Rev Allan McVean was instrumental in building a Church in Geelong shortly after he arrived in Australia in 1852. In 1854 he moved to Brunswick and Coburg where he worked for 40 years. He was Moderator of the General Assembly in 1880-1. He was also Convenor of the Board of Examination. He died in 1896. [Source: Proceedings of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria 1895-97]Mounted on card. Signed by the Chairman of Managers and the Secretary, Kilmore 20th May 1866.rev allan mcvean, brunswick presbyterian church, rev alan macvean

Rev Allan McVean was instrumental in building a Church in Geelong shortly after he arrived in Australia in 1852. In 1854 he moved to Brunswick and Coburg where he worked for 40 years. He was Moderator of the General Assembly in 1880-1. He was also Convenor of the Board of Examination. He died in 1896. [Source: Proceedings of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria 1895-97]Illuminated testimonial with blue, green, red and gold decorative borders. It is signed by Members of Session and the Committee of Management of the Brunswick Presbyterian Church. rev allan mcvean, brunswick presbyterian church, rev alan macvean

An adventure novel of 192 pages set in the Kiewa Valley. Allan Aldous also has also written a series of McGowan Books set in different parts of the world.This book is set in the Kiewa Valley in Victoria where a Mr. Shapley finds new employment on the huge hydro-electric project. Hard cover red book with coloured paper dust jacket that has the title in red at the top and the author's name at the bottom left corner. The coloured picture is of 3 skiers and an aeroplane in the mountains. First Australian Edition 1950Inside on front page a certificate has been pasted on: "Presbyterian Church / of Victoria and Tasmania / League of / Young Worshippers / 'Mordialloc' Church / Awarded to / 'Robert Firth' / for attending '47' Sundays / at Church during the Year. / 'Rev. L Hercot' Minister The second book has "To Mark / Wishing you a Happy/ Birthday / Best Wishes from/ Trevor and Kevin / 19th March 1954"kiewa adventure, allan aldous author

Ina Katherine Burchell nee Carstairs on her wedding day with Matron of Honour Jean Green Mrs Ray Green taken outside the Presbyterian Church South Yarra VictoriaBlack and white photograph of Ina Katherine Burchell Jean Green Mrs Ray Green wedding, carstairs family, religion

This book of hymns belonged either to the Warrnambool Chinese Church or to its catechist, Thomas Wong Cheong. The Chinese Church in Ryot Street, Warrnambool was established under the aegis of the Presbyterian Church in the 1890s and continued on until the late 1920s when the local Chinese community numbers had dwindled. Thomas Wong Cheong was appointed in 1892 as a catechist to the Chinese community in Warrnambool and district by the Foreign Missions Committee of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria. He and his wife worked tirelessly on the district until his death in 1923. This book is of great interest as an example of the hymn books used in the Chinese Church in Warrnambool at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries. The Chinese Church in Ryot Street and its catechist Thomas Wong Cheong are of considerable historical interest. This is a soft cover book with a black cover. The spine has become completely detached and has been re-stitched with thread. The pages have ruled black lines with the text printed in Chinese characters within these lines. What is probably the front page has a yellow-coloured page with large Chinese characters. The back page has two inserted pages containing the English index to the gospel hymns, Parts 1 to 4. The material on the cover is torn and frayed at the edges. The pages are dog-eared. chinese church warrnambool, thomas wong cheong, history of warrnambool

This Bible belonged to Thomas Wong Ch(e)ong who was the catechist at the Warrnambool Chinese Church in Ryot Street, Warrnambool. In 1892 Thomas Wong Cheong was appointed by the Foreign Missions Committee of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria as the catechist to the Chinese community in Warrnambool and district. The Chinese Church in Ryot Street was established in the early 1890s and continued until the late 1920s when the numbers of the local Chinese community had declined. Thomas Wong Cheong and his wife worked tirelessly in the Warrnambool district until his death in 1923. No information has been found on James Yee Keet. This is a book of high significance because it belonged to Thomas Wong Cheong who holds an important place in Warrnambool’s history because of his work with the Warrnambool Chinese community over a period of 30 years. This is a leather-covered book with four gold Chinese characters on the spine and the back cover (the front cover for Chinese readers). The leather on the cover extends over the pages and folds inwards to almost enclose the pages. The pages are gilt-edged. The inscription is handwritten in blue ink. The book contains a fold-out map of the Mediterranean Sea area and all the text is in printed Chinese characters. The cover is somewhat scuffed and there is some silverfish damage on the inside cover. ‘Presented to Christian friend Mr Thos. Wong Chong Missionary at Warnambool (sic) by his sincere friend James Yee Keet Great Western Augt.1st 1895’ chinese in warrnambool, thomas wong cheong, chinese church, ryot street, warrnambool

