A BRIEF HISTORICAL RESUME OF EARLY CHURCH LIFE IN OATLEY
Pre-1911 until 1955, specifically, and briefly until 1966.
From the LAYING OF THE FOUNDATION STONE of our First St. Paul’s, 1911.
The DEDICATION of our Second St. Paul’s, 1966.
Prior to 1837 the Parish of Oatley, as we now know it, was the most southern part of
the Parish of St. James, Beaconsfield, South Sydney. The church of St. James, still standing
on the corner of Victoria and Collins Streets, was, in those days, Oatley’s nearest Church.
With the population growth southwards from the inner city, and the erection of new churches,
came new Parishes. These new Parishes, of which Oatley formed part, became progressively
smaller in area, as will be seen in the chronological table below.
Pre-1837.
Part of the Parish of St. James, within the Diocese of Sydney, which had become
a Diocese on the 18th January, 1836, under Bishop William Grant Broughton,
formerly Archdeacon of the See of Sydney, which was under the jurisdiction of
the Diocese of Calcutta. It is of interest that Sydney’s population was 20,000 at
that time, with Anglicans under the pastoral care of 19 clergymen.
1837.
Parish of Cook’s River stretching from Cook’s River to George’s River, with St.
Peters, the only Parish Church,
1870.
Parish of St, George from Rockdale to George’s River, the Parish Church being
St. Paul’s at Kogarah, Through the drive and inspiration of the Rector, the Rev
Arthur Killworth, the brick church of St. George at Hurstville was commenced
in 1889 and in1898, St. Peter’s, Mortdale was erected by voluntary labour. Thus
it was St. Peter’s of Mortdale that would, in reality, be Oatley’s local Church into
the early twentieth century until the building of our own St. Paul’s in 1911. So
St. Peter’s would be the Church for Oatley’s baptisms, confirmations and
weddings etc, at this time and though no records are available it is possible that
some of Oatley’s residents would be on St. Peter’s Church Committee.
1898.
Parochial District of Hurstville formed. This Parish comprised of what are now in
1981, the Parishes of Hurstville, Oatley, Mortdale, Penshurst, Hurstville Grove,
Beverly Hills, and Oatley West. This Parish was within the Rural Deanery of
South Sydney, Archdeaconry of West Sydney, with the Cure-of-Souls as
Curate-in-Charge, the Rev. E. Robinson, and St. George, the Principal Church.
1902.
Hurstville raised to full Parish status. The Rector, the Rev. D. H. Dillion.
There are probably records available somewhere of Church Committee Meetings
of St. Peter’s, Mortdale, but these would not be among our records. As a Branch
Church St. Peter’s would have elected Wardens and a Church Committee to
manage local church matters, and the Wardens would attend Parish Council
Meetings at Hurstville, under the Chairmanship of the Rev. D. H. Dillon. It is
possible that Oatley-resident Parishioners could have been members of St.
Peter’s governing body.
(Nov. 1908 – Nov. 1911, Anglican Services were held in the Oatley School of Arts, Letitia St.
Oatley. – Oatley’s first Services, I believe.)
1909.
The rev. Dixon Hudson instituted as Rector of the Parish of Hurstville – a
Rector ship continuing until 1924.
1910.
October 15th. Laying of the Foundation Stone, St. John’s, Penshurst, by Bishop
J. D. Langley.
1911.
July 29th. Laying of the FOUNDATION STONE of ST. PAUL’S Oatley, by the Lord
Mayor of Sydney, Sir Allan Taylor.
2nd December, 1911. St. Paul’s dedicated and opened for Public Worship by
Archbishop Wright.
1912.
10th January. First recorded Meeting of St. Paul’s Church Committee.
Chairman, Mr. Thompson, and with a minor deviation, though certainly a wise
one, all present at the Meeting became the Committee.
Messrs, Williamson, A Shaw, -Stead, -Cuthbertson, -Megson, -Drew,
Mesdames, -Plunt, M. Shaw, -Limbe, -Bennett, -Rimoldi, S. Shaw, - Thompson.
Misses, V. Drew, R. Drew, -Thompson.
11th April. First Vestry Meeting of St. Paul’s chaired by the Rev Dixon Hudson.
Wardens elected. Messrs. A. Shaw, S. Shaw and A.Stead.
Committee. Messrs C. Page, -. Thompson, and -. Cuthbertson.
1916.
11th November. Laying of Foundation Stone, Holy Trinity, Peakhurst by Dean
Talbot.
