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

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and surrounding buildings 1880's. The church was opened in 1873. The construction is of Black Ranges faced with Grampians Freestone. The bell tower is 70 feet high, and the walls are 30 inches thick. The church was opened on 30th March 1873 by the Bishop of Melbourne, the Right Reverend Dr. Goold. The Historical Society have a programme for this opening - tickets for front seats were 10/- each. The sanctuary was added during 1927 as was a white marble altar which was the gift of a parishioner. Much earlier - In 1865 - a wooden Catholic Church was built on this street near the Court House site. The wooden building became too small for the congregation and this church was commenced before the end of 1869. Sepia photograph of St Patrick's Catholic Church and surrounding buildings. The photo also shows mining operations in Stawell with the Grampians in the background c 1880's. Two enlargements of the Catholic Church are taken from the sepia photograph and marked as 105a.C. Herbert. Photo. Copyright Registered Stawell. on the back is written "Stawell from Big Hill c 1880" stawell, panorama, mining

This plate was probably part of a crockery set used by the Warrnambool Congregational Church for church functions and receptions. The Warrnambool Congregational Church began when two men, Robert Winton and Thomas Nayler, met in 1862 to discuss the possibility of establishing a church of the Independent order. As a result the first Congregational Church was opened in Liebig Street, Warrnambool in 1864 with William Pentland as the first Minister. Samuel Nettleton was a notable member of the congregation, being the Superintendent of the Sunday School for 60 years. In 1940 the Congregational Church moved to a building in Henna Street and in 1973 the Congregational Church merged with the Methodist Church to form what is known today as the Uniting Church. In 1976 the former Congregational Church building in Henna Street was sold to the Salvation Army. This plate is of interest as a memento of the Warrnambool Congregational Church, an institution that no longer exists under that name. This is a cream-coloured china plate with a gold trim around the outer edges and the name of the church in the centre in a black and white scroll pattern. The gold trim is now almost obliterated. The edges of the plate are chipped in several places and the plate is much stained and blotched. ‘Warrnambool Congregational Church’ congregational church, warrnambool, history of warrnambool

The Methodist Home Missions was the department running the work of smaller churches and charitable institutions such as babies' homes, the Epworth Hospital, chaplaincies to hospitals and prisons, aged care homes, alcohol rehabilitation, local missions to depressed areas and the like. A minister was appointed each year by Conference, on deputation, to travel around Victoria to explain and encourage local congregations to support the work of the missions. Livingstone House was established in Carlton in 1888, and was first known as the Temporary Home for Destitute Children. It was run by the Central Dorcas Society, and led by its Senior Biblewoman, Mrs Varcoe. Many children in Livingstone were placed in foster care. In 1891, it relocated to a new property in Cheltenham and later became the Methodist Homes for Children. [https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/vic/E000067]Methodist Home Missions Oakleigh Circuit Egg Sunday promotional pamphlet, 3rd February 1918. methodist home missions, livingstone home

Rev. Alistair Macrae, born 1950. Macrae was ordained in 1984 and served in rural, regional and inner city congregations in Victoria, at Mt Beauty, Portland and West Brunswick. He served as Moderator of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania (2000–2003) and as Executive Director of the Uniting Church Centre for Theology and Ministry (2004–2009) in that synod. He was a member of the board of Wesley Mission Melbourne and chaired its social policy committee. Macrae was an inaugural member of the Victorian State Government's Community Support Fund and served on the advisory committee of the Community Alcohol Action network of the Australian Drug Foundation. Macrae became President of the UCA in July 2009, at the 12th Assembly. In September 2013 Macrae commenced as Minister of Wesley Uniting Church, Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Gloss colour photograph of the Rev Alistair Macrae wearing traditional Scottish Moderator's dress outside St. Michael's Church, Collins Street Melbourne.

Rev. Alistair Macrae, born 1950. Macrae was ordained in 1984 and served in rural, regional and inner city congregations in Victoria, at Mt Beauty, Portland and West Brunswick. He served as Moderator of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania (2000–2003) and as Executive Director of the Uniting Church Centre for Theology and Ministry (2004–2009) in that synod. He was a member of the board of Wesley Mission Melbourne and chaired its social policy committee. Macrae was an inaugural member of the Victorian State Government's Community Support Fund and served on the advisory committee of the Community Alcohol Action network of the Australian Drug Foundation. Macrae became President of the UCA in July 2009, at the 12th Assembly. In September 2013 Macrae commenced as Minister of Wesley Uniting Church, Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Gloss colour photograph of the Rev Alistair Macrae wearing traditional Scottish Moderator's dress outside St. Michael's Church, Collins Street Melbourne.