This is a New Testament in Chinese given to Thomas Wong Cheong on the occasion of his baptism in August 1886. Thomas Wong Cheong (also written Thomas Wong Tong) was a Christian Catechist appointed by the Foreign Missions Committee of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Victoria. He worked in Warrnambool, ministering to the local Chinese Christian community for 31 years. He died in 1923. A Chinese Church, under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church, was erected in Ryot Street, Warrnambool in 1892. By the 1930s the Chinese community in the Warrnambool area had dwindled to a very few in number and the Ryot Street building was demolished in 1979. This is a significant book because of its association with the Chinese community in Warrnambool and the catechist Thomas Wong Cheong. The Chinese Church and the work of Thomas Wong Cheong are of importance in Warrnambool’s history from the end of the 19th century to the early years of the 20th century and this book would have been well-used during this time. This is a hard cover book with a black cover and the words, ‘New Testament’ printed in gold lettering on the back page (probably the front page when being read in Chinese). The text is entirely in the Chinese language with the Chinese characters in columns ruled longways. The signature of Thomas Wong Cheong (Tong) is written four times in blue and red ink. There is an inscription on the back page (front of book) and a page with a yellow background and black printing. Some of the pages have been torn (silverfish damage) and the edges of some pages have been stained. Most of the pages have four or five holes on the inside edges, suggesting that the book has been re-bound from a previous binding. There is a pink sticker of the Castlemaine bookbinder on the inside front cover.‘Presented to Thomas Wong Tong on the occasion of his Baptism, Creswick, Victoria, August 1st 1886, T. Angwin, Wesleyan Minister.’ chinese in warrnambool, warrnambool, history of warrnambool

Fanny Isabella Nicol. Refer 1795P for Service history, 1797.5, 1796.9. also 2591Six items relating to Fanny Isabella Nicol. .1) Badge, metal, round,"Australian Red Cross Society Vic Division" .2) Badge, round, metal, "Returned from Active Service" Crown at top, centre Rising Sun depiction with AIF under. .3) Identity Disc, personalised, round, metal with ring at top. Possibly made from an Eygptian coin with one side polished bare. .4) Badge, metal, "RSL Membership" Crown at top with membership clip with "55" denoting financial member 1955. Centre has two figures. .5) Badge, metal, oval shape "Presbyterian Church of Victoria" .6) Badge, metal, round, "Red Cross Society Vic Division" .2) Issued by Dept of Defence. On rear "211483" .3 "F.I.NICOL PRES A.A.N.S" .4) On rear "V33761" .5) "Centenary 1937"badges, membership, service

Rev. Francis Robert Muter Wilson was born in 1832 near Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland. He entered Edinburgh University in 1848 and started theological studies in 1852 at New College Edinburgh. He completed theological studies in 1856 and arrived in Melbourne in September 1857. He briefly preached to a small congregation at Brighton, and then early in 1858 he supplied the pulpit of Dr. McKay in Sydney. Later in 1858 he received a call to Camperdown and was ordained there in December 1858. Married Lillie Tait in Geelong in April 1861. Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria in 1875. Called to Kew in 1877 and served there until he was demitted in 1898. Convenor of the Business Committee of Assembly. Died June 9 1903.B & W head and shoulders studio portrait of Rev Francis Robert M. Wilson, printed on buff card.Rev. F.R.M. Wilson 1876 - 1897francis robert muter wilson, presbyterian, minister, edinburgh, kew, moderator

with Inas parents Emily and David Carstairs at St Andrews Presbyterian Church South Yarra South Yarra VictoriaBlack and white photograph taken at the marriage of Hector Burchell to Ina Eaton nee Carstairs wedding, social history, religion