1917.
10th March, Dedication of Holy Trinity by Archbishop Wright.
1924.
24th September. Rev. J. P. Dryland inducted as Curator-in-Charge of the
PAROCHIAL DISTRICT of Mortdale, Penshurst, Oatley, Peakhurst and
Hurstville Grove with St. Peter’s, Mortdale, the Mother Church.
1925.
Parochial District of Mortdale etc. (See last paragraph) granted full Parish status.
1928.
June. The Rev. C. P. Birk inducted as Rector, but ill health forced his resignation in
May, 1929, when the Rev. W. J. Siddons was appointed.
1941.
January saw Oatley West’s name added to the already imposing Parish name,
which now became “The Parish of Mortdale and Penshurst cum Oatley and
Peakhurst with Hurstville Grove and Oatley West.
1944.
January of this year saw the name “Beverly Hills” added to the Parish title, to
become “The Parish of Mortdale and Penshurst, cum Oatley, and Peakhurst
with, Hurstville Grove, Oatley West and Beverly Hills.
1929 – 1946.
This period of 17 years of the Ministry of the Rev. Siddons was one of the
significant Church growth within the Parish as will be clearly seen in a latter
section of this brochure dealing with the “Twentieth Anniversary Celebrations,
1924 – 1944” – these dates in reference to the Parish of Mortdale and Penshurst
cum................. “.
1947.
Parish of Mortdale, Oatley and Oatley West. (Note: I have not had sufficient time
to research as to when, where, how the other centres gradually separated to
become the Parish entities they are today. (At least St. Paul’s can appreciate
those of the past who have ensured that all Church Committee and Parish
Council Meetings since 1962 are in safe keeping.)
1953.
June. St. Peter’s. Mortdale, petitioned the Archbishop, seeking Parochial District
status.
District
6th July 1953. Vestry Meeting, St. Paul’s, similarly decided to apply for Parochial
status.
19 October 1953. Last Parish Council Meeting of the Parish of Mortdale, Oatley
and Oatley West.
1954.
16th August 1954. First Parish Council Meeting of the Parish of Oatley and West
Oatley.
15th November 1954. Last Parish Council Meeting of the Parish.
1955.
18th March 1955. First Parish Council Meeting of the Parochial District of Oatley.
For those of us here today who have left our suburb, perhaps I should add a few
dates concerning our new Church, which occupies the same position as the
former St. Paul’s, which as well as being used as a Sunday School Hall and
meeting Hall etc. is also quite delightfully set up as a Montessori Kindergarten
School.
1966.
June 4th. Laying of the Foundation Stone by the Right Rev. A. J. Dain, Bishop
Coadjutor of Sydney.
November 5th. Opening and Dedication by the most Reverend M. L. Loane, M.A.,
D.D., Archbishop of Sydney, accompanied by the Ven. H.G.S. Begbie, B.A.,
Archdeacon of Cumberland and the Registrar.
1975.
Sept 7th. Consecration of the Parish Church of St. Paul’s, Parish of Oatley, by the
Archbishop of Sydney, the Most Rev. M.L. Loane, M.A., D.D.
-------------------------------- ANNIVERSARIES------------------------------------------------------------------Today’s “Three Score Years and Ten” Jubilee Anniversary is the third such
ANNIVERSARY INVOLVING St. Paul’s.
In my own personal files there are two Brochures........
1. “......an OPEN DOOR.”
TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY SOUVENIR 1924-1944.
And the other
2.
1911
ST. PAUL”S
GOLDEN
JUBILEE
1961
The first Anniversary celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Parish of Mortdale and
Penshurst, cum Oatley and Peakhurst, with Hurstville Grove, Oatley West and Beverly
Hills, and the Brochure featured the Parish Motto “Via Crucis.... Via Lucis” and the
Crest.
And the Anniversary Text: REVELATION 3. 8.
“Behold I set before thee an open door.”
This Twentieth Souvenir presented a brief chronological survey of the various
centres of worship within the Parish and I quote from that source. Please remember
that this order stops at 1944, and readers would find it most interesting and perhaps,
rewarding exercise to assess what progress has been made within what was the total Parish
of those days and what it is now in 1981.But please, my readers, do not evaluate the progress
in materialistic terms only: in terms of buildings and the fact that one parish has now become
seven since 1944. This type of evaluation will naturally follow from even a close perusal of the
chronological table below, but, having made your assessment in terms of parish and building
and property gains, please read a further quote from this brochure under the heading “ A
GLANCE FORWARD” (see over next page) and answer these questions.......