Document. Victorian Alliance letter to Mr. W.J.Campbell J.P. from Francis Wilson general secretary, I arrived home safely, after a very good day in your city. Will send you a list of few subscribers whom I could not get, shortly. With regard to ''DEFEAT'', I will have them dispatched next week. With regard to Mr. Francis coming up in September, I would suggest that you bring it before the Methodist Ministers interested as possible. Memo for Mr Drummond, I have seen Mr. Harris in reference to this suggestion but he does not know Mr. Francis, fears that it would not be satisfactory to the Forest Street Congregation to appoint an unknown man for the evening service. I have therefore asked Mr. Wilson not to make any definite arrangements until we have had a further opportunity of considering the matter. Signed Mr. Campbell.organisation, community, abstinence society

Members of the Presbyterian faith were among the first settlers in the North-east of Victoria, and in the year 1842 the Presbytery of Melbourne requested the Rev. Peter Gunn, Minister of the Gaelic Church, Melbourne, to visit Presbyterians along the Murray River. This was the first of a series of annual visits, and was of a missionary nature. In May 1851, the Rev. David Hunter Ballantyne was appointed to the Wodonga district based out of Albury. In 1860 the Presbytery of Beechworth was formed, and from it two large presbyteries have grown - Wagga Wagga and Beechworth. In the early days the services at Wodonga were held in the old court house, which still stands. Wodonga Presbyterian Church continued as part of the Parish of Albury until the end of 1887, when it was placed under the administration of the Session of the Beechworth Church, with a home missionary in charge. Mr William Cooper was placed in charge for the first months, then Mr William Smith, a city missionary who had recently arrived from Scotland, was appointed. Mr Smith conducted a cordage factory at Stonleigh. He remained as missionary in charge for the next 10 years, and in that time the church steadily progressed. Plans were made for the erection of the building which now stands in High Street, Wodonga. Mr John Whan was a Founding Member of the Church and was appointed Sunday School Superintendent, an office which he held for 46 years, rendering extensive and valued service to the church and congregation. With a growing congregation and realising the challenges presented to the Church by changing conditions, land for a new church was sought. In September 1950 property was purchased in Nilmar Avenue in Wodonga and the new Presbyterian Church St Stephens became their new home. With the amalgamation of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, the new Church became the Uniting Church. The original Presbyterian Church was later sold to the Free Serbian Orthodox Church.These photographs are significant because they provide evidence of the changing nature of religious worship and groups in Wodonga.A collection of black and white photographic images depicting the first Presbyterian Church at Wodonga. The Church was later taken over by the Free Serbian Orthodox Church.presbyterian church, free serbian orthodox church, wodonga churches

Wife of the Rev T D Cairns, Minister of St Andrews Kirk, Mrs Mary Cairns served on the Council of Clarendon Presbyterian Ladies College 1919 - 1949. Her generous guarantee of loans from the Ballarat Banking Company, together with other donations, enabled the Presbytery of Ballarat to purchase Clarendon Ladies College from Mr Kennedy in 1919 for 1500 pounds. Mrs Cairns was an inaugural member of the new Clarendon Presbyterian Ladies College Council, established 1919 and remained on the Council for 30 years. This chair was a personal gift to Mrs Cairns by the PWMU to honour of her long and devoted service to that organisation. Mrs Cairns donated the chair back to St Andrews Kirk where it remained in use until the sale of the property in 2019. Congregation member, Max Harris, kindly arranged the donation of the chair to the school because of Mrs Cairn's long association with Clarendon PLC. Solid wood chancel chair with discreet carving; plaque on front side of back supportPlaque: This chair was presented by the / Members of the St Andrews P W M U / on the occasion of the retirement of / Mrs T R Cairns / from the Presidency of the Branch / after holding that office for more than fifty years / as an acknowledgement of her devoted service / as President / & of their deep personal regard. mrs mary cairns, 1919, st andrews kirk, clarendon presbyterian ladies college