Mr John P. Adam was a member of the Kew Presbyterian Church. He was born in Scotland and came to Australia at the age of 13 when his father was appointed Professor of Divinity at Ormond College. John Adam studied law and commenced practice in 1924. He served on the Council of the Law Institute of Victoria and was President in 1949. He gave a lifetime of service to the Presbyterian Church of Victoria and Australia. He was law agent of the Victorian Church for 20 years and was foundation Convenor of the Donald Cameron Homes Committee for elderly people. He was a member of the Council of Presbyterian Ladies' College for 20 years and Chairman from 1958 to 1965. He was also a member of the Ormond College Council. He was an active member of the Kew Presbyterian Church , serving on the Board of Management and Session for 47 years. John Adam was also Superintendent of the Sunday School for 19 years and a leader of the Young Men's Bible Class. He died aged 78 on 11 March 1973.B & W head and shoulders photograph of Mr John P. Adam wearing a dark suit and buttonhole in his lapel.john p. adam, scotland, ormond college, law, law institute of victoria, presbyterian church, kew, donald cameron homes committee

Carmel Welsh Church is located at 365 Albert Street, Sebastopol and is the only identified Welsh Presbyterian church surviving in Victoria,. It was built in 1865-6 to the design of Henry Richards Caselli, and of distinctive architectural character combining round arched windows of almost a Renaissance character, mediaevalising buttresses, and extremely chunky gable eaves of a domestic character, including square finials and raking brackets. It was established in 1861, the members and adherents were predominantly Welsh, the Welsh language was spoken freely and there were regular services in Welsh.Digital photograph of the door of the bluestone Welsh church, Sebastopol, Ballarat.carmel welsh church, sebastopol, bluestone, church, henry richards caselli, welsh

Carmel Welsh Church is located at 365 Albert Street, Sebastopol and is the only identified Welsh Presbyterian church surviving in Victoria,. It was built in 1865-6 to the design of Henry Richards Caselli, and of distinctive architectural character combining round arched windows of almost a Renaissance character, mediaevalising buttresses, and extremely chunky gable eaves of a domestic character, including square finials and raking brackets. It was established in 1861, the members and adherents were predominantly Welsh, the Welsh language was spoken freely and there were regular services in Welsh.Digital photograph of the interior of the bluestone Welsh church, Sebastopol, Ballarat.carmel welsh church, sebastopol, church, henry richards caselli, welsh

Carmel Welsh Church is located at 365 Albert Street, Sebastopol and is the only identified Welsh Presbyterian church surviving in Victoria,. It was built in 1865-6 to the design of Henry Richards Caselli, and of distinctive architectural character combining round arched windows of almost a Renaissance character, mediaevalising buttresses, and extremely chunky gable eaves of a domestic character, including square finials and raking brackets. It was established in 1861, the members and adherents were predominantly Welsh, the Welsh language was spoken freely and there were regular services in Welsh.Digital photograph of ta stained glass window in the Carmel Welsh church, Sebastopol.Serve the Lord with gladness, come before his presence with singing. In loving memory of David William Davies Died Dec. 28th 1932 Choirmaster 1875 to 1885carmel welsh church, sebastopol, church, henry richards caselli, welsh, stained glass, david william davies, choirmaster

Carmel Welsh Church is located at 365 Albert Street, Sebastopol and is the only identified Welsh Presbyterian church surviving in Victoria,. It was built in 1865-6 to the design of Henry Richards Caselli, and of distinctive architectural character combining round arched windows of almost a Renaissance character, mediaevalising buttresses, and extremely chunky gable eaves of a domestic character, including square finials and raking brackets. It was established in 1861, the members and adherents were predominantly Welsh, the Welsh language was spoken freely and there were regular services in Welsh.Digital photograph of ta stained glass window in the Carmel Welsh church, Sebastopol.In memory of the Welsh Miners who from the darkness of the mines brought the light of Christ to Carmelcarmel welsh church, sebastopol, church, henry richards caselli, welsh, stained glass, miners

Carmel Welsh Church is located at 365 Albert Street, Sebastopol and is the only identified Welsh Presbyterian church surviving in Victoria,. It was built in 1865-6 to the design of Henry Richards Caselli, and of distinctive architectural character combining round arched windows of almost a Renaissance character, mediaevalising buttresses, and extremely chunky gable eaves of a domestic character, including square finials and raking brackets. It was established in 1861, the members and adherents were predominantly Welsh, the Welsh language was spoken freely and there were regular services in Welsh.Digital photograph of ta stained glass window in the Carmel Welsh church, Sebastopol.In memory of the Welsh miners who from the darkness of the mines brought the light of Christ to Carmel.carmel welsh church, sebastopol, church, henry richards caselli, welsh, stained glass, welsh miners, poppet head

Born 1866 in Glasgow. Ordained into the Presbyterian Church in 1894, in Chiltern, Victoria. Served at Williamstown North from 1895, and in Deepdene from 1918. He was the first minister at Deepdene. Died in 1933B & W matte head and shoulders studio portrait of the Rev. John Caldwell, mounted on buff card.

