NUMBER 748
APRIL 2012
Templer Record
Published monthly in AUSTRALIA since 1946
(originally “CIRCULAR of the TEMPLE SOCIETY in AUSTRALIA”)
CONTENTS April 2012
REFLECTIONS....................................2
Small Things, big Effects...............2
Text: Psalm 109 .............................3
Friends and Friendship .................4
Acceptance and Respect ................8
REGIONAL MATTERS .................... 10
Templer Think Tank T3 ............... 10
Knox Inter-Faith Forum.............. 10
Social Care ....................................11
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS ............ 13
Birthdays ..................................... 13
Marriage ...................................... 13
Wedding Anniversaries ............... 13
Bereavements .............................. 13
Presentation ................................ 14
CV Saal in Cowes......................... 15
Reunion Vintages 1931 & 32 ....... 16
Sommerfest ................................. 16
Sommerfest pictures ................... 17
SYDNEY............................................. 19
Coming Events ............................ 19
YOUTH ..............................................20
Teenage Group Program .............20
Melbourne Comedy Festival .......20
Friday Night Games ....................20
KIDS’ CLUB ...................................... 21
Upcoming Events ........................ 21
Bike Ride & Picnic....................... 21
TTHA ................................................. 23
NOTICES........................................... 25
Coming Services .......................... 25
Flower Roster .............................. 25
Agape ........................................... 25
CV Service Bendigo ..................... 25
Bentleigh Frauenverein.............. 26
Crafts ........................................... 26
Working Bee................................ 26
Templer Exchange ...................... 26
Reunion Vintages 1937, 38, 39 ... 27
Fairytale Festival ......................... 27
Women’s Retreat in August ........28
THE HERITAGE PAGES ................ 31
From Palestine of Yesteryear ..... 31
Sarona’s New Era ........................ 35
Photos of the Month.................... 37
LAWNMOWING ROSTERS ............38
Be Working Bee photos...............38
CALENDAR APRIL .......................... 39
In deutscher Sprache:
Ein Funke kaum zu seh’n................... 2
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Templer Record 748 – April 2012
REFLECTIONS
SMALL THINGS, BIG EFFECTS
It only takes a spark to get a fire going
And soon all those around
Can warm up in its glowing.
That’s how it is with God’s love
Once you’ve experienced it,
You spread his love to ev’ryone;
You want to pass it on
Kurt Kaiser, 1969 (from a folk musical about God)
Pass it on, No. 89 in our Templer Hymnbook
There is a German version in the Gesangbuch of the TGD:
Ein Funke, kaum zu seh’n,
entfacht doch helle Flammen;
und die im Dunkeln steh’n,
die ruft der Schein zusammen.
Wo Gottes große Liebe in einem Menschen brennt,
da wird die Welt vom Licht erhellt,
da bleibt nichts, was uns trennt.
Ins Wasser fällt ein Stein,
ganz heimlich, still und leise,
und ist er noch so klein,
er zieht doch weite Kreise.
Wo Gottes große Liebe in einen Menschen fällt,
da wirkt sie fort in Tat und Wort
hinaus in uns’re Welt.
Transl. Manfred Siebold, 1973
One little pebble and the circles begin,
circle in a circle, they go on without end.
Ripples on the water move across the pond,
the pebble disappears but the circles move along.
Pebbles by Mary Lou Walker, No. 91 in our Templer Hymnbook
Templer Record 748 – April 2012
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TEXT OF THE MONTH – Psalm 109
The psalmist reflects on the horrible ways people behave. Is God really in
control? The psalm ends with his return to the hope of a new creation.
Oh God, how can you be so silent when wicked men perpetrate their
terrible deeds? We thought love would reign in the world. We were
wrong. They sneer at our love and turn cruelty loose on our kindness.
How can we go on trying to make sense of the way some people act?
How can we believe in goodness and decency? How can we go on talking
of a God who is eternal and powerful?
Could it be true that you are not an all-powerful God after all?
When we came to our senses, we know you are not up there floating high
above this fragile ‘ball of rock and clay’.
We could so easily vanish away like fleeting shadow – but we know there
is more to human existence than waiting to be shrivelled up into our
least and lowest form of life. Despite what is happening, despite the
ugliness and the destruction, we believe in something better – that there
is a love that is greater than every human hate. You, God, are the source
and energy of that love.
In the face of every curse, you bring a blessing. In the face of utmost
tragedy, you point us to the pathway of healing. In the face of so much
fear, you keep us alive to a new creation – when everything seems flat
and as if you have forgotten us, you help us to find again a voice to praise
you that we were given the chance to be here, and that we can go on
searching for your eternal energy and love.
Slightly adapted from ‘A Fine Wind Is Blowing’, the Psalms in words for
today by Dr Francis Macnab.
The questions the psalmist asks are ones that have occupied thinking people
for millennia. Together with other questions, they are a reason why humans
have imagined a God or gods to help make sense of life. But what kind of a
God? The image is different and keeps changing according to when, where
and who is creating it, and why it is needed (or not).
In whatever way we individually conceive of God, the Mystery is always
ultimately unknowable. I don’t think we should therefore dismiss it – I
encourage you to keep exploring, keep expanding your understanding and,
above all, keep trying to allow the divine, loving Energy to flow through you
and help build the ‘new creation’, the best possible world that discourages
depravity, cruelty and injustice and instead fosters loving kindness, fairness,
hospitality, equality, joy, beauty, decency, integrity – the values that make
life worth living for everyone.
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Templer Record 748 – April 2012
As Passion Week unfolds once more, let us reflect on the various ways people
behaved at the time, and the wide range of feelings that led to the way they
acted. If we found ourselves in that kind of situation – as a bystander, a
church- or temple-goer, a Roman, Israeli or Australian soldier, a Galilean
fisherman or Australian farmer, a woman supporter of Jesus, one of his
inner circle, a fanatic, a politician, a condemned thief, a doomed role model
– what would we do? Would we judge the others, despise them, condemn
them? Do we add to the superficial, instant opinions that make up so much
of the current, unhealthy ‘noise’ pollution in society?
May there be some time out for peaceful reflection and rest and appreciation
of life during your Easter break, and perhaps even some uplifting renewal.
Herta Uhlherr
FRIENDS AND FRIENDSHIP
Cancer Council Relay for Life
From Saturday afternoon 3rd March through until late-morning Sunday 4th
March, I was part of a relay effort (‘Team Anna’) held in the Corangamite
Shire in western Victoria.
Whilst acknowledging the fundraising element of the event – its mission is to
work towards a cancer-free society – my motivation for participating
transcended this. I wanted to walk for Anna Grendon and her family ... and
for Barbara Imberger-Sonntag ... and for Ingeborg Imberger ... and for ...
Renate Beilharz and I arrived at the relay site in Terang at about 2pm on
Saturday afternoon. Persistent drizzle had accompanied us for most of the
trip from Melbourne. The local Recreation Reserve had 45 teams (and
something like 1000 people!) taking part – far more than I expected – a
healthy proportion being secondary school groups. Marquees were set up,
food tables organised and team members greeted. The official opening
ceremony was conducted before 5pm and soon enough we were on our way.
Sarah Grendon, Anna’s daughter, had lettered and stitched our team banner,
planted track-side, and each of us wore our Anna bandAnnas with pride.
Umbrellas and raincoats were needed at times but, with no wind, it remained
relatively mild. Entertainment was in the form of live musical talent and the
camaraderie of all those around, looking alike in their blue Relay for Life
shirts. Team ‘relay batons’ were interesting and diverse; I spotted bagpipes, a
lifesaving belt, a brush and pan set, a short ladder, boxing gloves, a rolling
pin ... and we had a bunch of yellow flowers!