The Wesleyan Methodist Church at Clunes is a distinctive bluestone building in the Gothic style and was designed by the Ballarat architect J.A. Doane. Construction began in 1864 and the church was further extended in 1871. The building consists of a broad nave and transepts with galleries, these having cast iron balustrades. The facade incorporates a slate-roofed octagonal turret and spire and a four-light perpendicular Gothic window. The interior includes windows with quarry glass panes and coloured borders; those on either side of the organ incorporate scrolled texts and may be by the Melbourne makers Ferguson & Urie. With declining congregations, the property was purchased by Wesley College in 1999 and now forms part of its Clunes campus. The church building has received a very extensive restoration, including structural strengthening, the opening out of the interior to its original dimensions and the installation of a new floor. Ref: https://www.ohta.org.au/organs/organs/ClunesUC.html Colour postcard showing a street view of the Clunes Methodist Church,clunes wesleyan methodist church, wesley college

The Wesleyan Methodist Church at Clunes is a distinctive bluestone building in the Gothic style and was designed by the Ballarat architect J.A. Doane. Construction began in 1864 and the church was further extended in 1871. The building consists of a broad nave and transepts with galleries, these having cast iron balustrades. The facade incorporates a slate-roofed octagonal turret and spire and a four-light perpendicular Gothic window. The interior includes windows with quarry glass panes and coloured borders; those on either side of the organ incorporate scrolled texts and may be by the Melbourne makers Ferguson & Urie. With declining congregations, the property was purchased by Wesley College in 1999 and now forms part of its Clunes campus. The church building has received a very extensive restoration, including structural strengthening, the opening out of the interior to its original dimensions and the installation of a new floor. Ref: https://www.ohta.org.au/organs/organs/ClunesUC.html Sepia postcard showing a street view of the Clunes Methodist Church,clunes wesleyan methodist church, wesley college

The Wesleyan Methodist Church at Clunes is a distinctive bluestone building in the Gothic style and was designed by the Ballarat architect J.A. Doane. Construction began in 1864 and the church was further extended in 1871. The building consists of a broad nave and transepts with galleries, these having cast iron balustrades. The facade incorporates a slate-roofed octagonal turret and spire and a four-light perpendicular Gothic window. The interior includes windows with quarry glass panes and coloured borders; those on either side of the organ incorporate scrolled texts and may be by the Melbourne makers Ferguson & Urie. With declining congregations, the property was purchased by Wesley College in 1999 and now forms part of its Clunes campus. The church building has received a very extensive restoration, including structural strengthening, the opening out of the interior to its original dimensions and the installation of a new floor. Ref: https://www.ohta.org.au/organs/organs/ClunesUC.html B & W exterior view of the Clunes Methodist Church, from the side.clunes wesleyan methodist church, wesley college

The Wesleyan Methodist Church at Clunes is a distinctive bluestone building in the Gothic style and was designed by the Ballarat architect J.A. Doane. Construction began in 1864 and the church was further extended in 1871. The building consists of a broad nave and transepts with galleries, these having cast iron balustrades. The facade incorporates a slate-roofed octagonal turret and spire and a four-light perpendicular Gothic window. The interior includes windows with quarry glass panes and coloured borders; those on either side of the organ incorporate scrolled texts and may be by the Melbourne makers Ferguson & Urie. With declining congregations, the property was purchased by Wesley College in 1999 and now forms part of its Clunes campus. The church building has received a very extensive restoration, including structural strengthening, the opening out of the interior to its original dimensions and the installation of a new floor. Ref: https://www.ohta.org.au/organs/organs/ClunesUC.html B & W exterior view of the Clunes Methodist Church.clunes wesleyan methodist church, wesley college

The Wesleyan Methodist Church at Clunes is a distinctive bluestone building in the Gothic style and was designed by the Ballarat architect J.A. Doane. Construction began in 1864 and the church was further extended in 1871. The building consists of a broad nave and transepts with galleries, these having cast iron balustrades. The facade incorporates a slate-roofed octagonal turret and spire and a four-light perpendicular Gothic window. The interior includes windows with quarry glass panes and coloured borders; those on either side of the organ incorporate scrolled texts and may be by the Melbourne makers Ferguson & Urie. With declining congregations, the property was purchased by Wesley College in 1999 and now forms part of its Clunes campus. The church building has received a very extensive restoration, including structural strengthening, the opening out of the interior to its original dimensions and the installation of a new floor. Ref: https://www.ohta.org.au/organs/organs/ClunesUC.html B & W exterior view of the Clunes Wesley College development. The image shows school buildings on a block next to the former Clunes Methodist Church.clunes wesleyan methodist church, wesley college