Joseph Ringland Anderson was born in Killylea, Ulster, Ireland in March 1854. At the age of 18 he joined the Presbyterian Church at Killylea by profession of faith. He studied at Queen's College, Galway, and graduated M.A. He then studied Theology at the General Assembly's Theological Hall, Belfast. In 1881 he decided to emigrate to Australia, and completed his theological education at Ormond College, Melbourne. He was ordained in 1882 and inducted into the Presbyterian Church at Penshurst, Victoria. While at Penshurst he married Annie Love Elder. He was called to Lilydale in 1893, to Beechworth in 1902, to North Carlton in 1907 and 1913, was inducted into the Kew Presbyterian Church. Retired and demitted 1926. Died 12 August 1941B & W head and shoulders photograph of the Rev. Joseph Ringland Anderson, M.A. printed on buff cardRev. J.R. Anderson, M.A. 1913 - 1926joseph ringland anderson, ulster, ormond college, kew, presbyterian, minister

A church service for Legacy widows at Scot's Church in Collins St, Melbourne. This is an annual event for Legacy widows at the start of Legacy Week, which is the first week in September. The church used for the service varies, The Scots' Church was the first Presbyterian Church to be built in Victoria. The same roll of film as 00695.A record of a church service for Legacy Widows in 2004.Colour photo x 3 of widows arriving at a church.Printed on the back widows, widows' sunday

A church service for Legacy widows at Scot's Church in Collins St, Melbourne. This is an annual event for Legacy widows at the start of Legacy Week, which is the first week in September. The church used for the service varies. There is also a pilgrimage to the Shrine for a service and a lunch afterwards. The Scots' Church was the first Presbyterian Church to be built in Victoria. A record of a church service for Legacy Widows in 2008.Colour photo x 2 of widows arriving at a church.Printed on the back widows, widows' sunday, pilgrimage

The two etchings of Scots Presbyterian Church formerly in Adelaide Street Ringwood which was knocked down to make way for the development of Eastlands Shopping centre in the 1960s. The Pulpit and Window were moved to the Uniting Church in Station Street, Ringwood. The etchings were done by D.M. Jamieson .1.Copy of Hand drawn image of the Scots Presbyterian Church in Adelaide Street, Ringwood, Victoria, with congregation standing outside. 2. Copy of Hand drawn image of Church interior showing the pulpit, stain glass window, hymn board and seating for the Elders taken after the Church was knocked down and placed in the Uniting Church, Station Street, Ringwood.

A church service for Legacy widows at Scot's Church in Collins St, Melbourne. This is an annual event for Legacy widows at the start of Legacy Week, which is the first week in September. The church used for the service varies. Then the widows attend a ceremony at the Shrine and then have a lunch. The Scots' Church was the first Presbyterian Church to be built in Victoria. Events of the day are also at 00707, 00708, 00709A record of a church service for Legacy Widows in 2005.Colour photo x 2 of a church service.Printed on the back widows, widows' sunday, pilgrimage

