General News
20 October, 2024
Farewell amid church's 160th celebration
THE pews were full at St John the Evangelist Church in Newbridge on Sunday for the service to mark 160 years of worship by Anglicans in the district. The church that has survived damage in three floods - 1909, 2011 and 2022 - had been prepared for...
THE pews were full at St John the Evangelist Church in Newbridge on Sunday for the service to mark 160 years of worship by Anglicans in the district.
The church that has survived damage in three floods - 1909, 2011 and 2022 - had been prepared for the service by local residents who were joined by parishioners from Inglewood.
Diocese of Bendigo executive officer Archdeacon George Hemmings led the service, assisted by rector Rev. Darcy Vaughan.
It was Rev. Vaughan’s final service at Newbridge. He officiates for a final time at St Augustine’s Church Inglewood this Sunday before taking up a diocesan appointment, ending his role with southern Loddon Anglican churches after almost four years.
Among regular parishioners at Sunday’s service was David Heather, 90, while his daughter Ruth Penny who was married in St John’s was among the congregation.
The church which cost more than £567 to build, was dedicated on October 12, 1864.
Long-time parishioners including church secretary Lorna Stewart reflected on the work of the church’s ladies’ guild that over the years was active in running flower shows, social afternoons and dances to raise funds for the church.
“Sunday school services were held prior to church services for many years. In the early years, they were held in the hall beside the church and in later years religious instruction was held at the primary school conducted by the priest in charge,” worshippers were told on Sunday.
“In 1953, the power was connected with the church having six lights, one power point and a light in the porch. A new cement floor was poured in 1962 ... and in 1982 a Colourbond roof was installed to replace the original slate roof.
“After the most recent floods, the church underwent substantial repair and restoration work.”
St John has been part of four different parishes in its 160 years - Loddon, Raywood, Dunolly and Inglewood.
Sunday’s service came 60 years after a commemorative stone was unveiled to mark the church’s centenary.