Walking counter-clockwise around the marked oval, leaving an inside lane
for the intrepid runners, one soon developed a rhythm and the half-hour
Templer Record 748 – April 2012
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partnered stints were over very quickly. So much so that Margie (née
Wagner, Anna’s sister) walked for 30 minutes of every hour for the duration
of the 18-hour event – perhaps she was sleep-walking for some of that time.
Tea lights of hope
At about 8:30pm, tea lights in sand-filled
containers within ‘Hope’ paper bags (many carrying
personal messages and tributes) were lit and
positioned. They covered almost the entire length of
the running track around the oval and, particularly
when the main lights were turned off, created a very
moving image. All these bags represented people
loved, and touched just one small country
community. Candles of the past (Barb), present
(Anna) and future (Ingeborg – sadly, she was to
lose her cancer fight in the following week) were lit
by special local identities, each with a cancer story
to tell. Those remembering and those celebrating
mingled freely. All were there united in the cause to
fight back!
At 11pm – one third of the relay time – we changed direction and began
circling clockwise. I'm not sure if this was to unwind, to give the grass a bit
more of a chance (holding up remarkably well, given the foot traffic) or to
break things up a little. Sleep was an interesting pastime. Some retired to
tents, swags or cars, while others crawled into sleeping bags and curled up on
chairs in our marquee. It was a strange sight, particularly in the wee hours.
Our baton kept circulating. Fortunately, the bright light from the perimeter
of the oval shining directly into our marquee was turned off, as was the loud
PA microphone.
After reverting to the more familiar counter-clockwise direction at 5am,
daylight came quickly, as did more drizzle. The complimentary breakfast
from the Rotary Club was tasty. Homemade pretzels (courtesy of Tante
Luise) and Weißbrot (from Nanne) were a real treat. Paul (Anna’s nephew)
Erskine’s efforts as a Ms Relay contestant, and Paul (Anna’s brother)
Wagner’s as team leader, also deserve special mention. For the former the
heels were a challenge, as was zipping up his tight blue number! For the
latter this acknowledgement of a big sister was important.
Time marched on, as did the foot-slogging team members and our bunch of
yellow flowers. The grass was trampled, but remained intact without any
slipperiness, pooled water or muddy sections. At 10:30am teams assembled
behind their banners and rotated as one for the final few laps. Purple
balloons were released – sorry, environment! – and it was over, an
experience full of mixed emotions.
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Templer Record 748 – April 2012
The team of the Cancer Council Relay for Life
Sommerfest 2012
When you're down and troubled and you need a helping hand
And nothing, nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest nights.
You just call out my name and you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall, all you’ve got to do is call
And I'll be there, you've got a friend.
The familiar words of Carole King, as sung by James Taylor, began our
service on this important date on our community calendar.
Friends – we have them, and we need them … and sometimes they need us.
A strong aspect of our community is familiarity and togetherness, belonging
and, as a consequence, friendships. It is perhaps something we take for
granted, but not all are so fortunate.
Whether in our small community or the wider society, there can be a sense of
social isolation for some: people from a culturally and linguistically diverse
background, people with a disability, their family and carers, marginalised
people, people on a low income, young parents, senior citizens.
The Temple Society’s freedom of religious thought allows the development of
individuality and diversity amongst members. We promote the values of
trust, respect and acceptance, they being reflected in this freedom, but I
think it worthwhile to regularly ask ourselves: how responsive to social
Templer Record 748 – April 2012
Page 7
inclusion are we in reality? I frequently see and hear of examples of members
being prepared to be the friend who offers the helping hand to someone who
is down and troubled or whose life has turned gloomy and dark. This is
consistent with our sense of community and our focus to work towards a
more compassionate society.
The following piece received from Martina Eaton was read out:
‘People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you
know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.
When someone is in your life for a reason, it is usually to meet a need you
have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide
you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or
spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for
the reason you need them to be. Then this person will say or do something to
bring the relationship to an end. What we must realise is that our need has
been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
Some people come into your life for a season, because your turn has come to
share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you
laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give
you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Lifetime relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon
in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the
lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other
relationships and areas of your life.’
Together with Alan Tudge MP, Federal Member for Aston, I then walked into
the sunshine of the day.
Mark Herrmann
Sommerfest Service 18.3.2012 held by a Templer Elder at the Chapel
Photo Martina Eaton
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Templer Record 748 – April 2012
ACCEPTANCE AND RESPECT
The Atheist Convention takes place in Melbourne during April. Sceptical,
atheistic authors of recent books damning basic Christian beliefs, e.g.
Richard Dawkins in The God Delusion, the late Christopher Hitchens in God
is not Great and Sam Harris in The End of Faith, ‘give the impression that
they are pioneering a new path’. They seem unaware that ‘much of their
scepticism was not only being expressed more than 2,000 years ago, but
even found its way into the Bible itself,’ for instance in the book known as
Ecclesiastes (Qoheleth in Hebrew) meaning ‘the preacher’ (a role title).
‘This book completely undermines much of what is preached from Christian
pulpits… it openly questions the validity of the doctrine (held by all Jews,
Christians and Muslims) that God rules this universe in a loving way that
ensures justice for all,’ and is therefore largely ignored by the Church.
Ecclesiastes reflects human thought and experience, and shows that the
Bible is not a coherent narrative, but a collection of stories written by diverse
authors over a period of more than 1,000 years. Certainly the Bible is a
cultural treasure, but not, we and many others believe, the literal word of
God, dictated by him.
In his book Such is Life – A Close Encounter with Ecclesiastes (Poleridge,
2010), from which the above quotations are taken, the eminent NZ scholar,
Sir Lloyd Geering, sets out a clear analysis of traditions in the Bible. I found
this enlightening and helpful and summarise it below.
The traditions of ancient Israel developed along four parallel paths at the
same time, not one after the other as has been thought.
1. For Jews, the most authoritative stream is the Torah or the Books of
Moses, the first five books of the Bible: they cover the ‘Creation’, the Hebrew
Exodus from Egyptian slavery, Moses receiving the Law on Mt Sinai and the
emergence of the patriarchs. The Torah became the focal point of the
synagogue, an institution which developed after the Babylonian Exile.
2. The Royalist tradition, which emerged out of the primitive tribal
structure. It focusses on the divine authorisation of the dynasty founded by
David (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings). After the Babylonians crushed the
Davidic kingdom in 586 BC, the Jews continued to hope for a messiah when
they returned from Exile, an important factor in the later rise of Christianity.
3. The Prophetic stream (in Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and the 12 Minor
Prophets). While the priests were concerned with how the past and the
meticulous observance of the Law in the Torah should shape present
behaviour, the prophets were seen as God’s spokespersons about current
affairs and their interpretation for the immediate future.
Templer Record 748 – April 2012
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4. The Wisdom stream of tradition was neither priestly, nor royalist, nor
prophetic, but more about daily life and passing on insights about how to live
a harmonious, satisfying life. It produced its own ‘experts’ known as sages
(Proverbs, some of the Psalms, Job, Ecclesiastes, Ecclesiasticus, also called
the Wisdom of ben Sirach, and the Wisdom of Solomon). The Wisdom
stream was still growing and thriving in the time of Jesus.
Out of the cultural tradition of ancient Israel there evolved three quite
independent religious communities:
In Judaism, the Torah remained central.
In Christianity, the Davidic royalist tradition dominated at first: Jesus
was hailed as Messiah (anointed successor to David) then the Son of God,
King of Kings, reigning over the Kingdom of God.
In Islam, the prophetic tradition dominates, Muhammed is acclaimed as
‘The Prophet’.
The Wisdom stream – this-worldly and humanist – became neglected as
Judaism, Christianity and Islam all became more identified with the
supernatural and the other-worldly. Only as the sense of the supernatural
has declined has the Wisdom stream, being more secular, come into its own.