This chapel organ, or pump organ, was made by the Packard Company of Fort Wayne, USA. It was purchased locally from John Broadwood Shepherd & Son of Liebig St, Warrnambool. The donor advised that it was played for many years in the Winslow Presbyterian Church, southwestern Victoria (on Caramut Road, now a private residence). The serial number of the organ dates to be no older than 1887 and no younger than 1901, according to The Pump Organ Society. The goals of The Packard Company, as quoted from the Fort Wayne Gazette, 6th August 1873 are summarised as such; “In the first place, it was determined to make an organ which should be excelled by none. …. It is interesting to the uninitiated to watch the different processes which literally convert the trees of the forest into the marvellous instruments which sound the praises of God in thousands of churches and Sabbath Schools, or make sweet music in multitudes of homes.” The music store of John Broadwood Shepherd and Son had an “impressive” stand at The Great Warrnambool Exhibition of 1896 – 1897 and received a medal for its exhibit. It was also involved in the community, sponsoring prizes for the Musical and Recital Competition, which was part of the entertainment for the Exhibition. The “Warrnambool Standard” newspaper has reference to John Broadwood Shepherd and Son in a newspaper of 1887 and another dated April 13, 1901. A brief history of the Packard Company: 1850, Isaac T. Packard joined with Nelson J. Foss and Calvin Hatch to form Packard, Foss, & Co., manufacturing reed organs, seraphines, and melodeons 1871 the Fort Wayne Organ Company was formed, and Isaac Packard has 40 shares. 1872 the first organ was completed 5th Sept 1899, “Fort Wayne Organ Company” was officially changed to “The Packard Company” 1908 – 1914 (different dates given) the Packard Company ceased producing organs and specialised in pianos. 1930 company went into receivership 1935 the city of Fort Wayne acquired the former Packard Company property, tore the buildings down and turned it into a park, now known as Packard Park. The organ is significant to local history for being sold by a Warrnambool business and played at a local chape or church. It represents community and religious life in late Victorian times.Chapel organ or pump organ (with stool), dated not before 1897 and not after 1901. Medium brown timber with fretwork and turned spindles, Manufactured by Packard, Fort Wayne U.S.A. Organ was purchased from John Broadwood Shepherd & Son, Liebig St, Warrnambool. Serial number is stamped into the wood, rear of organ. lower right panel. Pedals are covered in carpet and each has the maker's name on the lower part of the pedal frame. The keyboard has five octaves and twelve stoppers.Words on front panel “Packard Organ / Fort Wayne Ind. U.S.A. / JOHN BORADWOOD SHEPHERD & SON, / LIEBIG STREET, WARRNAMBOOL.” Serial Number "48870"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, great ocean road, pump organ, packard organ, fort wayne usa, john broadwood shepherd & son, john broadwood, winslow victoria, church music, musical instrument, john broadwood shepherd and son, presbyterian church, winslow presbyterian church, the great warrnambool exhibition 1896-1897

A church service for Legacy widows at Scot's Church in Collins St, Melbourne. This is an annual event for Legacy widows at the start of Legacy Week, which is the first week in September. The church used for the service varies. Then the widows attend a ceremony at the Shrine and then have a lunch. The Scots' Church was the first Presbyterian Church to be built in Victoria. The same roll of film as other photos of 2004 (00696).A record of a church service for Legacy Widows in 2004.Colour photo x 4 of a church service.Printed on the back widows, widows' sunday, pilgrimage

Centenary of St. John's Presbyterian Church Forest Street, Bendigo 1872-1972. List of former Ministers of St. John's Church. A brief account of the history of the church is given. Extracts from minutes of Presbytery Church of Castlemaine 2/7/1872 states that they had not yet held any Sabbath Services in Sandhurst a grant not exceeding Twenty Pounds to meet the expenses of such Services necessary to establish a Second Charge in Sandhurst. Services were conducted in the Albion Hall, collections were obtained were liberal, Memorial signed by 104 members and adherents who expressed their desire to be recognized as a Congregation. St. John's first met at the Orderly Room (site of the Art Gallery), then at the Albion Hall (site of the Royal Princess Theatre), they then moved to St. James Hall (now Myer Store). In 1874 a weatherboard church in Forest St. was erected seating 550 persons, and named St. John's Presbyterian Church. It then became known as St John's Free Church and in 1880 it was admitted into the Presbyterian Church of Victoria and named Chalmer's Church. History accounts goes on to explain the further changes which happened within the church to 1972. Many other details have been included in the book such as the costs of the pews the 'Ladies Work Committee', a monthly church paper, Anniversary platform, securing a Manse, the year of the 'black-out', food parcels, the purchase of a building, the pioneering of religious films in church services, renovations, Sunday School, Stewardship Campaign, electronic organ. The history goes on detailing the growth of the organisations in the church; Choir, Sunday School Sunday School Ladies Auxiliary, PWMU, Afernoon Fellowship, Ladies Guild, PGF, Men's Club and Brotherhood, Bible Class, Sporting Clubs, PFA, Mission Band, Creche, Cradle Roll, Board of Management. A list of 'Memorials and Other Gifts Through the Years' from 1904 to 1972. Present 'Office Bearers of the Church'. Photo of present church on front cover, on rear cover is the church erected in 1897. With Indexchurch, centenary, st john's bendigo, st john's presbyterian church forest street bendigo centenary

A church service for Legacy widows at Scot's Church in Collins St, Melbourne. This is an annual event for Legacy widows at the start of Legacy Week, which is the first week in September. The church used for the service varies, The Scots' Church was the first Presbyterian Church to be built in Victoria. The photos shows the interior of the church with the congregation listening to service. Same roll of film as the photos with President David Ford in 2003 so the event is assumed to be in that year. The event is referred to as Widows' Sunday, Legacy Sunday and pilgrimage to the Shrine.A record of a church service for Legacy widows in 2003.Colour photo x 6 of the church service at Scots Church.Printed on the back widows, widows' sunday, pilgrimage

