JUNE 2017

THIS STORY IS taken from Lexie Young’s speech at the Deloraine Uniting Church’s final service.

“A day I thought would never happen … I realised our church would not be able to continue on. I used to think it would see me out.

The Methodist Church in West Barrack Street was erected in 1857, costing £600 and holding 120 persons. The cemetery was established in 1860 and was used until 1920 when burials within town boundaries were restricted.

I have been a parishioner some 57 years, almost half the time the church has stood on this hill.

I was a young bride in 1960 … in my green going-away suit, little yellow hat, high-heeled bone shoes and nylon stockings with a straight seam, with my bag, hymn book and brown hair!

The church was weatherboard … A porch at the front had blue and white milky inlaid lino.  The vestry at the back had a window with a sink under it, where we would boil the urn on a Sunday.

The church had a pine floor with a maroon runner. Ladies at the church used to scrub the floor three times a year on their hands and knees. Three bar heaters were placed under the pews for heating.

An old lavatory was up the back. Covered in blackberries, but it served the purpose.

The original Methodist circuit was five churches – Deloraine, Forest Hall, Parkham, Blackmoor and Meander – which merged with Mole Creek — Mole Creek, Caveside and Chudleigh – in the 1960s. Closures began in the 1970s and these churches are now all gone.

Sunday School was originally held in the church before service, so a campaign for a hall started in 1960.

In 1963 a hall was built and the foundation stone was laid in November 1965.

The opening was held on Saturday 9th May 1966, followed by tea and a concert to make for a memorable day.

A lot of fundraising was done … it was tough going, the hall had to be paid for and a minister’s stipend had to be met … there was always an overdraft.

In 1976 a knock at our door was…to tell us that the hall had been paid for by a bequest from Miss Ruth Nicholls … the illuminated cross was dedicated to her.

In 1977, Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational became the Uniting Church. Services were held in the Presbyterian and Methodist churches until the Presbyterian Church was closed. The Scotch Thistle wrought iron fence donated by Beth Thomas is still there today.

In 1978, the church interior was renovated and carpet replaced the pine floor.  In 1980, the exterior was bricked and a new entrance made.

Unfortunately, in 1986 … Advent candles were left burning … Meg Campbell who lived next door rang the manse and fire brigade after noticing the fire.  Lovely vases were burnt and after Christmas the clean-up started …

The Carinya Club began in the 1980s, providing a day out for housebound people … it ran successfully for 20 years until the hospital day centre opened.

Over the years many organisations have used the church and hall … some still are today.

When I tell people that the church is closing … when I look at how many churches have closed … football clubs, schools, telephone exchange, butter factory … the list goes on. I feel sad."

Photo | Neville Sweeney