It suggests behaviours to live in the world with less stress, but also contains
sustained, creative reflections on various aspects of life (as in Job and
Ecclesiastes), without much interest in official beliefs and practices. Geering
places Jesus in the Wisdom tradition as a sage teaching how to live in the
world. A great number of Christians are as yet unaware that many orthodox
and evangelical beliefs are not the ‘whole truth’ about God and Jesus. (Can
we, in fact, ever know the whole truth about them?) Some of the beliefs and
teachings of ‘Churchianity’ deserve to be criticised, or at least questioned, in
progressive Christian opinion.
However, I would expect atheist intellectuals – scholars – who profit from
denigrating religious beliefs to, at least, have done their homework before
fanning more hate and contempt in our world. The same applies to
fundamentalists of any affiliation. Unfortunately, they make more noise than
the moderate, ‘sensible’ members of their group. Who acknowledges that not
all followers of Jesus’ teaching are ‘Churchians’? This is hardly ever said
publicly.
Our Templer banner states our values of Trust, Acceptance, Respect and
Community. Live and let live, show respect and courtesy, accept that people
have very different views. This can be very hard to accept and respect, but we
keep trying, for the sake of better relations and more peace among humans
everywhere.
Herta Uhlherr
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Templer Record 748 – April 2012
REGIONAL MATTERS
TEMPLER THINK TANK – T3
Our group has started meeting again in 2012. Although we are focussing on
the topics of leadership (succession planning), youth potential and
engagement and more, I invite readers with specific ideas for the TSA and
possible areas of investigation and interest to contact me.
KNOX INTER-FAITH NETWORK FORUM – free event
Topics: The Golden Rule across faith traditions (Dr Stewart Sharlow) and
an exploration of the role of faith in the Palestine-Israel peace
process (Dr John Levi, Mehmet Ozalp, Dr Sr Mary Reaburn)
Facilitator:
Date:
Venue:
Professor Joe Camilleri
Sunday 22nd April from 2:00 to 5:00pm
Uniting Church Ferntree Gully
(6 The Avenue, Melway map 74C3)
Registration: Peter Evans by e-mail at secretary.kin@knoxinterfaith.org.au
before Sunday 8th April (pre-registration is essential)
Queries can also be made through the TSA Office.
Mark Herrmann
GREAT EFFORT!
What is it they say, 'Behind every good man there is a great woman'? Then I
think: next to me stands Mark Herrmann, who was constantly there
throughout all the Sommerfest committee meetings, with Emma Sonno,
Melissa English and their tireless team of volunteers running such a fantastic
day. My hat goes off to you all! Thank you from the bottom of my
heart; without all your hard work and effort, the day just would not have
been possible. Also many, many thanks to all the other people who helped
out mowing grass, setting up, preparing food, cleaning the kitchen, running
the stalls and activities, packing up, etc.
I heard from a lot of people during the day that they had a wonderful time.
Please let us know how we can improve or, better still, volunteer to be on the
Interest or Focus Group. All feedback can be made to the TSA Office, where
it will be passed on for further analysis.
Once again, thanks to the Sommerfest Interest Group and all the volunteers.
Heinz (Heiner) Wagner, for the Social & Recreation Focus Group
Templer Record 748 – April 2012
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SOCIAL CARE
Dear Friends,
What a fantastic Sommerfest we had! The weather was spectacular, the
Saal gave me lots to think about and the activities were lots of fun! Once
again, I enjoyed patting the lambs and other babies in the petting zoo and
riding around on the tractor and watching all of you enjoying time with your
family and friends. Thanks to all for making it such a great day!
As the weather starts to cool down (not that it has been very hot!), it is time
to consider having a flu vaccination to get you through the coming flu
season, which seems to start earlier each year. Please note, if you fit into any
of the categories below, this vaccine is free! Eligible groups for free
government-supplied seasonal influenza vaccine are people over 65,
pregnant women, residents of nursing homes and other long-term care
facilities, any person over 6 months of age who has a chronic condition that
may predispose you to the flu (e.g. asthma, diabetes, kidney or heart
disease), people who are homeless or indigenous people over 15 years old.
Speak to your GP if you would like to have the vaccine.
As you know, I am busy organising some great events for different age
groups in the community, and I know the men are looking forward to their
planned Men’s Advance at Mt Buller in May. We still have a few places
available, so please send in your booking forms and encourage your friends
in and out of the Temple Society to come along to the event! I am happy to
email you a flyer to forward to your friends – just phone or email me!
Golden Girls Pamper Day. There are some changes due to a number of
factors. We were planning to go to Red Hill but, due to the distance away and
the space available for you all to relax, I have changed the venue to a
beautiful place in Sassafras called Nourish. The program is a little different
also. We will all meet in Bayswater Hall at 10am where we will have the
Women’s Health talk with Kaffee und Kuchen, followed by a leisurely drive
up to Sassafras through the Dandenongs to Nourish, where you will be
pampered with a foot nourish including massage and coconut milk honey
scrub (to be enjoyed with a relaxing tea), a massage including hot towels to
enhance your wellbeing and a facial designed to replenish the skin and give a
wonderful hydrated glow. All guests will receive a takeaway tub of coconut
milk honey scrub. A fruit and cheese platter and unlimited tea, orange juice
and coffee will be served in the afternoon. Nourish does not have a minimum
group number, which means the day will go ahead regardless of numbers
(Red Hill required a minimum of 20 people). Please feel free to call and book
in with me or ask any questions you want to. I need your bookings by the end
of April and I will forward you the booking form! You can pay in instalments
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Templer Record 748 – April 2012
if need be, but a deposit must be sent with the booking form to secure your
place.
Oma and Opa’s Kitchen is beginning this month. I hope all of you who
wish to participate have contacted Anne Wied! I know my son is looking
forward to participating with his Oma!
MoneyMinded Workshops are aimed at people of all age groups and will
be held later in the year. Dates and topics will be confirmed in the May TR.
Telelink will be held on the 13th and 27th of this month. I look forward to
chatting with you. If you would like to sign up to be a part of this group,
please contact me.
Participants in
Telelink, at
Sommerfest
Photo Traude Glenk
Broadband for Seniors: Do you need a brush-up on your computer skills?
Have you had lessons with me (or someone else) before and need to be
reminded how to send emails, use Skype or Facebook, send photos via the
internet, etc? Give me a call and I am happy to show you on your own
computer or on the computer in Bentleigh or Bayswater. Appointments
required.
Keep smiling,
Martina Eaton, Community Care Worker
email: careworker@templesociety.org.au
Templer Record 748 – April 2012
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MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
GEBURTSTAGE – BIRTHDAYS
Wir gratulieren herzlich zum Geburtstag unserer Mitglieder:
Ruth Haar (Bauder)
Irene Bengough
Waltraud Metrikas
Volker Bulach
Rosemarie Hahn
Nelly Spieth
Heinz Kuebler
Heinz Wied
Oskar Krockenberger
Friedrich Goetze
Luise Minzenmay
Hilda Beilharz
Kuno Weller
Lothar Faig
Friedrich Katz
und wünschen auch allen hier nicht angeführten Geburtstagskindern alles
Gute und Schöne zum neuen Lebensjahr – Happy Birthday!
MARRIAGE
Rionel Ibel-Rodrigues (son of Sheela Ibel) and Jenevive Vas married
on 28.2.2012 at Bangalore (India) with many family members present.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
Felix and Ruth Haar and Harald and Esther Gassmann are celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. Both couples were married on
5th April 1952.
Otto and Hilary Aberle are celebrating their Silver Anniversary on 4th
April, and Christa and Rodney Lingham theirs on 11th April.
Warm congratulations to all these couples!