Coin collections have a long and varied history. Coins were often collected in churches in a box located near the entrance/exit, and later via a collection plate that was passed amongst the congregation Funds were used to repair the church or feed the poorest of the parish. The donation of coins is and was considered part of religious life and mentioned in Christian, Jewish and Islamic texts. With the need and expansion of charitable works occurring outside religious life, charity boxes began to spread into hospitals, orphanages and asylums. The need for non-fixed boxes grew with the rise in charities and their activities outside a fixed building. Collection boxes could be large (and therefore hard to move) or could be held by individuals acting as collection agents, working at a specific location, moving between dwellings or at events. In this example, the 3RPH tin could be used gathering coins at events such as outside broadcasts or other special marketing days.1 metal coin collection tin with handle and paper wrap1170 Radio 3RPH For the print handicapped A service of the Association for the Blindassociation for the blind, 3rph radio station

Coin collections have a long and varied history. Coins were often collected in churches in a box located near the entrance/exit, and later via a collection plate that was passed amongst the congregation Funds were used to repair the church or feed the poorest of the parish. The donation of coins is and was considered part of religious life and mentioned in Christian, Jewish and Islamic texts. With the need and expansion of charitable works occurring outside religious life, charity boxes began to spread into hospitals, orphanages and asylums. The need for non-fixed boxes grew with the rise in charities and their activities outside a fixed building. Collection boxes could be large (and therefore hard to move) or could be held by individuals acting as collection agents, working at a specific location, moving between dwellings or at events. In this example, the Vision Australia tin could be used gathering coins at events such as Carols by Candlelight or other special marketing days.1 metal coin collection tin with paper wrapPaper wrapper around tin: Help me to break down the barriers and achieve greater heights Vision Australia blindness and low vision services Paper on top of tin: Thank you for your support Vision Australia blindness and low vision servicesvision australia, fundraising

Coin collections have a long and varied history. Coins were often collected in churches in a box located near the entrance/exit, and later via a collection plate that was passed amongst the congregation Funds were used to repair the church or feed the poorest of the parish. The donation of coins is and was considered part of religious life and mentioned in Christian, Jewish and Islamic texts. With the need and expansion of charitable works occurring outside religious life, charity boxes began to spread into hospitals, orphanages and asylums. The need for non-fixed boxes grew with the rise in charities and their activities outside a fixed building. Collection boxes could be large (and therefore hard to move) or could be held by individuals acting as collection agents, working at a specific location, moving between dwellings or at events. These boxes were designed to be reused, with a pop out section in the base.2 x metal coin collection tins with printed sidesFront: The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind St Kilda Road The only Institute in Victoria for teaching blind adults trades & professions educating & maintaining blind children & babies (Lighthouse with words radiating out from light) Modern cottage homes Pensions - after care & sick fund Prevention of blindness lectures, etc. Free wireless radio for needy cases Boat shed & club house Professions & trades Blind babies nursery Wireless sets Social club Happiness for the blind every day & night Musical education Higher education Domestic science classes for blind women & girls A free education Maintenance of blind children The Lighthouse! As a thanksgiving for sight Please place a coin in this box and help to keep the Beacon Light flashing for the Institute's Blind Adults, Babies and Children Side: (Picture of two girls playing with dolls house) Our blind babies and pupils will probably spend 70 years in our Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind St Kilda Road As a thanksgiving for sight please help make their years very happy ones by placing a coin in this box! Reverse front: (Drawing of a man holding his hand to his eyes as a blast occurs in front of him, pushing small objects towards his body.) It might hit You or Me! Please! Will You? As a thanksgiving for the sight you and your dear ones possess, please place a coin in this box to assist the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, St Kilda Road, and its Blind Adults, Children and Babies! Reverse side: (picture of workshop at RVIB) One of our many spacious workshops provided by public subscription! The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind is faced with the problem of employing and otherwise assisting its blind workers. It gives them charitable allowances in addition to their earnings, amounting to approximately 15,000 (pounds) every year, to enable them to support their wives and families! No profits can therefore be made! This 15,000 (pounds) is distributed because the great handicap of blindness prevents blind persons from earning as much as their more fortunate sighted fellows. Please! Ask Storekeepers for our Baskets, Mats, Brooms, etc. And as a thanksgiving for Your Sight place a coin in this box for our blind adults, children and babies! Embossed on the top of the box is Royal Victorian Institute for the Blindfundraising, royal victorian institute for the blind

