Stained glass, lancet window, north wall, chancel, main nave, memorial window. Depiction of the boy Jesus with his mother in the carpenter's workshop.To the Glory of God, a token of affection/ for the Venerable T.P. Bennett,/ sometime Vicar and Archdeacon of Warrnambool/ Presented by his Masonic Friends A.D. 1946

John Edward Bennett was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, 1862. He was devoted to his family and his church, being a churchwarden and a verstryman of this Parish. He was a lay preacher for 40 years in the Dioceses of Melbourne and Ballarat. He was the first Manager of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill. He died on Nov 10th 1928.He was the first manager of Warrnambool Woollen Mill.Stained glass memorial lancet window, central light, west wall, north nave, depicting the crucifixion of Jesus.To the Glory of God and in loving memory of/John Edward Bennett/ sometime Churchwarden and Vestryman of this Parish, and for/40 years a Lay Reader in the Dioceses of Melbourne and/ Ballarat, born in Leeds, Yorkshire, 1862, entered into rest Nov 10th, 1928/ A devoted husband and father,/ a faithful servant of God and His Church/Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.memorial stained glass window lancet window bennett je bennett john edward bennett warrnambool woollen mill

Elizabeth Edith Mack was born to parents William & Elizabeth (nee Wilmont) Hatton, in approx. 1873 in Moyston, Victoria. She married Frederick David Mack (a wool and skin buyer) in approx. 1903. Frederick Mack was born in 1968 in Warrnambool to parents Joseph and Louisa Mary (nee Despard) Mack. Joseph served as Shire Secretary. The Mack family (including Elizabeth and Frederick) occupied the same sandstone house in the town for more than a century. They had at least 5 children. Elizabeth Edith Mack died in Warrnambool in 1931 aged 58 years. The Circular Memorial Window was erected in her memory by her children. Elizabeth and Frederick's son, Ronald, became The Honorable Sir Ronald (William) Mack, M.L.C. President of the Legislative Council of Victoria. He was knighted in 1967 (the first Warrnambool -Born person to be so honoured) while Minister for Health and regarded the care of the Mentally Ill of prime importance but also the care of the aged. He was given a state funeral after his death in 1968, the service being conducted at Christ Church.The Mack family was a prominent pioneer family in Warrnambool. Her son Ronald William Mack was the first Warrnambool-born person to be knighted.Circular stained glass window above five lancet windows in the west wall of the second nave, depicts 'Christ Ascending in Glory'. The inscription is on a mosaic plaque below the central window.The mosaic tablet below the centrral light refers to this memorial to Elizabeth Mack. "The Above Circular Window/ is erected/ To the Glory of God, in Memory of/ our beloved Mother/ Elizabeth Edith Mack/who departed this life on 23rd December 1931."mack elizabeth edith mack - elizabeth hatton - elizabeth wilmont - moyston victoria - frederick david mack - wool and skin buyer - shire secretary - sir ronald william mack - state funeral - circular window - memorial window - stained glass - christ churc warrnambool

Stained glass window, north wall, Sanctuary, main nave. Depiction of Jesus and two children set within a stylised floral and patterned backgroundIn Latin: In memoriam Gulielmi Afflick qui AD MDCCCLXVII Kal: Jun: in vitam ingressus Septimo ante Io Apr:/ AD MDCCCLXXV iridiebahir mater ejus et sorer Maria et Jacobus Wotton Shevill hanc fenestram posuerunt A translation is: "His mother and stepfather, Mary and James Wotton Shevill, erected this window in memory of William Affleck, who entered into this life on June 1st, 1867, and was taken away on April 7th, 1875".

Florence Amanda Lake (1870-1946) was the daughter of John and Jane LAKE. Following her husband’s death, Jane married George ROLFE of ‘Lyndoch', Warrnambool. After his death Florence remained at 'Lyndoch' until moving to Melbourne in later life. Florence was noted for her charity and philanthropy. This memorial was presented by Mr George Webb of Camperdown. Florence Lake is buried in the St Kilda General Cemetery. Florence Lake was very loyal and generous parishioner of Christ Church and the Parish of Warrnambool and in the city generally. The association with George Rolfe and 'Lyndoch' is historically important.Mosaic set into blind window alcove, south wall, sanctuary, main nave. Plain white cross outlined with gold and set against a blue opus sectile mosaic on a biscuit coloured tile background bordered with stylised vine leaves and grapes.To the Glory of God, in Memory of Florence Lakelyndoch warrnambool

Herbert Firks Sambell was the son of John Sambell, a chemist,who settled in Warrnambool in 1886.Stained glass, lancet window, north wall, north nave, depiction of Holman Hunt's painting (1851-1853) "The Light of the World" "To the Glory of God/ and in Memory of Herbert Firks Sambell/ died 16th June 1943./The gift of his loving family.