BEREAVEMENTS
Gertrud Ebe née Scheerle passed away on 22.2.2012 at St
Hedwig’s Village, Blacktown, NSW.
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Templer Record 748 – April 2012
On Thursday 8.3.2012, our treasured Ingeborg Imberger (née
Böhmer) passed away peacefully at Ringwood Private Hospital, after
succumbing to her third and final encounter with cancer. She was 62
years young.
Ingeborg was the eldest daughter of Lothar Böhmer and Irene née
Beilharz, both deceased. She was also the much-loved and respected
older sister of Karin Walduck, Doris Frank and Gary Böhmer, whom
she leaves behind with their families.
To celebrate Ingeborg’s life, a beautiful and fitting service was held
in the Templer Chapel on Thursday 15th March. The large number of
family, friends and colleagues present reflected the enormous
impact that Ingeborg had across the different circles of her life. Our
heartfelt thanks to Mark Herrmann for officiating, and to Gary
Böhmer, Sunni Weller, Denise Imberger and Gae Robinson for
sharing their memories. We also thank the whole community for
their support and kind words at this difficult time.
Ingeborg, we love you and you will forever be in our hearts. As you
always said, ‘Life is too short for ugly shoes.’ May you rest in peace.
Kurt Imberger with Krista and Hayley
On 16.3.2012, Eleonore Richter née Ehnis passed away quietly at
the TTHA, aged 85 years.
Our thanks go to Mark Herrmann for the thoughtful service and to
Sonia Glenk for her beautiful piano accompaniment.
Grateful thanks also to the staff at TTHA for their care and support
of Eleonore in her last years. Finally resting after a lifetime of
devotion to us all.
Karl Richter
Theo & Heidi Richter with Tania & Damon and Monika,
Ralph & Diana Richter with Hugo and Evan,
Bob Blaich with Christopher, Stephen and Michael,
and all the extended families
Our condolences to the bereaved families
PRESENTATION
A heart-warming service led by Renate Weber was conducted in Bentleigh on
26th February.
Ed.
Templer Record 748 – April 2012
Presentation 26.2.2012 in Bentleigh
Page 15
Photos H. Uhlherr
COUNTRY VIC SAAL IN COWES,
On Sunday, 19th February, 16 Templers met at the St John’s Uniting Church
in Cowes to listen to an inspiring sermon by Dr Geoff McCallum about the
meaning of Sunday (Shabbat). In well-chosen words he explained what this
day meant to the early Christians, namely that it was set aside for rest after 6
days of toil.
Afterwards we adjourned to the hall where we had our communal lunch,
brought along by the
ladies. All too soon our
meeting broke up, with
the visitors going for a
walk or visiting the shops
in town.
Both Esther and I would
like to thank all of the
Melbournians and the
visitors from Gippsland
who came. Due to an
illness, I am unable to
drive for a while and this
is my only opportunity to
see our friends.
St John’s UCA was happy Some of the Templers attending Saal
to receive our $76 Photos H. Gassmann
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Templer Record 748 – April 2012
donation.
Harald Gassmann
REUNION OF VINTAGES 1931 & 32 – 13th-16th March
Twenty-nine of our group met at the Comfort Inn Bell Tower in Ballarat for
our reunion. We arrived on Tuesday around 2pm to mix, mingle and
reconnect over afternoon tea. After dinner, Alfred Klink showed a
PowerPoint of our past reunions, a journey down memory lane. ‘Oh how we
have changed!’
Next day we visited Sovereign Hill and learned much about its history. That
night after dinner, those who wished to continue the history lesson visited
the ‘Blood on the Southern Cross’ at Sovereign Hill. This light and sound
show tells the story of the Eureka Rebellion, a dramatic battle between gold
miners and government forces on 3rd December 1854.
Those who had remained in the motel were entertained by Susan and Theo
Graze showing photos of their recent cruise through Europe down the Rhine
and Danube Rivers, from Amsterdam to Bucharest, which everyone enjoyed.
On Thursday we visited the Creswick Knitting Mills – an opportunity to go
shopping. The afternoon allowed us more time for chatting and reminiscing
in the beautiful BBQ area and after dinner we sang the old favorite folk songs
accompanied by Doris Katz on her accordion.
All too soon it was Friday morning and, after fond farewells and the promise
to meet in Sydney in two years, it was time to depart. We all had a most
enjoyable time. The motel was an exceptional venue; the service and meals
could not be faulted.
On behalf of the group, a sincere thankyou to our organisers Skaidra and
Werner Blaich and Doris and Kurt Katz for a job well done!
Mary Scheerle, Qld.
Those of the group who stayed on for Sommerfest were warmly welcomed
at ‘Saal’.
SOMMERFEST
The Sommerfest Committee hopes everyone enjoyed their day at Sommerfest. We will have a more detailed report next month. However, in the
meantime we would like to thank the many people who volunteered their
time and effort on the day and throughout the organising process. We also
Templer Record 748 – April 2012
Page 17
thank all of the local businesses that donated their time and goods or
services. Thank you for all your hard work, for without you this event would
not run.
Emma Sonno, on behalf of the Sommerfest Committee
More notes on Sommerfest
The outstanding Scherenschnitte (silhouettes) created by the late Friedel
Reichert were a joy (lovingly framed by her niece, Karin Ruff).
Bouquet to Mieka Decker for her beautifully clear PA announcements.
Thanks again to the Brass Ensemble, who played under the trees, delightful
as ever (see page 22).
Excellent to see a new, younger
cohort serving lunch.
The Box City occupied the young
and younger.
H.U.
Sommerfest 2012
Right: resting in the sun after building with the
boxes
Photo H. Uhlherr
Below: Some of the happy visitors in front of
the Box City
Photo Alex Wall
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Templer Record 748 – April 2012
There were many beautiful and colourful
Dirndls at Sommerfest.
Photo Alex Wall
More pictures on page 22.
There was much activity in the
Playgroup tent
Photo Herta Uhlherr
Templer Record 748 – April 2012
Page 19
SYDNEY
Sydney, and NSW for that matter, have had their fair share of flooding rains
in February and March this year. Finally, autumn is here and the sun is
making a very belated appearance – we do hope it stays around a little
longer, especially for Easter egg hunts, school holidays and the like.
Our Seniors’ Group meeting and our Service in March were both pleasant
events. Our cheerful service reflected on the vital role family can play in our
lives, particularly in times of need when family and close friends can make
horrendous and hopeless situations seem bearable and manageable. I talked
about what a privilege it is to work with Templer families where I constantly
witness amazing dedication, selfless sacrifice, deep love and care from
daughters, sons, sisters and friends when dealing with their loved ones. A
profound love engulfs pretty much all the cases with which I work where
Templer families are involved. To me this is what we Templers are all about:
Christianity in practice, or love and goodness in action. Likewise our Seniors’
Group often involves people giving lifts to each other or lending a caring ear
or getting food for one another. All this helps us see people who may find it
tricky to get out much, and allows everyone a few hours to connect and
recharge. I feel strongly that this group, too, is another example of
Christianity in action.
Coming events
April
Good Friday/Easter Service: Friday 6th April at 10:30am; bring
along the kids to enjoy a lovely, activity-filled Easter celebration.
Seniors’ Group: Friday 13th April 11:30am, lunch at Wenty
Leagues. Look forward to seeing you there.
May
Seniors’ Group: 11th May 11:30am; Wenty Leagues for lunch.
Men’s Advance, book now! Places are limited. 18th-20th May.
May Picnic: a reminder that we will hold the picnic on 27th May after
Saal at the church. A pleasant BBQ with games for the kids is on offer.
Remember to invite friends and relatives. More details next TR.
That’s about all. Enjoy April.