Have these aims been achieved?
How relevant are these aims in our world today/ in general and in our own parish in
particular?
ST. PETER’S, MORTDALE.
1897.
Work commenced on the Church of St. Peter’s, Mortdale. August 12, 1905.
Foundation Stone of present Hall laid by Mrs. E. Saunders.
1928.
Kindergarten hall erected by voluntary labour.
1939.
Three blocks of land purchased for site of new St. Peter’s.
ST. JOHN’S. PENSHURST.
October 15, 1910.
Foundation Stone of Church laid by Bishop J. D. Langley, Bishop of
Bendigo.
1932. St. John’s Hall erected.
1938. Purchas of cottage and extension of site for new Church. Church
Endowment Fund opened.
ST. PAUL’ OATLEY.
July 29, 1911.
December 2, 1911.
September 13, 1936.
Foundation Stone of Church laid by Sir Allen Taylor (Lord Mayor of
Sydney.)
St. Paul’s opened for Public Worship by Archbishop Wright.
Church Room dedicated.
HOLY TRINITY, PEAKHURST.
Services and Sunday School held in School of Arts some years before 1916.
Nov 11. 1916
Foundation Stone of Church laid by Dean Talbot.
Mar 10. 1917
Holy Trinity Church opened by Archbishop Wright.
Nov. 1938
Gift of two blocks of land for Church Building at Lugarno.
Mar. 21. 1942
Foundation Stone of Chancel and Vestries laid by Archbishop Mowll.
Jun. 13. 1942
Dedication of complete Church of Holy Trinity by Archbishop Mowll.
(Writer’s note: There is now a “Provisional Parish of Lugarno and Illawong.”)
ST. AIDAN”S HURSTVILLE GROVE.
Aug. 27. 1927
First Service held in Workmen’s Institute, Cecil Street.
Sept. 1930.
First Service held in Cottage-Church, Lansdowne Street.
ALL SAINT’S, OATLEY WEST.
Aug. 5. 1928
First Oatley west Cottage Sunday School, founded by Mrs. F. Smith.
Jan. 30. 1932
Foundation Stone, School-Church laid by J. C. F. Jordan Esq.
Apr. 28. 1932
First Services held in All Saints.
ST. BEDE”S. BEVERLY HILLS.
Church Services and Sunday School Held in School of Arts for some years.
Oct. 16. 1948
Foundation Stone of School-Church laid by Archbishop Mowll.
In 1930 the present Rectory, which is central under existing conditions, was
purchased.
The following clergy have served the Parish as assistant priests since 1924: The Revs,
H. J. Lofts, C. A. E. Reynolds, K. F. Saunders, G. G. Mottram, G. Smee, N. B. Minty, with
Rev. V. A. Evans and Sister L. Greenwood as present staff.
A GLANCE BEYOND. Quoted from Brochure:“As we think of the life of our Parish, past, present, and future, we must remember that
we are part of a greater whole – the Holy Catholic Church. One of the causes of any
progress which has been made has been the recognition of the claims of missionary
enterprise and community needs. Our records reveal that extra-parochial and diocesan
obligations have played an important part in our work. C.M.S., A.B.M., B.C.A., together
with social services have received consistent support.
A living parish in post-war years must be conscious of the part it is called upon to play
in world affairs and through the witness if its members it will endeavour to baptize into
Christ the many movements which affect the lives of men and women.
A GLANCE FORWARD.
“The enthusiasm and devotions of present congregations augur well for the future. The
fact that the work is continually growing means that the Parish must be divided, or else
there must be a substantial increase in staff. The district will grow even larger in the
post-war years, and even now work needs to be opened up in Lugarno, through
shortage of staff makes it impossible.
The door of opportunity is indeed oped, there is a great task to be done for the
Glory of God, and everyone may have s share.
Thankfulness for past achievements and present opportunities summons us to
rise and possess the land yet remaining to be won. As we pass through the “Open
Door” into the second generation of our parish life God presents to us many
opportunities for engaging in the most worthwhile of all task- the extension of His
Kingdom.”
Following on the brochure was a list of material building needs in each part of the
Parish, all of which have been achieved, concluding “As well as these buildings there is
the greater task of building up the life of the church, to the Glory of God, who in
temples made with hands. We are part of a living organism, the Church, the Body of
Christ; we are here for a purpose, God has opened to us the door of opportunity.....
“Behold I set before you an OPEN DOOR....”