Stained glass, lancet window, north wall, north nave. Depiction of St John with the symbols of a quill, ascribing to him the Gospel of John, and an eagle representing the soaring loftiness of of his writings.St John. /"The disciple whom Jesus Loved". / To the Glory of God. A thankoffering for many happy/ years from Walter and Fanny Manifold. 1st June 1914

Margaret Jukes (nee McWilliams) married Alfred Meredith Jukes in Melbourne in 1853 and they moved to Warrnambool in 1856. She and Alfred had nine children one of whom died in infancy and four who died in young adulthood. Margaret was widowed in 1872, the year of the birth of their youngest child. A report of her funeral service in the Parish Record notes her "aged and much honored life". The hymns chosen "all were in quiet harmony with the remembrance of one whose daily life was an example and who held always a given trust in the over-ruling providence of God". It records the "peaceful closing of a well spent life".The Jukes name is associated with Jukes Street in East Warrnambool, and with the property named "Belvedere" in Ferguson Street, East Warrnambool. Alfred Meredith Jukes is one of the 204 men whose photo appears on the large framed assemblage of "Pioneers of Warrnambool"Stained glass widow depicting Dorcas, symbolical of Benevolence."This Woman Was Full Of Good Works" To the Glory of God & in memory of Margaret Jukes/ who died .. June 1915. This window is erected by her childrenjukes, christ church warrnambool, ae jukes, margaret jukes

The inscription tells of the person, Susan Fleetwood. That Susan Fleetwood was the daughter of William Rutledge, and the wife of Thomas Falkner Fleetwood places her with two men of historical importance in Warrnambool and district.Stained glass lancet window, west wall, north nave, second light from the left in the group of five lights, Depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary facing towards the central light of the Crucifixion, the predominant colours are blues and purple/magenta. Towards the top of the design is an angel holding the Alpha symbol. At the peak of the design is a golden crown. To the Glory of God, and in loving memory of/ Susan, daughter of William and Eliza Rutledge/ of Farnham Park Dennington, and wife of/Thomas Falkner Fleetwood/ born at Port Fairy, July 9th 1848, Entered into rest April 18th 1932./ By her devoted affection to her family and friends, and/ her generous help to all who were in need and distress/ she won the love and gratitude of many./ "Then are they glad because they are at rest, and so/ He bringeth them into the haven where they would be."/ This window is erected by her Son and Daughter.rutledge, fleetwood, st mary

Stained glass, fourth from left in group of five lancet windows, west wall, north nave.To the Glory of God/and in loving and grateful memory of/ THOMAS FALKNER FLEETWOOD, M.D./a learned Scholar: a wise and skilful Doctor: above all, a/ faithful Servant of Jesus Christ, for Whom he worked, with Whom he suffered, in Whom he lives./ Thine Eyes shall see the King in his Beauty./ This window was given by/ parishioners and other friends.

William Bateman Snr was born to parents Daniel Bateman and Patience Wilkinson in Bradford, Yorkshire, England in approx. 1794. He married Sarah Smith on 20th November 1815 in Bradford, Yorkshire, England. They had four children – Patience (Born abt 1817), Daniel (born abt 1819) William (born abt 1831) & James (born abt 1837)all born in England. William Snr and Sarah Bateman and two sons – William and James - arrived in Australia in approx 1853. They brought with them considerable capital/stock and bought into a business in Warrnambool in William Jnr’s name. Bateman & Co rapidly became the largst mercantile business in the area and did rather extensive business with the Banks of Victoria and Australiasia. It is thought that William Snr assisted in the business to some extent, expecially financially. His other son Daniel (who remained in England) is also thought to have had a financial interest in the business as a dormant partner. The business was so prominent, Bateman & Co issued round copper tokens as a Trade Token - value one penny. These were inscribed with the Business name and were limited in their use to the business. In Sept 1856 the business was transferred to a Mr. Thos W. Sellars (nephew of William Bateman Jnr) and shortly afterwards the store closed with an order for the sequestration of the insolvents estate, but was not made absolute until December 1856 when the Insolvency court ruled for the “compulsory sequestration” of the business due to fraudulent activities within the business. But in the meantime in early November fire completely destroyed the business which left only the insurance payouts. Both William Bateman Snr and William Bateman Jnr are listed on the Pioneers’ Honour Board in the foyer of the Warrnambool Library. It is reported William Bateman Jnr was a trustee of Christ Church, was a City Councillor, and was involved in many other community organisations. He also subscribed towards the cost of building a permanent Church which was opened in 1856. William Bateman Snr died in Warrnambool on 30/03/1868 and his wife Sarah died in August 1868. William Bateman Jnr presented to Christ Church, stained glass windows in memory of his parents William & Sarah Bateman. William Bateman Jnr died in June 1913. Four stained glass windows, three lancet and one circular. The theme of the lancet windows depicts the three occasions when the apostles Peter, James and John were Jesus' sole attendants: The raising of Jairus' daughter. On the Mount of Transfiguration. In the Garden of Gethsemane. The circular window in the gable of the wall represents "The Enthroned Christ".