Ingrid Turner, Elder and Community Development Worker for Sydney
email: ingridt@tpg.com.au
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Templer Record 748 – April 2012
YOUTH
YOUTH CALENDAR
Sunday 15th April
Melbourne Comedy Festival show
Friday 27th April
Friday Night Fun – night games
Sunday 20th May
Friday 8th June
Saturday 23rd June
Trees Adventure high ropes
climbing!
Friday Night Fun – Blue Baboon at
Chadstone
Sonnwendfeier/Winter Solstice
bonfire
City 2pm
Bayswater
7:30pm
Belgrave 1pm
Chadstone
Bayswater
5pm
2012 TEENAGE GROUP PROGRAM
For full details or enquiries about the 2012 Teenage Group program please
contact:
Susi Richter, Community Youth Coordinator
email: susi@templesociety.org.au
MELBOURNE COMEDY FESTIVAL SHOW – Sunday 15th April
We have two shows to choose from and YOU get to vote! They are: ‘Where’s
the Remote?’ (Jason Chong) and ‘Random Musical’ (Spontaneous Broadway). You can check the blurb on both shows on the Comedy Festival website
at http://www.comedyfestival.com.au
Times:
The show starts at 2pm
Transport: Train to Flinders Street. We’ll be meeting at Bayswater at
12:15pm and Bentleigh at 12:30pm.
Return times will be between 4 and 5pm
Cost:
$15 per person (bring along a little extra for ice cream!)
RSVP:
NOW!
FRIDAY NIGHT GAMES – Friday 27th April
Better bring your wits and your sense of humour for some ‘surprise’ games!
Times:
Bring:
RSVP:
7:30pm to 9:30pm at the Bayswater Hall. Cost: nil
A torch, some snacks and a drink bottle
Wednesday 25th April
Templer Record 748 – April 2012
Page 21
KIDS’ CLUB
UPCOMING EVENTS
30th March
to 2nd April
Kids’ Club camp at The Briars
Outdoor Ed Camp
Friday 6th April
Good Friday Service & Sunday School
Sunday 8th April
Sunday 6th May
Easter Sunday Service & Sunday
School
Bike Ride & Picnic at Cranbourne
Botanical Gardens
Sunday 13th May
Mothers’ Day Service & Sunday School
Sunday 27th May
Service & Sunday School
Sunday 3rd June
Service & Sunday School
Saturday 23rd June
Sunday 24th June
Sonnwendfeier/Winter Solstice
Celebration
Founding Day Service & Sunday
School
Mt Martha
Bentleigh
10:15am
Bayswater
10:15am
Cranbourne
Bayswater
10:15am
Bentleigh
10:15am
Bayswater
10:15am
Bayswater
5pm
Bentleigh
10:15am
KIDS’ CLUB BIKE RIDE & PICNIC – Sunday 6th May
We are planning a fun and relaxing day at the beautiful Cranbourne
Botanical Gardens.
Bring your bikes or just walk through a range of vegetation areas and
wetlands – if you’ve never visited before, take this opportunity to explore this
363 hectare park, less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne.
BYO bicycles, helmets, water bottles etc. and your picnic lunch. There are gas
BBQs and picnic tables in the picnic areas.
We will meet at the Stringybark Picnic Area, which is accessed via
Stringybark Drive, the first road on the left from the Main Entrance/Exit of
the gardens, at 10:30am. Entry is free of charge.
Please register your interest to enable contact in case of any changes.
For more information see http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/rbg-cranbourne or
contact Dietmar at dietmarcj@bigpond.com
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Templer Record 748 – April 2012
A Happy Birthday to
Lincoln Christensen
Grace Wagner
Jacob Ruff
Isabel Bulach
Alison Cross
Bailey Field
Isabella Knaub
Odette McCallum
Jordan Kuerschner
David Vollmer
Lachlan Green
Natalya Stefanac
More photos of
Sommerfest 2012
Part of the Brass Ensemble
Two volunteers
selling raffle tickets to the people having
lunch under the trees
Note the fancy hat that the
‘balloonologist’ made
Photos H. Uhlherr
Templer Record 748 – April 2012
Page 23
TTHA
Dear Friends,
As I write this article, I wonder how I will fit in all the changes that have
happened.
TTHA is fully occupied and our waiting list is still solid, although please
continue to mention TTHA to anyone you know who would be interested in a
wonderful Aged Care facility now or in the future. A number of people have
talked to me lately about the warm atmosphere of TTHA and how, although
we may not be an extravagant building, the people within our building create
so much life and joy; the material side does not matter so much. It is lovely
to know that we can still enjoy the simple things in life – material things
alone are not the main reason we are happy. Someone said to me the other
day: ‘My health is the most important thing to me’, and I could not agree
more, without your health you cannot be who you want to be or do the things
you want to do. Echoing this, in one resident’s room there is a plaque:
Gesundheit ist nicht alles, aber ohne Gesundheit ist alles nichts.
TTHA has recently undergone an administration restructure. This was hard
and impacted our community group. Two people who decided the new
structure was not for them were Krista Blessing and Sally Goyne. Krista had
been with TTHA for over 10 years and originally started in the kitchen. She
enjoyed many successes at TTHA in a number of different departments and
was instrumental in many of the TTHA value-added services that we still
enjoy today. We thank Krista for her effort and commitment to TTHA over
those years and wish her success.
Sally worked in our maintenance department for 6 years; she not only
brought a woman’s touch to the department but was able to assist with all
their administrative tasks, which the men really appreciated. Sally was also
very versatile and willing to help out whenever and wherever she was
needed. One closed door always opens another and we wish Sally all the best
in the future. Thank you to both Krista and Sally for their contribution to
TTHA, they are sadly missed and the team wish them all the best for the
future. A number of other roles were changed, although we have maintained
the staff in other areas and we appreciate their understanding and continual
commitment to TTHA. Change is always hard, but we are sure that, in
moving the business forward, TTHA will continue to grow and provide the
sound environment for our staff.
Community Care at TTHA has had many changes and we currently have a
number of Community Aged Care Packages (CACPs) available to those who
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Templer Record 748 – April 2012
are still living independently at home but who are finding some things
harder to manage. Ricci, our Community Care Manager, can be contacted to
discuss any questions you may have. Our packages are very well received
within our community and offer an array of services from Home Help,
Gardening, Social Interaction, Meals, Physiotherapy, Podiatry and lots more.
I often receive letters and have conversations with our CACPs clients who all
think that Ricci and her team have made such a difference to their life,
helping them remain independent while taking away some of the burdens.
TTHA is about to see the completion of our next three Retirement Living
Units in Elizabeth Street. These units have been designed in conjunction
with the new residents and are a wonderful asset to TTHA. They are
spacious, beautiful and offer the couples a fine new home in which to enjoy
their retirement years. Our Maintenance Manager Marco and I would like to
personally thank the three couples for their understanding over the past
year. We are excited to be able to hand the keys over at the start of April.
We also have a unit that sadly has been placed back on the market. It is in its
final stage of full renovation, ready to move into within the next few weeks.
Should you know of someone or be interested yourself, please feel free to call
me.
Till next month I wish you all good health, laughter and wonderful Easter
celebrations with family and friends.
Kind regards,
Natasha Wilkinson, CEO
email: natasha.wilkinson@ttha.org.au
Two old buddies catching
up at Sommerfest
Photo H. Uhlherr
Templer Record 748 – April 2012
Page 25
NOTICES – BEKANNTMACHUNGEN
COMING SERVICES
Sun
1.4. S.A.
14:00
Service Tanunda
Thu
5.4. Ba
18:00
Agape
Herta Uhlherr
Fri
6.4. Be
10:15
Good Friday Service
Theo Richter
Fri
6.4. Sy
10:30
Sun
8.4. Ba
10:15
Sun
15.4. TTHA
10:30
Good Friday/Easter Service
Easter Service
Harald Ruff
& egg hunt
Service
Hermann Uhlherr
Fri
20.4. Be
19:30
Elders’ Discussion
Sun
22.4. Knox
14:00
Inter-faith Forum
Sun
29.4. Bendigo 11:00
Country Vic Service
Mark Herrmann
FLOWER ROSTER
Be
Ba
6.4. Good Friday – Tania Richter
8.4. Easter
AGAPE – Maundy Thursday 5th April 6:00pm
Reflection, music, remembrance, candlelight and a simple meal in the
Chapel foyer to commemorate Jesus’s last night on earth with his friends.