St Luke’s Anglican Church officially opened on 15 March 1863. It was constructed from locally hewn stone. After serving the congregation for more than a century, the Church was closed by the Health Commission due to its deteriorated condition which was judged to be beyond repair. It was demolished by voluntary labour on the 10 – 11 August 1968. St Luke’s originally operated as a branch of the Albury church. The first resident minister at Wodonga was Rev. J. H. White who came in 1879. Much of the demolition of the church was organised and carried out by Raymond John Schmidt, a long-time parishioner of St Luke’s. After the demolition, the font was relocated to the Schmidt family garden. It was the wish of Ray Schmidt and his wife Elizabeth that the Font should come to the Wodonga & District Historical Society after their deaths. It is now displayed at Hut 97.A baptismal font made from hewn stone from the Wodonga area. Central bowl for holy water is surrounded by an inscription.Around bowl "SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN WHO COME UNTO ME"st luke's church wodonga, religious ceremonial items, anglican church wodonga

The Lutheran Church in Bendigo 1856 - 1986. 43 (Corner of Galvin Street and Barry Street, Bendigo. Red Brick with white trimmings.) Anniversary Celebrations in St. Paul's Cathedral, Sunday, 23rd February, 1986. Introduction: Clem Schmidt, Lutheran Pastor at Bendigo. Henry Prove: The Lutheran Church of Australia - Its development in the first five decades. Frank Cusack: The German contribution to early Bendigo. We express out special thanks to: The Melbourne Lutheran Singers, Conductor: Graham Wiebusch, Organist: Alan Collyer : Mr Frank Cusack, noted local historian : Pastor Henry Proeve of Adelaide, Immediate Past General Secretary, Lutheran Church of Australia : The Very Reverend John Bedford & Congregation of St. Paul's, for the use of these facilities. Markings: signatures of C J Schmidt, H J W Proeve, Frank Cusack. First 2 in blue pen 3rd in black pen.church, celebration, anniversary celebrations, the lutheran church 1856 - 1986. 43 galvin and barry street, . red white trimmings.) anniversary celebrations st. paul's cathedral, 23rd feb, 1986. clem schmidt, lutheran pastor. henry prove: the lutheran church of australia development decades. frank cusack: the german contribution: melbourne lutheran singers, conductor: graham wiebusch, organist: alan collyer : immediate past general secretary, lutheran church of australia : the very reverend john bedford & congregation of st. paul's, markings signatures c j schmidt, h j w proeve, frank cusack

This file contains four items. 1/Photocopied pamphlet on the establishment of the Bambra Road Church of Christ, Caulfield South, including information on its early members and the pioneers of the nineteenth century church meetings. The pamphlet was produced for the fiftieth anniversary of the church in May 1970 and includes copies of photographs and drawings of the early church. 2/A postcard photograph by W. Sanderson, taken c. 1921, of the building of the church of Christ, Bambra Road, built in one day. Included with the photo is a letter for the donation dated 02/05/1998. 3/Information on Bambra Road Church of Christ, undated and unattributed, providing details about the pipe organ, Joint Choir and the Adult Group which continued at St. Stephen’s after the Union of the Churches. 4/Two photographs, dated 20/11/2009, of the front of the former Bambra Road Church of Christ and of the foundation stone. The Church is now used by the Beit Hamasiach Messianic Congregation.caulfield south, churches, ennis reg., glenhuntly, sunday schools, earl h.s., bambra road, princes park, cheek stephen, churches of christ, st. stephen’s church, killey f., bambra road church of christ, mcdiarmid a. b, mortimer w., clubs and associations, robbins h. b., religious ceremonies, williams e. l., haddon a l, religious groups, everett maisie, youth clubs, everett doris, lynch maisie, collings a. b., eaton c. burdell, mccann taylor, collings c., davey a., neeson mrs, brooker mr., venty mrs., buckingham mrs, brooker mrs., deveraux mrs, carnie mrs, meehan k., sanderson w., sanderson vera, architects, construction (events and activities), sunday school union of the churches of christ victoria, bible school committee of the churches of christ, beit hamasiach messianic congregation, sport and recreation