And now for return to the questions posed two pages back, and an earnest
consideration of them in light of our 70th Jubilee Celebrations. ..............................
The second Brochure dealt with “ST. PAUL’S GOLDEN JUBILEE 1911 – 1961”
which took the form of a Jubilee Crusade commencing with Teenage Night when the
Mosman Youth Team presented “The Man from Space”. Then with Church Services,
and nightly Speakers in a large marquee on the Oatley Reserve, plus local and visiting
artists, and films each evening; plus daily after – school meetings for the children, the
crusade concluded on the ninth day with the 50th Anniversary Service at St. Paul’s with
bishop Goodwin-Hudson, the Speaker.
It would be of interest to many to name the various artists- Oatley West
Methodist Choir, Newlands Musical Team with Gordon Colledge, Lance Lloyd, Roy
Ashton, Joan Whittaker, Robyn and Rondalyn Glass, Rita and George Galeigh.
Most importantly, the Speaker for the whole Crusade was The Rev. R. Dillon,
then the Sydney Diocesan Missioner.
And the THEME of the CRUSADE ... “SERVING CHRIST FOR 50 YEARS.”
...........AND WHAT OF OUR 1911 CHURCH OF ST. PAUL’S TODAY IN 1981?...........
Today, completely renovated, remodelled internally, and painted, St. Paul’s still
plays a most vital role, serving both the needs of the Parish and the community, and in
fulfilling this dual faithfully, truly serves our Master. In its Parish role it presently, but we
trust, only temporarily, acts as our Parish Hall for use by our Sunday School, and as a
Meeting Hall for both meetings and functions. While internal remodelling has equipped
it as a most delightful Montessori School bringing community joy to the hearts of many
tiny folk and their parents.
Author’s Note:
While I have sought verification of all statements, dates and names etc, as
far as possible, I realise that errors, other than my typing errors, are sure to
have crept in beneath my guard. I would be most grateful to hear of any such
“slip-ups”.
Thank you.
Norman J Austin
REMINISCENCES----- THOUGHTS FROM THE PAST.
From “Church Messenger” of November, 1945. “It was not uncommon for the
congregation of St. John’s, Penshurst, where the last service of the day was usually held, to
sing hymns until the Rector made his rather rushed appearance to deliver his sermon, after
having travelled at break-neck speed from his previous centre. He would often leave a service
to be completed by a Layman, and, vestments fluttering, hasten to the next service already
begun by another Layman.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Services for Sunday, November 4th, 1945, at each of which services the Rev.
Siddons was the Preacher.
“9.00 a.m. All Saints; Oatley West; 10.10 a.m. St. Bede’s, Beverley Hills; 11.00 a.m.
St. Peter’s; Mortdale; 2.30 p.m. St. Paul’s, Oatley; 4.15 p.m. Holy trinity, Peakhurst; 7.00
p.m. St. Aidan’s, Hurstville Grove and at 7.30 p.m. St. John’s, Penshurst.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------From Mr. John Derwent, Wyong St., Oatley, whom we believe to have been the
first baby christened in St. Paul’s Church. Anyone to dispute his claim. “Wending their way
towards Church or a Church Function came the folk, their hurricane lamps twinkling like fireflies in the gathering darkness. On arrival lamps were extinguished and left in the porch, ready
for re-lighting on departure.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------From “Church Messenger”, Jan. 1, 1940
“ ST. PAUL’S CHURCH, OATLEY EAST.
FIVE HUNDRED SHILLINGS WANTED:
DIRECT GIVING APPEAL.
Dear Friends,
We write seeking your support in raising, by the end of January, the sum of Five
Hundred Shillings for the purpose of meeting commitments due on the Church Rooms debt,
and for effecting necessary renovations to the Church building. ...............”
Yours sincerely
W. J. Siddens, Rector.
R. Cale
)
L. Lewis
) Churchwardens.
W. Pearsall )
______________________________________________________
From “Church Messenger”, June 1, 1934.
“Round the Churches” column reports ‘ A St. Paul’s Building Committee has
now been established to organise and place on a lasting basis the New Church Building Fund
which was opened at our Vestry Meeting, 1934.” Unfortunately no committee names were
mentioned.
From “20th Anniversary Brochure, 1924-1944” of the Mortdale, Oatley etc, Parish, twenty
years after separation from Hurstville Parish, one reads in the “GLANCE FORWARD” Column
the following cryptic “Looking forwards”...... a reminder of the task ahead..........