All welcome. Please let us know if you are coming (for space and catering
purposes). Contact the Office or us. Donations welcome.
Herta Uhlherr and Renate Weber
COUNTRY VICTORIA SERVICE – Bendigo, Sunday 29th April
The service will be held at the home of Linda Beilharz, beginning at
11:00am. Directions are available at the Office, although the Rosa bus will
be going if there is enough interest. As usual please bring lunch, afternoon
tea and good cheer to share. Please contact the Office for more details or to
book for the bus.
Mark Herrmann
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Templer Record 748 – April 2012
FRAUENVEREIN BENTLEIGH
At the next meeting of the Frauenverein Bentleigh on Tuesday 10th April
at 12 noon Elisabeth Wagner will kindly show the film Die Feuerzangenbowle, starring Heinz Rühmann. Everyone, ladies and gentlemen, are
warmly invited to come and enjoy this humorous film in good company. BYO
lunch. Tea and coffee are provided.
Helga Anderson
CRAFTS
Bentleigh: It is time to start thinking about our Weihnachtsmarkt. Our
next get-togethers will be Saturday 21st April and 5th May from 1pm at
the back of the Bentleigh Hall, 152 Tucker Road. New people and input
would be great. Bring your own craft to go on with; hopefully I will have
something for you to do. If you prefer to do your crafts at home, but would
like to assist, we would love to hear from you. For more information, please
ring me or email nanne@templesociety.org.au
Bayswater ladies will be meeting in the activities room in Tabulam on
Tuesday 24th April from 10am till approximately 12:30pm. Please ring
Helga Kuerschner if you are planning to attend.
Marianne Herrmann, for the Craft Groups
WORKING BEE – Bayswater Sunday 29th April
Commencing at 9am. Your assistance will be appreciated over a range of
tasks. Morning tea will be provided. It would be useful to know who is
coming – please let me know in advance if you can.
Tony Beilharz
TEMPLER EXCHANGE
Applications are open for next year’s Australian-German Templer Exchange.
As the last exchange participant, I highly recommend it to any young
Templers. It was a fantastic experience, where I spent three months in
Stuttgart, attending a two-month intensive German language course while
staying with Templer host families and being a part of the Templer
Community in Germany.
If you are even slightly thinking of applying, please either give me a call, or
send an email, to find out more information. Applications for the exchange
Templer Record 748 – April 2012
close on 30th June.
Page 27
Melissa English, AGTE Coordinator
email: Melissa.english5@gmail.com
REUNION OF VINTAGES 1937, 38 & 39
Monday 10th to Wednesday 12th September
Where: Hepburn Springs, near Daylesford, Victoria
Reminder that your bookings and money ($285 p.p.) are due by 30th April,
with Nelly. (Then we will be out of reach for several weeks.)
Further information is available from Gerda or Nelly at nelly@spieth.com.au
We are sure to have a great time and hope to see you all there.
Gerda Knaub & Nelly Spieth
GERMAN/DUTCH FAIRYTALE FESTIVAL at Anakie Fairy Park
Sunday 20th May 11am-3pm
Our Templer German Schools are participating in this Festival at Anakie.
Other families and friends may also wish to come along.
Join us in the celebrations of 200 years of Brothers Grimm fairytales on this
very special day:
Puppet musical Schneewittchen (tri-lingual and interactive)
Student performances
Schnappi the Crocodile
Fairy park trail in Dutch, English and German
Story reading
Dance groups
Prizes for best Grimm fairytale costumes
Dutch and German food
Don’t miss this opportunity to introduce your children and grandchildren to
this part of our cultural heritage.
More details in the May Templer Record; ring me at the Temple Society
Office on 03 9557 6713 or go to www.goethe.de/australien
Marianne Herrmann, for the Templer German Schools
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Templer Record 748 – April 2012
Annual Women’s Retreat
hosted by Martina Eaton (Community Care Worker)
and Ingrid Turner (Community Development Worker, Sydney).
Friday 17th August to Sunday 19th August 2012
Where: Phillip Island Adventure Resort – Collonades Conference
Centre, 1775 Phillip Island Rd, Cowes
Time: 7pm(ish) Friday night until 3pm Sunday afternoon
Transport: Women can get to the retreat on the ROSA bus or
independently. Women coming from Sydney, please speak to Ingrid
about flights, etc.
What will we be doing?
In excellent company, engaging and interactive workshops,
stimulating or relaxing activities and time to revitalise your bodies
and spirits.
There will be a range of activities to
benefit you physically, emotionally and
spiritually, whilst recharging your
batteries with lots of free time –
enjoy not having to cook, clean or work
for the whole weekend! Imagine having
time just for you! Sleep in, go for a
walk or a spa. Massages, foot spas, psychic readings, healing circle,
kinesiology workshop, self defence/boxing workshop, giant swing,
indoor spa, trivia, BYO craft or whatever else takes your fancy!
There are 40 places for this weekend so, if you wish to attend,
please let me know ASAP as places fill quickly.
Investment: $230 for the whole weekend. Cost includes hotel-style
accommodation, all meals (except dinner Friday night), activities
(including workshops, spa and giant swing) and guest speakers.
Templer Record 748 – April 2012
Page 29
Optional: This year we are raising money for the Cancer Council in
memory of Anna Grendon who passed away in late 2011 (see page 4).
When you contact me, you will be sent a registration form as well as
more information about what to bring for the weekend.
(If you would like to attend the retreat but require some financial assistance,
please contact Martina confidentially).
RSVP: Contact Martina at
careworker@templesociety.org.au for a booking form.
Templer Women’s Retreat Group at Phillip Island in 2011
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Templer Record 748 – April 2012
Bentleigh Flat
A 2 bedroom flat is available for rent in Bent
Street, Bentleigh. Close to public transport.
Off street car parking. Refurbished kitchen
and bathroom.
For further details contact
Peter Ware
EXHIBITION
HAIFA HARBOUR
OPENING 1933
TTHA TEMPLER GALLERY
February to April 2012
All welcome
Templer Record 748 – April 2012
Page 31
THE HERITAGE PAGES
From PALESTINE OF YESTERYEARS by Clara S. Klingeman,
née Struve (with kind permission by Peter Klingeman)
Hejaz, the Historic Railway
In the late years of the 19th century and in the early 20th century, every
Moslem dreamt of making the pilgrimage to sacred Mecca and Medina once
in his lifetime. Until 1908, Mecca could only be reached by camel caravan or
by sea. For more than 1,000 years, the camel trail of the Pilgrim Road ran
from Damascus through present-day Jordan to Medina, where the Prophet is
entombed, and then on to Mecca, his birthplace. A ‘fast’ caravan from
Damascus to Mecca took 40 days. At the turn of the century, a concession
was granted to a well-to-do native-born merchant family by the name of
Sursok, the Wali (Governor of Syria representing His Majesty, the Sultan)
and numerous Turkish high dignitaries to build a railway to facilitate the
‘Hadj’, the pilgrimage to Mecca. My uncle, G. Schumacher, was the
cartographer chosen to map the area from Acre, the Jordan River and the
Hauran Mountains to build the narrow gauge Hejaz Railway. With this
railway completed, the pilgrims could now travel from Damascus to Medina
in 2½ to 3 days. For religious and political reasons, the line never went as far
as Mecca itself. Although the Hejaz Railway was built expressly for religious
purposes, it angered the desert Arabs and was vigorously opposed by them.