Four stained glass windows, west wall, main nave. A circular window in the gable of the wall showing the Royal Coat of Arms. Three lancet windows below depicting, from left to right, Faith, Hope and Charity.The central lancet window has: To the Glory of God/and in commemoration of the com/ pletion of the fiftieth year of the happy reign/ of Her most Gracious Majesty/ QUEEN VICTORIA/ 1887

Helen Isobel Janet Mack was born to parents Gilbert Bailee Nicol and Lizzie (or Lillie) Mary Nicol (nee Jellie) at Woodford, Victoria or Rose Hill Warrong, in approx. 1895. Her mother's parents were James and Sarah Jane Jellie (nee Bower) Her father's parents were Gilbert and Jane Boili Nicol (nee Jelllie) She lived her life here at least until her first marriage. She firstly married a Mr LIndsay and they had two daughters - Helen and Jane. They were later divorced. On 16th February 1935, Helen married Ronald William Mack (a pioneering family of Warrnambool) at the Registry Office in Collins St. Melbourne. They had a son James. It appears Helen lived at 52 Banyan St, including while her husband was absent, until her death. Her husband Ronald William Mack was born in Warrnambool in 1904. He joined the Australian Imperial Forces and was based in the Middle East during some of WW11 and returned to Warrnambool in approx 1943 due to injury. He was involved in the community, and politics and was elected to the Legislative Council in 1955. Janet died on 10th April, 1957, aged 55 years, her funeral leaving Christ Church on April 11th. Her husband had erected in Christ Church, a Memorial Stained Glass window in her memory. Her husband was eventually Knighted (in 1967) while he was Minister for Health of which his main focus was on the mentally ill and the aged. He was then Sir Ronald William Mack. First wife of Sir Ronald William Mack. Stained glass, lancet window, north wall, Hammond Fellowship Centre, Christ Church. Depiction of the Nativity with Mary , Joseph and the infant Jesus"Peace... Goodwill Towards Men"/ To the Glory of God/ and in memory of Helen Isobel Janet Mack,/ who died on 10th April 1957./ The gift of her husband.

Stained glass, lancet window, east wall, Meeting Room, Hammond Fellowship Centre. A depiction of Holman Hunt's painting "I am the Light of the World"A.M.D.G./ In memory of Arthur Albert Briggs/ obit.. 5-11-42

Memorial tablet, south wall, main nave. Decorative opus sectile mosaic within a copper frame, depicting St George slaying the dragon. The inscription is positioned on a stylised ribbon as part of the design.To the glory of God / In Loving Memory of / John Salter / for 45 years / Worshipper and Office Bearer / in this Church / Died Feby. 7th, 1933

An opus sectile mosaic in shades of green, surrounding plain coloured tiles with the inscription, set in a grey marble surrounding frame.To the Glory of God / In memory of my Sister / Emma Margaret Bromfield / Who entered into Rest / Oct 23rd 1922.