“St. Paul’s, Oatley., A NEW PERMANENT CHURCH TO BE BUILT.”
“ New Building Funds” were added to in the 1940’s to be used in Church Hall and
improvements, though considerable New Church Funds were invested in War Savings Bonds
or loaned interest free to sister Churches.
During the late 1940’s and early 1950’s there was much discussion, many meetings,
even plans for a new brick church, but post-war restrictions, recessions of motions and finally
after 1952’s Annual Vestry Meeting’s overwhelming vote to recommend the building of a new
Church it looked as if the matter was finally resolved. Unfortunately such proceedings were
vetoed by Diocesan authorities, who recommended a new brick Hall. Nov 3 rd 1952 saw
Church Wardens being authorised to proceed with the earliest possible implementation of an
architect’s preliminary plan for a new Church.
A revitalised New Church Building Committee was formed on 27th February, 1953 and
steady progress was made in the accumulation of funds, until mid- 1956, when lack of interest
and failure to reach necessary quorum for meetings indicated that for the time being there
was little hope of building a new Church. It must be borne in mind that around these latter
years the various Churches were reaching ‘their majority’, as it were, and were becoming
important. For St. Paul’s it was the matter of a rectory for their first Curate-in- Charge.
There matters stood regarding a New St. Paul’s until And I now quote from my “History
of the Church of England in Oatley from 1989-1875”......
“And so matters rested until the Vestry Meeting of 2 nd May, 1960, the Rev. Rix Warren,
in his Annual Report kindled the glowing embers of a new St. Paul’s Church – embers which,
after a relatively slow awaking and fanned by an ever-growing enthusiastic band of
visionaries, yet by necessity, realists, finally caused this dream to burst into flames to become
our lovely modern, A-frame Church of St. Paul’s today. And the words that brought about this
re-awakening and this revival were those of the rector in his report. In the work of God there is
always room for increased giving, and one is reminded that, unless we are increasing our
giving, the work of St. Paul’s and beyond is not going to progress as it should. We are
approaching our 50th Anniversary and we hope to make some definite advance with regard to
our new Church Building at this Jubilee Time.
It is right that we lay primary emphasis on Spiritual progress and results, but it is also
necessary that we provide ourselves with an improved Church Building which will not only
meet the need for additional accommodation, but will also furnish us with a Church structure
in keeping with our aim in life to provide the best we can, for God.
In the material, as well as in the Spiritual Realm, we must look to Him. In whatever
sphere we serve Him, we should remember that He will supply all our need according to His
riches in Glory through Christ Jesus.
As we face another year together, there is a verse of Scripture that I think we should
keep in mind with regard to every aspect of worship for the extension and Glory of His
Kingdom:Psalm 127:1. Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------From “Minute Book”, and last entry of the last Meeting of Oatley and Oatley West
Church Committee, or Parish Council, Mr. John Derwent, Snr. Penned these words :“Let us go forward shoulder to shoulder as a united army fighting evil, establishing
righteousness, brothers in service, sons of one God who is father of us all. And although
much of our effort must, of necessity, be material, we should consider it only as a means to an
end and strive for higher things. For did not St. Paul, in his epistle to the Colossians in 3;5
say, ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth
on the right hand of God.’
Appropriate words for this our Anniversary Year of 1981 as they were for 1955!
An interesting facsimile of a certificate issued for the purpose of raising funds for a
Rectory, circa 1949-1950:---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------CHURCH OF ENGLAND.
Parochial District of Mortdale- Oatley and Oatley West.
CERTIFICATE FOR INTEREST_FREE LOAN.
No..............................
This is to certify that..........................................................................................................
Of............................................................................................................has subscribed
.......................................................pounds
Interest-Free Loan.
(
) to the new Rectory
THIS CERTIFICATE IS REDEEMABLE ON DEMAND
The Parish Council reserving the right to repay the Loan at any time prior to demand.
Issued under the authority of Minister-in-Charge and Parish Council of Parochial District of
Mortdale-Oatley and Oatley West and subject to the considerations set out in the Lodgement
Application Form.
THIS.................................................. DAY OF .....................................IN THE YEAR
OF OUR LORD 19........
Secretary...................................................
Minister-in-Charge............................................. Treasurer..................................................
Specimen Signature of Subscriber.......................................................
Cancellation of Loan.
Received from the Parochial District of Mortdale-Oatley and Oatley West—
The sum of..................................................................................(
of Loan as per Certificate No............................................