St. David's Presbyterian Church Parkdale was constructed as an all-purpose hall on three blocks of land at the corner of Evan and McSwain Streets, Parkdale that had been purchased by the Home Mission Department. The hall was opened and dedicated by Rev. Paul Baker on February 11th 1962. The church was named the North Mordialloc Presbyterian Church at this time. The hall was extended in 1966, and in 1973 the church was re-named St. David's Parkdale. In 1977 St. David's became part of the Mordialloc-Parkdale Uniting Church Parish which comprised the former Mordialloc and Parkdale Methodist churches and St. David's Parkdale Presbyterian Church. The last service was held on 6th November 2011, and funds raised from the sale of the buildings were used to renovate the Parkdale Uniting Church. The Parkdale Uniting Church was subsequently re-named St. David's Parkdale Uniting Church in order to bring together the heritage of both the St. David's and the Parkdale congregations.B & W gloss photograph of the exterior of St. David's Uniting (formerly Presbyterian) Church Parkdaleparkdale, mordialloc, home missions, st. david's, uniting church

On 3 February 1974 the Revs. W.M. Trewin and Fred Strickland became ministers of the new Mt. Waverley joint Methodist/Presbyterian parish. Rev Bill Trewin born 1926 Moonee Ponds. Worked in two home missions: Western District and Gippsland. Whilst studying at Queen's College did a vacation appointment in Nhill, where he met Jean Bound. Bill and Jean married 1953. Bill was ordained in 1956. His appointments included Dunolly, Mornington, West & East Bentleigh, Moonee Ponds, Mt Waverley and Noble Park. In between his appointments at Bentleigh and Moonee Ponds Bill lived in Milan, where he ministered to both Italian and English speaking Congregations. Served as Chairman of the Presbytery of Westernport 1985-1986. Frederick Phillips Strickland b. 1910. Ormond College. Ordained into the Presbyterian Church 1941 Rainbow-Jeparit. Chaplain A.I.F. 1944, Blackburn 1946, Syndal 1964. Retired 1977.B & W photograph of Rev. Bill Trewin and Rev. Fred Strickland standing in front of the former High St. Road Methodist Church.bill trewin, fred strickland, minister, mount waverley joint methodist presbyterian parish

Martha Downes was born at Codrington in 1880. She was grand-daughter of the first Presbyterian minister of Clunes. As a child she belonged to the Erskine congregation. She was trained at the Deaconess' Institute and was appointed to the Fitzroy Mission, where the Rev. A.I. Davidson was Superintendent. Miss Downes was placed in charge of the Gore St. branch of the Mission. She started a Sunday morning children's church, a Sunday School, a Sunday evening service, a mothers' meeting, a girls' and boys' club and other activities. She helped raise funds for the Young St. Mission Hall, which was built in 1912. In 1914 Sister Downes retired due to ill health, but returned in 1915 to take charge of the Erskine Mission. Her interest in girls led to the establishment of Erskine Hostel, in a delicensed hotel in Rathdown St. Carlton, where classes, guilds, club meetings and services were held. Martha Downes died on 24 February 1920.Oval, sepia toned three quarter length studio portrait of Sister Martha Downes, mounted on brown card. Sister Martha is dressed in the uniform of the Presbyterian Sisterhood."Aunt Marion, With all good wishes for Christmas and the New Year 1918-1919"martha downes, sisterhood, presbyterian, clunes, deaconess' institute, fitzroy mission, rev. a.i. davidson, erskine mission, erskine hostel, young street mission hall