This sanctuary lamp was presented to by the Reverend Albert Thomas Hope in memory of his wife.Brass sanctuary lamp with inner red glass light holder. Connected to electricity. The lamp hangs from a pulley system by three brass chains. These are connected to three ornate 'wings' attached to the bowl.sanctuary lamp, christ church warrnambool, beatrice hope, reverend albert thomas hope,

James Bostock, a grazier, was a member of the Bostock family, prominent Warrnambool pastoralists and businessmen who had come from Tasmania in the mid 1840s and settled in the Warrnambool area. The chemist shop of R.F. Kennedy was established in Warrnambool in 1880 and quickly became one of the leading businesses in the town. Kennedy was a wholesale, retail and manufacturing chemist in Timor Street (the building still exists) and a prominent community member and a Town Councillor. He died in 1903 but the business continued to use the name of R. F. Kennedy and Co. until 1924. This docket is of some interest as it contains the names of the R.F. Kennedy chemist shop and James Bostock , a prominent Warrnambool resident. This is a cream-coloured docket issued by R.F.Kennedy & Co. to James Bostock in 1908. The printing shows a variety of styles in blue and white and the page has blue printed lines. The famous Kennedy symbol of a lighthouse is printed prominently and the name of Kennedy is contained in an ornamental banner. The sales information is printed in blue type and there is a Kennedy stamp attached to the bottom of the docket and this is slightly overlapping the page. There is a small tear in the stamp and at the top of the docket. ‘Mr Jas. Bostock, Koroit Street, October 1st 1908, July 1st , To Account Rendered, £1/1/-, July 9, Mixture 2/-, 18th, Mixture, 2/-, 4/-, July 30, Apenta Water, 1/6, 31st Allenbury’s pastilles, 1/3, 2/9, Sept. 11, Mixture 2/-, 12th, Eucalyptus, 9d., 2/9, Total, £1/10/6’r.f. kennedy, james bostock, r f kennedy chemist, warrnambool history

Harry London was a chemist and surgeon dentist who came to Warrnambool in 1891 and brought out the business of the late W.F.G Nettleton.he used the Pasteur filter for water in the making of his medicines. He held a large number of patents for his medicines and mixtures. In 1896 London erected a new chemist shop at the corner of Koroit & Liebig Streets. As well as operating as a chemist and dentist he also dealt in all types of photographic materials and cameras.A common item with links to an innovative business in Warrnambool.Rectangular shaped bottle with embossed writing of company details on front and graduated measurements in ½ tablespoons along the narrow edges. Pale blue in colour. Round lipped neck.H London chemist & Dentist Warrnambool on front. One and two tablespoons along sides.warrnambool, harry london, harry london chemist and dentist , harry london liebig street,

Grassmere Park is a property on the outskirts of Warrnambool at Wangoom. The scenes depicted are of historic buildings such as Star of the West in Port Fairy, the Koroit Post Office and various buildings at Flagstaff Hill in Warrnambool. The drawings are all signed by John Moir a local artist.Social significance. A common item with local views with which local people would be familiar.A set of 11 square cream card coasters with black pen drawings of local scenes with text underneath the drawings.Greetings from Grassmere Park Angus and Murray Grey Stud. John Moir Peter Moir. Wangoom Victoria Australia telephone 055)671037warrnambool, grassmere park, wangoom,

This item has come from funeral directors Beattie and Phillips who have operated as funeral directors in Warrnambool since 1865 when Christopher Beattie and Henry Phillips commenced their business. They operated as partners until Henry died in 1896. Christopher continued until his death in 1916 when the business passed to his son Christopher who operated the business until 1945 when it was transferred to James J Leahy. The business was next to the Wesleyan church in Koroit St. Early advertisements cite the latest in services, vehicles and horses. This cloth could have been used to drape over coffins or seats. The society also has recently acquired a top hat worn by these funeral directors. An item which is associated with one of Warrnambool’s longest running businesses.Black rectangular lined cloth with ties on corners and diagonal velvet braid sewn in diamond shape in the middle. Same braid provides border around the item.warrnambool, warrnambool funeral directors, beattie and phillips funeral directors, j j leahy,

This is a small medicine measuring glass supplied by the Warrnambool pharmacy of Harry London. Born in England, Harry London, a chemist and dentist, came to Warrnambool in 1891, occupying the Nettleton building at 95 Liebig Street. In 1896 he built new premises at the corner of Liebig and Koroit Streets and in 1905 his was the first shop in Warrnambool to have electric lighting. He was succeeded in the early 1920s by the chemists, Dougall and Easton. This glass is of considerable significance because it came from the pharmacy of Harry London, an important chemist in Warrnambool at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. It also shows the custom of the time of chemists supplying to customers small glasses for measuring out medicine. This is a small thick glass tumbler used for measuring medicine. It is etched with the measurements of teaspoon, dessertspoon and tablespoon and the name of the supplier, H. London, a Warrnambool chemist and dentist. It has the initials of the maker on the base. Etched on side in oval shape: ‘H. London, Chemist and Dentist, Warrnambool’ Etched on side: ……. Tea ……. Dessert ……. Table Etched on base: ‘W.T. Co., A J. U.S.A.’ harry london, warrnambool, dougall and easton, chemists