Rosalie Rayment originally trained and worked as an Occupational Therapist. Following completion of studies in Theology she worked for 11 years with the Church in Thailand. Rosalie was ordained in 1988. Fred Vanclay B.D., Dip AgS. ordained 1964 in the Presbyterian Church. Served: Queensland 1961 - 1975; Victoria 1976 - 1985 Vermont - Parkmore; Northern Territory Tennant-Barkly Patrol 1985 - 1993. Died in 2016. Adapted from the eulogy given by his son, Jerry Vanclay One of Fred’s first placements as a minister was in Mackay, North Queensland. Mackay was a wonderful place for Fred, his wife Donna and their young family. They all loved the beaches and the bush, and the children completed a significant part of their schooling there. Whilst posted in Mackay, Fred and Donna enjoyed long road trips in their modest HR Holden sedan, with the family, to Uluru, to Broome via the Borroloola Track, and down the Birdsville Track to the Flinders ranges; along the way, developing the bushcraft that would stand them in good stead later in the Tennant-Barkly Patrol. After many years in ministry in Mackay, then in Vermont, Victoria, Fred and Donna were called to the Tennant-Barkly Patrol in the Northern Territory, where he served for eight years, probably Fred’s most satisfying years. All Fred’s parishes were welcoming and rewarding, but Fred said on more than one occasion that he had a special love for the Patrol. He felt that in an urban congregation, he ministered mainly to those who came to Church, but in the Patrol he ministered to everyone, and especially to those in need. Fred loved to get involved with the day-to-day activities of his people, to develop a deeper relationship and greater understanding. Some remarked that when Fred helped, everything took longer, but they loved him and his assistance nonetheless. Fred was proud to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor Padre Fred McKay, and sometimes joked that he was “Fred the 2nd”, not Fred McKay, but “Fred from Mackay”. During his last few weeks in hospital, Fred liked to reminisce on his time in the Patrol. He joked about how he surprised the selection panel with his knowledge of bush tracks and outstations – knowledge that he had gained on those long road trips from Mackay. He reflected that many aspects of his life were good preparation for his time in the Patrol. After their Patrol, Fred and Donna retired to Mt Waverley, in Melbourne, but they were both restless in retirement, and undertook supply ministries in Wedderburn, Kerang and North Cairns, and made several long journeys into the interior and into their beloved Patrol [in Tennant Creek] – as well as frequent visits to their eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and occasional trips to Europe to reunite with distant family. They never tired of ministering and adventuring, but as age and infirmity progressively clipped their wings, they travelled more in spirit and less by car. Despite the many celebrations that he blessed – baptisms, marriages, and funerals – Fred never sought the limelight, and I think he would be surprised by our gathering today. I can almost hear him saying “Don’t make a fuss; just say a heartfelt prayer together”. – Jerry Vanclay Informal B & W gloss photo of Rev. Fred Vanclay, his wife Donna, Rosalie Rayment (later ordained) and one other unidentified person.

This ticket was for a grand ball to celebrate the second anniversary of the Loyal Orbost M.U.I.O.O.F. Lodge. It was held in the Mechanics Institute hall on Friday 20th July, 1888. The cost of a single ticket was 5/-. The secretary of the lodge was John Rowe, the first teacher of the state school in Orbost. From the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref Mary Gilbert) Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows (MUIOOF) had its origins in Manchester, England. It was established in Melbourne on 7 December 1840 when Augustus Greeves, a member of the MUIOOF in England, migrated to Australia and formed the first friendly society. In 1840 Manchester Unity IOOF was founded in Victoria. Friendly Societies were founded in the Australian Colonies in the mid-19th Century by immigrants from England who had been members in Societies which dated back to the 18th Century. Like all working people these immigrants experienced sickness, accidents, unemployment, death and burial. They needed help of like fellows to tide their families over these times. So they formed a branch of one of the Friendly Societies back in the mother country. The idea was to make fixed contributions to a fund and when they were off work they would receive a payment. When they died funeral benefits would be paid and the widow and children would be cared for. It was a form of local insurance for hard times. This was a time of 'look after yourself' as the Colonial Governments did not provide pensions or benefits. This item reflects those times.A small white rectangular paper ticket with black print. It is for the Loyal Orbost Lodge M.U.I.O.O.F. Grand Ball.front - "Dancing to Commence at 8pm."public-event-orbost document-ticket m.u.i.o.o.f