They had been thriving on the bounty of the pilgrims, either by outright
robbery and pillage of the caravans, or by imposing taxes for ‘protection’ on
those who passed through their tribal regions. Every traveller and every load
of goods paid a fee in money or in kind for the privilege of not being robbed.
The tribes feared that the railway pilgrimages would now rob them of this
chance of robbing the pilgrims.
The life of the Hejaz Railway was a short and a tumultuous one. In World
War I, Germany and Turkey became allies. Jemal Pasha (who was known as
a dread figure from his association with the Armenian massacres in Anatolia)
led the Turks against the British. The Arabs rose in revolt against the Turks.
Mounted on fast camels, the Arabs attacked the trains, blowing up the troops
and supplies the trains now carried. Under the leadership of the legendary T.
E. Lawrence, the attacks on the trains became murderous. Travel on the
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Templer Record 748 – April 2012
Hejaz Railway became very dangerous, especially for those riding in the cars
near the engine. The seats in the rear of the train sold for 5 times the normal
price, as they were safer. The original Hejaz Railway was abandoned in 1925.
In May 1898, His Majesty Sultan Abdurrahim Bey informed all high officials
in Palestine of an impending visit to the Holy Land by the German Kaiser
Wilhelm II and Kaiserin Auguste Victoria. The Sultan urged that for their
arrival in October, great preparations be made. A committee was dispatched
from Constantinople to take charge of all arrangements for this royal visit. As
they were to set foot in the Holy Land at Haifa, it was decided that the
existing wooden landing pier was inadequate. Therefore, my uncle G.
Schumacher was commissioned to build a new pier, 100 metres in length and
10 metres in width, using huge sandstone blocks, protected on the northwest
side with enormous granite rocks taken from the crusader ruins of Athlit.
This Kaiserdamm, as it was later called, was an extension of the Templer
colony's main street running from the foot of Mt Carmel to the sea.
The road from Haifa to Nazareth and Tiberias was repaired. A new road
along the seashore was built with three new stone bridges spanning the
rivers. Also put into good condition were the roads leading between Jaffa,
Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Hebron and Jericho, with special attention given to
the Jordan bridge, where the Bedouins of East Jordan were going to give a
special gala demonstration of their riding proficiency on their pure-bred
horses as well as their fighting skills with their swords and shibriyeh, the
curved double-edged daggers of fine Damascene steel.
Thomas Cook and Co. was put in charge of allocating the hotels, supervising
the banquets, as well as supplying the horses, carriages and royal tents.
The arrival in October of the royal couple and their entourage on the
imperial yacht Hohenzollern, as well as the accompanying ships Herta and
Hella, was the beginning of festivities Palestine had never seen before. It was
a time of great excitement and of joint celebration. This visit of Kaiser
Wilhelm to the Holy Land was an event of great economic value for all of
Palestine, including the Jewish colonies. It aroused a great deal of attention
and renewal of interest in Palestine all over Europe. In Jerusalem, Theodore
Herzl, the founder of the Zionist movement, as well as Christoph Hoffmann
(II), the president of the Temple Society, had audiences with the Kaiser.
Their meeting created mutual understanding and worldwide interest for the
Zionist cause and for the Temple Society.
The First Automobile
1906 saw the first automobile arrive in Haifa. The owner, a wealthy Arab
American businessman, had a unique problem. The schoolchildren and all
the other curious people of Haifa surrounded the car, and the owner could
not move from the spot. He came up with a brilliant idea. He offered a free
Templer Record 748 – April 2012
Page 33
ride to the group if they would clear the area. By drawing lots, he drove the
lucky children up and down the main street. Not every mother allowed her
child to participate in this dangerous drive, but eventually the community
became used to the fabulous car.
April 1908: The first automobile to reach Jerusalem was that of Mr Charles
Gilden of Boston, USA. He had been on a round-the-world trip since 1901
and had visited 37 countries. Of the 50,000-mile journey he had planned, he
now had travelled an estimated 43,166 miles. He needed a special permit
from Sultan Abdul Hamid II as well as one from the Sublime Porte in
Constantinople in order to travel through Turkish territory. You can imagine
the sensation this first automobile in Jerusalem created.
First Airplanes in Palestine
Jaffa, December 26 1909. This was a great day for Jaffa when the French
flyer Vedrines arrived in his Bleriot single deck plane. He left Beirut at 10am
and arrived on the beach of Jaffa at 1 o’clock. The French cruiser Brouix had
dropped anchor off Jaffa early in the morning and now the officers and the
sailors were waiting for the plane to arrive. Their orders had been to give the
flyer any kind of assistance he might need. Since the early morning, about
10,000 inhabitants of the area had assembled on the large field of Mikwih,
Israel. In landing near the sea, the aviator came a little too close to the rocks
and damaged the wheels of his plane. After repairs and refuelling, the
propeller turned and the plane lifted in the air, departing for its destination
Cairo. It was an excited and jubilant population who had witnessed seeing
the first airplane in the sky and on the ground of Palestine.
In the afternoon of December 31 1909, the inhabitants of Jerusalem were
surprised by the unexpected arrival of an airplane landing on a field near the
Templer colony. The French flyer Bonnier had covered the distance from
Beirut to Jerusalem in two hours and a few minutes. Before his departure
from Beirut he had sent a telegram to the French Consul-General in
Jerusalem. This telegram had only preceded the arrival of the flyer by a few
minutes. However, this exciting news went swiftly from house to house. An
enormous group of people gathered and crowded around the plane. A barrier
had to be built for the plane's protection, watched over by a military guard.
The next morning the plane continued on its flight to Cairo. Thus the last day
of 1909 brought this surprise visit of the first airplane to land in Jerusalem.
December 3, 1913. The area near the Templer colony of Jerusalem, where
Bonnier, the first flyer to Jerusalem had landed, had been made ready and
decorated for the arrival of the Turkish flyer Fethi Bey and the Turkish
officer Sadek Bey. They were expected daily and the area was flooded with
people every day. Finally, on February 27th, the news came that this was
definitely the day to expect the flyers. The Governor, the military band, clubs,
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Templer Record 748 – April 2012
school students, teachers and an unbelievably large crowd convened in the
landing area. It was a beautiful spring day. But hour after hour passed and
no plane came in sight. Towards evening, the greatly disappointed groups
returned home. Not until the dark of night was the area completely cleared of
expectant spectators. In the morning of February 28th the sad news came
that Fethi Bey and Sadek Bey's plane had crashed between Tiberias and
Beisan from a height of 400 feet and that both men had been killed. The
deaths of these two Turkish heroes caused great sadness in the land.
Even more tragic was the crash of the plane of the Turkish officers Nuri Bey
and Ismain Bey on March 16, 1914. Again a tremendous crowd had gathered
to see the arrival of the plane. They crowded in so close to the touchdown
area, the flyers had to gesture wildly in order to have sufficient space for
landing. That night all the high officials attended the banquet and the
concert given in honour of the flyers. Everyone was enthusiastic about the
charm of the two aviators. The next morning the two men boarded the plane,
the motor was started, the soldiers holding the plane down, let go and the
plane was off over the sea near Jaffa. Apparently the aviator considered the
height of 400 metres over the sea as too low. He made a sharp turn in order
to reach the land again. However, the plane tilted and the propeller touched
the waves. The plane crashed about 250 metres from the beach and both
flyers were killed.