This card is one that was given to those who were designated to hold the tassels of the pall at a funeral conducted by Beattie and Phillips of Warrnambool. A pall was a cloth used to cover a casket or coffin at a funeral. The pall often had four or more tassels on the edges and these people, usually men, would hold the tassels when the coffin was being carried into the church and out of the church. The pall was removed before burial. It was also in some services unfolded and folded in a ceremonial manner when it was placed on the coffin and when it was removed. Other men would have been designated as pallbearers to carry the coffin to and from the church. The firm of Beattie and Phillips was commenced in Warrnambool in the 1860s, by Christopher Beattie and Henry Phillips, initially in Koroit Street and after 1928 in Fairy Street. James Beattie, the son of Christopher, was the proprietor from 1896 to 1945 when James Leahy took over but traded for some years as Beattie and Phillips. The business was sold in 2000 and an undertaking business still operates from the same premises. The other two cards relate to part of the main mourning party who would have been allocated seats in the funeral vehicles These are very interesting cards as it is a great example of funeral practices 70 to 80 years ago. The practices may in many cases be the same today but cards such as these are no longer in use. It is also important as items connected with Beattie and Phillips, one of the two best-known undertaking businesses in Warrnambool’s history.This are three small buff-coloured lightweight cards given to those at funerals who were designated p[laces or parts in the service. (.1)to hold the tassel ends of the pall covering the coffin, .2 Seating in second coach .3 Seating in third coach The card has black printed material on both sides and a band of black across the top right hand corner. There is a small crease on the card and it is a little smudged. .1Side One: ‘Supporter of the Pall, Front Tassel-Right, Beattie & Phillips, Undertakers, Warrnambool, (J.C. Beattie), Phone 165 Day and Night, over’ Side Two: ‘Kindly show this card to Funeral Director when pall is being used and keep as a Memento’. .2 Second Coach Beattie & Phillips Undertakers Warrnambool . 'Phone 165 Day and night. On back 183 written in pencil .3 Third Coach Beattie and Phillips Undertakers Warrnambool. 'Phone 165 Day and night. On back 183 written in pencil warrnambool, beattie & phillips, james beattie warrnambool, james leahy warrnambool, warrnambool undertakers

These pennants have all been awarded to the premier bowls team in the Warrnambool district. The Warrnambool District Bowls Association includes the bowls clubs of Dennington, Koroit, Terang, Port Fairy, Timboon, Warrnambool, Lawn Tennis and City Memorial. As the pennants have come from the now-defunct St. John’s Bowls Club of Warrnambool it is presumed that the St. John’s Club was the recipient of the pennants. St. John’s Club ceased to operate in 2013. It was associated with St. John’s Presbyterian Church and was situated in Princess Street. These pennants are of some interest as being mementoes of St. John’s Bowls Club, Warrnambool. This club was a prominent sporting club in Warrnambool for over 80 years. Bowls is a popular sport in Warrnambool.These are 13 triangular-shaped pennants. They are multi-coloured and made of felt cloth. Some are yellow and green, some are dark blue and white, some are yellow and blue and some are yellow and white. They are all pennants awarded for the premier teams in local Warrnambool bowls clubs, ranging in date from 1959 to 1981. The lettering has been glued on and all have cloth tabs at the base of the triangle for attachment to pegs or a pole. They are mostly in good condition though a couple are rubbed and worn. The pennants have the lettering ‘W.D.B.A.’ (Warrnambool District Bowls Association) and the word ‘Premiers’ and the date.st. john’s bowls club warrnambool, warrnambool district bowls association, warrnambool

This is a flag awarded to the Premiers of the Warrnambool District Bowls Association for 1963-4. The members of the Warrnambool District Bowls Association are Timboon, Dennington, Koroit, Port Fairy, Terang, Lawn Tennis, City Memorial and Warrnambool Bowls Clubs. It is presumed that this flag was awarded to St. John’s Bowls Club as it was passed over from that club to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society in 2014. St. John’s Bowls Club in Princess Street, Warrnambool was associated with the Warrnambool Presbyterian Church. It was formed in the 1930s and ceased to exist in 2013. This flag is of some interest as a memento of St. John’s Bowls Club in Warrnambool. This club was a well-known sporting club in the 20th and early 21st centuries in Warrnambool. Bowling is a popular sport in Warrnambool. This is a triangular-shaped cloth flag or pennant. It is dark blue with yellow lettering stitched on (Warrnambool District Bowls Association Premiers 1963-4). The base of the triangle has a white canvas folded binding in which is enclosed a plaited rope with a metal clip for attachment to a pole. The smallest section of the flag has been stitched over with black cloth. The flag is somewhat grubby with the white binding particularly dirty.‘W.D.B.A. Premiers 1963-64’warrnambool district bowls association, st. john’s bowls club, warrnambool, warrnambool