Martha Downes was born at Codrington in 1880. She was grand-daughter of the first Presbyterian minister of Clunes. As a child she belonged to the Erskine congregation. She was trained at the Deaconess' Institute and was appointed to the Fitzroy Mission, where the Rev. A.I. Davidson was Superintendent. Miss Downes was placed in charge of the Gore St. branch of the Mission. She started a Sunday morning children's church, a Sunday School, a Sunday evening service, a mothers' meeting, a girls' and boys' club and other activities. She helped raise funds for the Young St. Mission Hall, which was built in 1912. In 1914 Sister Downes retired due to ill health, but returned in 1915 to take charge of the Erskine Mission. Her interest in girls led to the establishment of Erskine Hostel, in a delicensed hotel in Rathdown St. Carlton, where classes, guilds, club meetings and services were held. Martha Downes died on 24 February 1920.Sepia toned postcard format photograph of the Presbyterian Church, Clunes, Victoria. Two ladies and a gentleman stand on the steps of the Church. "Presbyterian Church" on front. Handwritten letter to Martha Downes on reverse.martha downes, sisterhood, presbyterian, clunes, deaconess' institute, fitzroy mission, rev. a.i. davidson, erskine mission, erskine hostel, young street mission hall

Coin collections have a long and varied history. Coins were often collected in churches in a box located near the entrance/exit, and later via a collection plate that was passed amongst the congregation Funds were used to repair the church or feed the poorest of the parish. The donation of coins is and was considered part of religious life and mentioned in Christian, Jewish and Islamic texts. With the need and expansion of charitable works occurring outside religious life, charity boxes began to spread into hospitals, orphanages and asylums. The need for non-fixed boxes grew with the rise in charities and their activities outside a fixed building. Collection boxes could be large (and therefore hard to move) or could be held by individuals acting as collection agents, working at a specific location, moving between dwellings or at events. In this example, the RVIB tin could be used gathering coins at events such as Carols by Candlelight, White Cane day or other special marketing days.1 metal coin collection tin with handle and paper wrapYour Donation Supports the Work of The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind RVIB lighthouse logo 557 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Telephone 9529 3544royal victorian institute for the blind, equipment

Coin collections have a long and varied history. Coins were often collected in churches in a box located near the entrance/exit, and later via a collection plate that was passed amongst the congregation Funds were used to repair the church or feed the poorest of the parish. The donation of coins is and was considered part of religious life and mentioned in Christian, Jewish and Islamic texts. With the need and expansion of charitable works occurring outside religious life, charity boxes began to spread into hospitals, orphanages and asylums. The need for non-fixed boxes grew with the rise in charities and their activities outside a fixed building. Collection boxes could be large (and therefore hard to move) or could be held by individuals acting as collection agents, working at a specific location, moving between dwellings or at events. In this example, the older Blind Babies tin has been wrapped with a modern RVIB wrapper, which could be used at Carols by Candlelight, White Cane day or other special marketing days.1 metal coin collection tin with paper wrapWrapper: Your Donation Supports the Work of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind RVIB lighthouse logo 557 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Telephone 9577 3341 Old label Front: For the Blind Babies Children and Adults of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind 557 St Kilda Road, Prahran Side: As a thanksgiving for sight! (Drawing of a man holding his hand to his eyes as a blast occurs in front of him, pushing small objects towards his body) It might hit You or Me! Side: As a thanksgiving for sight! (Elaine Leahy facing towards the RVIB gates). The gates of the Institute are always open to welcome all eligible blind babies, children and adults who seek, and never fail to receive, its aid.royal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

Coin collections have a long and varied history. Coins were often collected in churches in a box located near the entrance/exit, and later via a collection plate that was passed amongst the congregation Funds were used to repair the church or feed the poorest of the parish. The donation of coins is and was considered part of religious life and mentioned in Christian, Jewish and Islamic texts. With the need and expansion of charitable works occurring outside religious life, charity boxes began to spread into hospitals, orphanages and asylums. The need for non-fixed boxes grew with the rise in charities and their activities outside a fixed building. Collection boxes could be large (and therefore hard to move) or could be held by individuals acting as collection agents, working at a specific location, moving between dwellings or at events. In this example, the Blind Babies tin could have be used at Carols by Candlelight, White Cane day or other special marketing days.3 metal coin collection tin with paper wrapFront: For the Blind Babies Children and Adults of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind 557 St Kilda Road, Prahran Side: As a thanksgiving for sight! (Drawing of a man holding his hand to his eyes as a blast occurs in front of him, pushing small objects towards his body) It might hit You or Me! Side: As a thanksgiving for sight! (Elaine Leahy facing towards the RVIB gates). The gates of the Institute are always open to welcome all eligible blind babies, children and adults who seek, and never fail to receive, its aid.royal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

