fine fence, planted trees and shrubs, etc. The church was painted inside and out, new curtains hung and new carpets in the Sanctuary. The service was conducted by the Bishop, assisted by the Rev. Canon Sansom and the Rev. P. F. Taylor. The new Mayor of Sale, Cr. J. Christie, a former Lay Canon of St. Paul's, Sale, and a valued Synodsman, was also present.
ST. JAMES, LONGFORD, 1884.
The following extract is from the "Gippsland Times," Sale,
though, unfortunately, the date had been cut from the paper forwarded to me, however, here it is:-
CELEBRATIONS LAST NIGHT AT LONGFORD.
Last night a service (followed by a conversazione) which linked up the Gippsland of 1844 with that of today, was held in the Longford Hall. The occasion was the celebration of the 61st anniversary of the foundation of St. James' Church, Longford, and marked the third anniversary of the consecration, in St. Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne, of the Bishop of Gippsland, Right Rev. D. B. Blackwood. Eighteen months ago, St. James' Church and its new hall at Longford were totally destroyed by devastating bush fires, but last night's gathering gave concrete proof that, though material things of this earth may perish, "the spirit of the good is unsubdued" ... that the little wooden Church of St. James has risen, Phoenix like, from the ashes of the tragedy, and continues to face with confidence a future of faith and service.
Turning back the pages of history which deal with Longford's church, one reads that "on May 6, 1880, there appeared in the 'Gippsland Mercury' an advertisement calling together those interested for the object of building a church at Longford." In 1882 tenders were called for its erection. One reads that the church site and most of the timber was the generous gift of Mr. J. Campbell ... that services were held in "Grant's old house" as far back as 1878. One reads that the seats were made by E. T. Hawkins, and that the richly coloured red gum came from Mr. E. Greenwell, at Broomsfield. History tells that Mr. E. T. Hawkins, assisted by his daughter, superintended St. James' Sunday School in its early days, and that the church's earliest organists were E. Hawkins and Mary Greenwell and that the reredos were dedicated to the memory of Naomi Newnham, a gift from her husband ... that during Archdeacon Adeney's ministry a font was presented by members of the congregation ... that the altar was the gift of the Ladies' Guild. It tell us, too; that in 1885' the committee consisted of Messrs. Cole (reader in charge), R. Oliver, H. Brewer, T. E. Hawkins, and S. S. Glass (hon. secretary) ... that in 1940 a heroic and successful fight made by Gippsland men saved the church and hall from raging bush fires. Linked with the history of St. James, Longford, are the names of Bishop Moorehouse, Bishop Cranswick, Rev. H. M. Hawkins, Rev. G. H. Smith and Mrs. Smith (who formed the first Ladies' Guild), Rev. G. Cox, Rev. Frank Johnson, Canon C. H. Nash, Canon F. Thornton, Rev. R. G. Nicholls, Arch-deacon D. J. Weir, Archdeacon J. H. Blundell, Canon J. D. Sansom. Deaconess Minna Johnson, Mrs. R. Cloak, Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Andrew (who in memory of their parents donated the church hall in 1940), Rev. H. F. Scott, Rev. W. McSpeddon, Rev. D. H. Wicking, Rev. S. T. Ball, Mrs. L. McIlwain, Mr. B. Andrews, Mr. A. Newnham, Mr. G. Johnson, Mr. H. Tann, and Sisters of the church, through whose work the extension from Longford to Giffard are largely due. All these names and many more, are linked with the history of St James, Longford, whose 61st birthday is celebrated this year. To the men and women who so unselfishly and courageously carried on the difficult early work of this little church ... men and women whose memories will serve as "a light for after times," Gippsland people today pay grateful tribute. Inspired by their example they gladly accept the task of reconstructing St. James' Church at Longford-a church which will for ever be a symbol of the brave spirit of the past and an inspiration for the faith of the future.
"Unshaken as eternal hills
Immovable it stands,
A mountain that shall fill the earth,
A house not made by hands."
The phrase "from the ashes of tragedy" seems rather apt, for this little church opened on June 11th, 1881, was destroyed by bush fires in February of 1944.
St. Albans, Kilmany South, suffered the same fate as the little church at Longford. It was licensed on December 24th 1916, and destroyed by bush fire June, 1944.