) in full settlement
.............................................................
Signature of Subscriber.
With reminiscences failing to materialise I feel that it would be of great interest to past and
present Parishioners to read and dwell on the work of the New Church Building Fund
Committee of the 1950’s. But in assessing the money raised please DO consider the BASIC
WAGE of THOSE DAYS. From the Parish Paper....................
THE CHURCHES’
REVIEW
For the Parish of
MORTDALE, OATLEY,
and
OATLEY WEST.
Vol. 7.- No3.
March, 1954.
Rector: The Rev. S N. Paddison
Catechist: Mr. John Drayton.
ST. PAUL’S NEW CHURCH BUILDING FUND COMMITTEE. REPORT.
To All Members of St. Paul’s District.
St. Paul’s New church Building Fund Committee is (to be brief) an organization
endeavouring, by various social activities, to raise enough money to enable the people of St.
Paul’s congregation to build a new and much needed Church on the site of the present
Church.
As Moses once said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
But we need your help-------------URGENTLY------------in several ways.
(a). By attending our meetings. Our attendance has fallen off badly, and we do
require and desire your presence.
The Time: 8 p.m. 4th Thursday in each month.
The Place:
St. Paul’s.
Can You Help by
(b) Taking and distributing collection boxes and selling bricks?
( An explanation here required.... 1,000 booklets of “Paper Bricks”, synonymous of bricks
required to build the Church, were sold by lady volunteers for one shilling ( approx. 10c.) each
brick. )
If You Will(c) You can help by your presence at our Social Evenings and Film
Nights, of which several are now being arranged for the forthcoming months.
(d) Lastly, and above all, by praying that God will guide us, that in all that
we do, it might be done as unto Him.
(Signed) F. Davis, Publicity Officer.
NEW CHURCH BUILDING FUND- ST. PAUL’S CHURCH OF ENGLAND OATLEY
Statement of Receipts and Expenditure-Year ending March, 1954.
RECEIPTS
1
P.
S. D.
EXPENDITURE
1
P. S.
D.
Committee ....140 0
0
General Donations.......................57 11
0
1
Youth Fellowship..........................21 15
0
1
Sanctuary Guild Stall....................14
6
0
1
Printing............................... 18 11 2
Parents and Friends......................10 10
0
1
Petty Cash.......................... 1
0 0
Ladies’ Guild..................................30 0
0
1
Credit Balance................... 36
8 1
Socials...........................................22 16
5
1
G.F.S. ...........................................
5
1
Paper Collections .........................14 12 11
1
Bottles ...........................................2
10 0
1
Rags ..............................................15 14 6
1
“Bricks” .......................................... 5 17 0
1
16
-----------------195 19 3
===========
St. Paul’s Church
1
----------------
1
195 19
3
1
==========
These memories and facts as set out above are an acknowledgement and an
expression of appreciation of Committee and Members of the New Church Building Fund for
the good work they did in the post-war period which resulted ina fine “nest egg” of almost
Pds. 2,000 (4,000 dollars) when the plans for the new St. Paul’s reached fruition. While the
figures given above may appear small in comparison with today’s economical climate, one
needs only to think in terms of the basic wage of those days.
For nostalgic reasons herewith are the members of the N. C. B. F. Committee:President. Rev S. N. Paddison; Vice-President, The Honourable Mr. Justice Nield, and Mr.
G. Kendall; Hon. Secretary, Miss Scutt; Minute Secretary, Mr. E. Lawson; Hon. Treasurer,
Mr P. Clark.
The members representing the various Church organizations were as follows:
Church Committee- Mrs. Phillips, Mrs. Murray and Miss Scutt;
Ladies ‘ Guild,-Mrs. Byron, Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Havilah;
Sunday School, and Youth Fellowship, Miss J. Tobitt, Miss J. Kendall, Mr. G. Brown and Mr.
Davis;
Parents and Friends- Mrs Swinfield;
Men’s Fellowship- Mr. E. Lawson and Mr. P. Clark.
A sub-committee was elected consisting of Messrs. Clark, Swinfield, Brown, Derwent
and Davis to arrange for the collection of papers.
Messrs. Davis and page were also appointed to the Committee later, as also was Mr.
C. Rashbrooke.
In conclusion may I express a heart-felt prayer that my words may give my readers a
deeper LOVE OF THE PAST, a BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PRESENT and a
BRIGHTER VISION OF THE FUTURE of the Lord’s Work at St. Paul’s and throughout the
world.
Norman J. Austen.