Morwell and Mirboo Gazette 9th February 1886
Opening of St. Mary’s Church of England, Morwell
The formal opening of the above Church took place on Sunday last, the Venerable Archdeacon Stretch preaching both in the morning and afternoon, the Rev. J. R. Walker, of Traralgon, reading the services.
Owing to the threatening appearance of the weather combined with the fact that the last few days have been very stormy, the attendance at the morning service was not so large as otherwise might have been expected. In the afternoon, however, there were a much larger number present, several of the congregation of St. James, Traralgon, lending their presence.
It may not be out of place at this juncture to give a brief account of the Church and the several events which led to its erection. Some two years since it was considered advisable by those who belonged to the denomination that a church should be built, and an effort was made to collect subscriptions. A number of promises were made, and for a time it seemed that everything was progressing satisfactorily.
The want of some responsible head to keep the movement alive had, however, the effect of deadening the efforts previously made, and for nearly 12 months matters remained much in the same state as when started.
The first permanent step was made by Mr. John Robb, contractor for the Mirboo line, who showed his liberality and earnestness in the cause, by presenting the committee with a sum of £25 in addition to sufficient metal for the foundation, and the foundation stone was laid by that gentleman on the 21st July, 1885, and a silver trowel was presented to him on the occasion.
Arrangements were then commenced for the purchase of bricks, &c, and as soon as these were on the ground a contract was let for the building.
The brickwork being finished, the floor and roof were quickly laid, and the Church made ready for the opening.
We are informed that the subscriptions amount to about £120, which added to a sum of £100 borrowed from the Diocesan Registry, makes a total of £220. The account for bricks came to £90, but Mr. Hickox, with his usual liberality made a donation of £10 to the church.
The contract price for the brickwork was £47, and for the carpenter’s work £19 10s. (both labor only), the account for wood, iron and all other necessaries amounting to £180. It will thus be seen that the church has cost about £330, and that there is a deficiency of over £100, not including the loan from the registry.
There are still several improvements to be effected, viz., the plastering inside, seats, bell, &c., so that committee will have to work hard indeed to meet all demands. An organ has been procured through the instrumentality of some of the lady members of the congregation, who are deserving of much thanks, as this will in a measure relieve the committee of one source of anxiety.
A reading desk has also been promised, and is expected to be in position for next service. Now that the church is built we hope to see its members assist bodily to wipe off the debt, and to effect this we cannot suggest a better method than that suggested by Archdeacon Stretch, viz., to fill the church.
At the morning service the Archdeacon took for his text the fifth verse of the 7th chapter of the Gospels of St. Luke: – “For he loveth our nation, and hath built us a synagogue,” upon which a most excellent discourse was rendered.
The collection in the morning amounted to £4 6s. 9d., and in the afternoon to £4 7s. 6d.
On Thursday the tea meeting and concert will be held, and with favorable weather there should be a large attendance. Seeing that the church is so deeply in debt we have every confidence in the residents of the district assisting to reduce it by giving their presence at both the tea and concert.
In addition to the local talent, we are informed that Herr Joseph, of Warragul, has kindly consented to assist, and that several other lady and gentlemen amateurs have promised to lend a helping hand.