Movies
Way back in the 1920s, the great movie industry came to Palestine. As much
as we enjoyed seeing the movies, it was more fun to watch the enthusiastic
participation by the audience. The scene showing the beautiful movie star in
the bathtub brought all the male audience standing up on the wood benches
in order to be able to look deeper into the bathtub. During a love scene, the
audience grew very emotional, sighing very loudly when our heroine was in
distress. When she was happy and smiled, the men smacked their lips and
threw imaginary kisses to the beauty on the screen. My cousin, a great
hunter, had brought a village sheik to town. Together they went to the
outdoor cafe to enjoy a Turkish coffee and to see the movie of the month. As
the train on the screen was gathering speed, the sheik, in great distress,
pulled my cousin out of his seat, screaming, ‘Don't you see, the train is going
to run over us!’
Simple Life
In many ways, life was much simpler. A villager riding his donkey home after
a day’s work in a nearby town, bought some figs to eat. How good they
tasted! Finally, at home in his dirt hut, he lit his candle. As he opened one fig
after the other, he found them all to be wormy. Undaunted, he simply blew
out the lighted candle and – w’allah – continued to enjoy eating his figs!
Templer Record 748 – April 2012
Page 35
SARONA’S NEW ERA
In last month’s TR I provided an outline of the new era that Sarona is about
to embrace within the next 12 months. In the lead up to that, I intend to
develop this theme with a number of ongoing articles that will focus on
various aspects of Sarona Garden.
Sarona Garden will be a vehicular-free area as an underground ring road was
built which will allow access from Kaplan Street (formerly Meer Straße) and
several other nearby roads. Over 1000 car parking spaces will be provided
around the Sarona Garden complex.
The planning of Sarona Garden is expected to create an environment where
people will be able to take a stroll amongst the former buildings of the
Templer period and admire their unique features and character. Bicycle
tracks will cater for cycling enthusiasts. A number of the old large shadegiving trees have been preserved and many new ones planted; seats have
been installed so that persons can sit in the shade and just relax to take in the
ambience and tranquillity of Sarona Garden. Lawn areas will provide places
for picnics.
Other areas of Sarona Garden will be more vibrant and alive with a range of
quality boutique shops, cafés and restaurants.
A short history of each preserved building has been documented. Two
examples:
1. The Gottlob Graze House*
The Graze House was built during the first wave of construction in
Sarona during the 1870s. Over the years, the house was extended and a
stable was added on. On the ground floor, on the side facing the street,
Gottlob Graze opened an iron-smithy. Here he hammered and repaired
the Sarona farmers’ tools and carts, and shod the residents’ horses.
In 1941, the building was occupied by the offices of the German Camp –
the internment camp of Templers in Sarona. At the beginning of 1948,
the building served as headquarters for one of the Palmach (The Palmach
features in my book Sarona; HG) regiments who fought on the road to
the besieged Jerusalem.
2. The Christian Kuebler House*
Christian Kuebler grew up in the moshav (agricultural settlement; HG),
and owned a large vineyard. His house, a typical two-storey Templer
building, was built during the second construction wave on the moshav
between the end of the 19th century and WWI. Kuebler opened a German
Page 36
Templer Record 748 – April 2012
beer and wine garden in the house’s garden and adjacent building. It
served light meals, beer, wine and other alcoholic drinks. Kuebler’s beer
garden was the favourite and central meeting place for merchants and
the moshav’s farmers. In the elongated building alongside the family
home, Kuebler opened a German bowling alley where the moshav men
met and played. The women played there on Sunday afternoons and on
social occasions.
*From Sarona – since 1871, published in Hebrew 2011, compiled by Yossi
Goldberg et al.
Helmut Glenk
Above: the Gottlob Graze house; below: the Christian Kuebler house
Templer Record 748 – April 2012
Page 37
Who are these people? Where? When? If you know, please contact Horst Blaich at abfa@tpg.com.au
Heritage Pages edited by Peter Hornung
Page 38
Templer Record 748 – April 2012
COMMUNITY LAWNMOWING ROSTERS
APRIL
BAYSWATER
BENTLEIGH
15th April
Marcus English
Wolfgang Frank
21st April
Dietmar Jurgensen
Hans Ibel
20th May
Heinz-Dieter Herrmann
Rolf Glenk
5th May
Theo Richter
Mark Rainbird
Keys to lawn mowers etc. can be Normal start time is 9:00am. Both
collected from Tony.
lawn mowers can be operated
without a catcher (the preferred
If working on Sunday, try to avoid method). If the grass is too long,
starting machinery before 10:00am to then one of the mowers can have a
comply with Noise Restrictions in the catcher installed.
City of Knox.
Lawnmowing should include the
Secret Garden area (at back of
Tony Beilharz
Office). Please don’t put lawn
clippings in Secret Garden area
(green waste bin is now available
To arrange an alternate date or a
for lawn clippings).
swap, please contact your partner and
arrange the swap directly.
Peter Ware
BENTLEIGH NEWS – Working Bee 24th March
A friendly and most productive working bee was held at the Bentleigh Hall.
The willing workers helped fix the side fence, did general pruning, painting
and preparation for Sunday’s service and lunch. It was great to see some new
faces and the broad range of ages. As usual,
there was much discussion over morning tea
and lunch.
Peter Ware
Left: Pruning in
the courtyard
Right: Painting in
the Bowling
Alley
Photos P. Ware
Templer Record 748 – April 2012
Page 39
APRIL 2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
1 SUN
Daylight Savings ends; Service Tanunda 14:00
2 Mon
Kids’ Club Camp Mt Martha ends
New Moon
Full Moon
3 Tue
4 Wed
5 Thur
Agape Ba 18:00
6 Fri
Good Friday Service + SS Be 10:15; Good Friday/Easter Service Sy 10:30
7 Sat
8 SUN
Easter Service + SS Ba + Egg Hunt 10:15
9 Mon
10 Tue
Ladies’ afternoon Be 12:00
11 Wed
12 Thur
13 Fri
Seniors Sy 11:30; Telelink 14:00
14 Sat
15 SUN
Service TTHA 10:30; Youth Comedy Festival 14:00
16 Mon
17 Tue
18 Wed
19 Thur
Elders’ Discussion Be 19:30
20 Fri
21 Sat
Craft Be 13:00
22 SUN
Knox Inter-faith Network Forum FTG 14:00; PCNV Glen Iris 15:00
23 Mon
24 Tue
Craft Ba 10:00
25 Wed
26 Thur
27 Fri
TG Friday Night Fun Ba 19:30; Teleink 14:00
28 Sat
Iltis Jubilee Ba
29 SUN
30 Mon
Working Bee Ba 9:00; CV service Bendigo 11:00
Last day to book into reunion
May 2012
RC Ba 19:30
4 Fri
6 SUN
Kids’ Club Bike Ride & Picnic
RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES
Religious Services, Sunday School
Presentation, Confirmation
Youth Instruction and Youth Services
Weddings, Funerals
Religious Discussions and Seminars
SOCIAL CARE
Care of sick, elderly and lonely
Tabulam & Templer Homes for the Aged (TTHA)
Community Care Worker
Telelink
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Ladies’ Groups, Community Youth Coordinator,
Kids’ Club, Children’s Playgroup, Babies’ and Toddlers’ Group,
Choir, Bowling and Tennis Clubs,
German Language Schools
CONTRIBUTIONS
The Templer Record’s principal aims are to promote
Templer Christian thinking and to further communication
and harmonious living amongst the members of the
Temple Society.
It is a community effort; contributions reflect personal
opinion and must be signed; they do not necessarily reflect
the opinion of the publishers. Copy must be with the editor
by the 18th of the month.
Items in the Templer Record now go on to the TSA’s
website. Contributors who do not wish their articles to
appear should state this when submitting copy. Photos
taken at a TSA event may be used in our publications,
including the website.