This is a pennant from the Warrnambool District Bowls Association. This association is a division of the West Coast Bowls Association and the members are the Bowls Clubs of Dennington, Koroit, Lawn Tennis Club, Mortlake, Terang, Port Fairy, Timboon, Warrnambool and City Memorial. This pennant was awarded for the premiers of 1975/76 and, as the pennant came from St.John’s Bowls Club (Presbyterian Church Warrnambool) it is presumed that this club was the winner of this pennant. St. John’s Bowls Club, in Princess Street, Warrnambool, was prominent in the 20th century but has now been disbanded (early 21st century) with the land sold in 2014. The maker of the flag, Evan Evans Pty Ltd, is a well-known Australian flag-making business. It was founded in 1877 and a member of the family was a co-designer of the Australian flag in 1901. This pennant is of some interest as it was awarded by the Warrnambool District Bowls Association to St. John’s Bowls Club in Warrnambool. As the St. John’s Club no longer exists it is an important memento of this Warrnambool sports club. Bowls is a popular sport in Warrnambool. This is a large triangular-shaped pennant from the Warrnambool District Bowls Association (1975-6). It is a white cloth pennant made in two sections with stitched hems on the edges and through the centre. The side holding the cord is made of thicker folded cloth with a white plaited cord inserted. The lettering is made of blue cloth and machine stitched on to the pennant. The material is nylon and wool. There are some dirt smudges and rust marks where the pennant has been attached to a wall. ‘W.D.B.A. Premiers 1975-6’warrnambool district bowls association, st. john’s bowls club, warrnambool, warrnambool

These circular letters have been sent by the Secretary of the Warrnambool Club to committee members of the club in the 1870s and 80s. The Warrnambool Club, a club for men of some standing in the community, was established in the early 1870s and initially had rooms in the Warrnambool Club Hotel which was opened by John Amon Smith in January 1874. This hotel was in Kepler Street between Timor and Koroit Streets. By 1876 membership of the Warrnambool Club had grown to over 70 and the Warrnambool Club Hotel rooms were deemed to be too small. So the Warrnambool Club erected a new building in 1877 in Kepler Street. Today the Warrnambool Club operates today from the same building. These items are of historical significance because they are original 19th century documents associated with the Warrnambool Club, an important institution in Warrnambool for over 140 years. These are five sheets of paper folded to make four pages for each sheet. They date from the 1870s and 80s and are circular letters sent to committee members of the Warrnambool Club regarding forthcoming meetings. The letters are printed with handwritten material in the spaces of the first four items for the dates, signature of the Secretary and the business of the meeting. The handwriting is in black ink. Item One has been badly damaged by silverfish.warrnambool club, walter helpman, history of warrnambool

This is a programme, produced in-house for the Annual Display in 1955 of the Warrnambool Wesley Girls’ Gymnasium Club. It shows that the instructress was Mrs V. Last and the pianist, Mrs B. Utting. There were 29 items in the display with the performers in various age groups. Gymnasium Clubs for both boys and girls, organized by the Warrnambool Methodist Church, were well-established in Warrnambool in the 1930s. It is not known when these clubs ceased to operate but church youth clubs of various kinds continue to operate and gymnastic exercises of some sort would still be one of their activities. The first Wesleyan church service was held in Warrnambool in 1847 and the first chapel was opened in 1851. By the early 1900s the church was known as the Methodist Church and in 1977 after a merger with some other Protestant Churches the church today is known as the Uniting Church with the Warrnambool Uniting Church now located in Koroit Street. This programme is of interest as an example of the type of recreational activity sponsored by churches in the 1950s in Warrnambool. Gymnastic Clubs continue to be a popular activity for youth. This is a sheet of paper folded in two. It is buff-coloured (now faded) and has black typed material on the four pages. The paper is torn at the folds and is ragged at the edges. wesley girls’ gymnasium club, warrnambool methodist church, history of warrnambool