Nov 14th & 15th were exciting times in the life of Swan Hill Anglican Christ Church. We celebrated our 150+2 years. Services actually commenced in 1851, but in 1853 the first minister was appointed. Services were held in the courthouse. In 1865 the first Church of England was built.
Many past parishioners returned for a dinner on the Saturday night. Rev Jan Harper said Grace and speakers included Rev Max Bowers, Robin Poole, Jim Mitchell, Helen Gell, Frank Sharam & Marg Gardner, Joan Mellahn and Bishop Andrew Curnow.
Father Max retold humorous tales including one about catching camels for the Christmas pageant, and Jim Mitchell recounted when the vestry was so worried about their financial situation that they couldn’t afford to get hay for the minister’s horse.
The speakers, especially Frank Sharam and Marg Gardner, all spoke of the wonderful Youth Club and trips to the snow, bowling in Bendigo, dancing and sports outings. It was a vibrant time when a large group of young Anglican Fellowship grew the church. This group still have regular re-unions 40-50 years after.
Joan Mellahn reflected on Mother’s Union and Helen Gell spoke of the wonderful wedding catering which was done after the construction of the Function Centre in 1983.
Myrtle Hooper cut the Anniversary Cake. This was very special as Myrtle turned 103 only 4 days after. Myrtle spoke of the honor in being asked to cut the cake and her excitement to be attending.
Ernie Russell and Marg Crilly hosted the evening and related tit bits about the early church. One of those being that the Guardian newspaper on 25th November 1890 printed a day early, to enable staff to attend the Church picnic the next day.
Bishop Andrew Curnow spoke of the wonderful people of Swan Hill who always got the job done. Over the years this has perpetuated and proved to be so recently, with the acquisition and alterations to the Masonic building in Nyah West, to house an Op Shop and Men’s Shed. The church building renewals, the Function Centre. All the way along there have been personal within this congregation to make things happen.
No need for entertainment – the room was always abuzz as there was plenty of catch up and talk time between speakers. Memorabilia displays, videos of past events and a power point presentation provided for reflections.
Keith Blackman cooked a beautiful meal ably assisted by the Uniting ladies and Nyah netball girls meant that our parishioners could really enjoy the evening.
Each attendee received a scroll listing all ministers in chronological order and a potted history of the church. Long distance attendees included: Neil Buller from Hobart and Colin Picton from Newcastle. We concluded with Auld Lang Syne.
Sunday service started with Bishop Andrew installing Rev Jan Harper as our Rector and presented Jan with a signed certificate to make this official.
An uplifting confirmation service for Charlotte Baker, Josephine Wilson and John Strauss held in front of 150 people was a proud moment for the confirmees.
Bishop Andrew spoke of the history of the Church, what confirmation means and the strong people in the Swan Hill congregation who will carry on this wonderful Anglican tradition that has been built.
This was followed by a barbecue lunch and again, much noise and chat as people caught up with old acquaintances.
On Sunday evening at 5pm Charlotte Baker & Jessica Wilson (confirmees) organised the activities for about 30 attendees at Cafe Church. They all polished off the lunch time “ leftovers”.
WHAT A WEEKEND !!!!!!!!!!!
Marg Crilly (Organiser)