The College Church congregation initially worshipped in Ormond College in 1891. In 1895 they purchased the site of the present building. A committee set out certain specifications (including the crown tower), and a competition for the best design was won by architect RA Lawson. The building, constructed by Lang Brothers of Parkville at a cost of 2,170 pounds, was opened in 1898. College Church remained the only parish church in Parkville until 1934. The outstanding element is the crown tower, a choice of the first minister, the Reverend Alexander Yule. It is a copy, albeit on a reduced scale, of King's College Chapel, Aberdeen University, of which Reverend Yule was a former student. This crown tower is the only example in Victoria and is possibly unique in Australia. The church is constructed of red brick and Oamaru sandstone with a steeply pitched slate roof and parapeted gables. Windows are in the Gothic pointed arch style. The interior of the Church has a fine timber ceiling with arch braces. There are a number of quality stained glass windows, the two largest being dedicated to Mungo Scott and his wife, Scott having been a benefactor of the Church. The late nineteenth century pipe organ was built by George Fincham and Son (Richmond), with Professor Franklin Peterson as consultant, and was completed in November 1903. In the 1940s College Church was internally re-ordered and this work was designed by prominent church architect, Louis Williams. The church became part of the Uniting Church in Australia in 1977, and ownership subsequently passed to Mar Thoma Syrian Church in 2008. From The Argus, Friday 19 April 1907: Rev. Alexander Yule washeld in highest esteem in his ministerialbrethren and a large circle of friends was abundanrly evident by the expressions ofsorrowful regret at his death and of sympathy with his widow and her three sonsby those who attended the funeral servicesyesterday morning. To most of those present the announcement of Mr. Yule's death, made in "The Argus" on Wednesday, came as a painful surprise. It was known that at the time of his ministerial jubilee last January he shown symptoms of failing health, and that his illness had gradually become more serious, but few among the intimate friends of the family thought the end was so near. Although Mr. Yule suffered much physical weakness, his mental faculties were unimpaired, and he was able to carry on his ministerial work almost to the last. He even conducted the services at the College Church, Parkville, on Sunday, March 31. Testimony is borne that his ministry was appreciated most highly by the important congregations, both in Scotland and Victoria, under his charge; that in the church courts he was a safe and wise counsellor; and that he did excellent service on various committees, and as the convenor of the Theological-hall committee, on which he was appointed by the General Assembly. The esteem in which he was regarded by the Presbyterian Church as a whole was expressed in his election in 1891 to the Moderator's chair of the Victorian Church, and to that of the Federal Assembly in 1901. The funeral service was held at College Church, the scene of Mr. Yule's ministry since 1891. The building was filled to overflowing by a congregation that included most of the members of the metropolitan presbyteries, representatives from several of the provincial presbyterues, the students of the Theological-hall, members of the Parkville congregation, and the children of Miss Sutherland's Home. The pulpit and furniture were draped in black, and the plain oak coffin rested on the communion-table. The simple yet impressive service usual with the Presbyterian Church was conducted by Professor Rentoul, president of the Theological-hall Senatus, who was assisted by Professor Skene, Rev. W. Fraser (moderator of the Melbourne North Presbytery), Rev. D. S. McEacharn, and the Rev. John Thomson, a life-long friend of the departed minister. The Dead March in "Saul" was played on the organ as the coffin was borne to the hearse. The procession along Parkville-crescent to the cemetery gates was a notable one, and in the following order:—Theological-hall students; the hearse; the chief mourners—Dr. Yule, Rev. A. Yule, Mr. James Yule, and Mr. Groom, M.H.R., a relative of the family; the Theological-hall professors and committee; members of the presbyteries; and other friends, making a large and repre-sentative gathering. At the grave Professor Rentoul, Rev. Dr. Meiklejohn, Rev. D. Ross, and the Rev. Dr. Marshall officiated. The pall-bearers were Revs. D. S. McEachran, J. Thomson, A. McDonald, R. J. Smith,Mr. P. McLennan and Mr. L. E. Groom, M.H.R. The funeral arrangement were in the hands of Mr. Josiah Holdsworth.Portion of photocopy of the church and two of the portraits.college church, presbyterian church, yule, rev. alexander

The College Church congregation initially worshipped in Ormond College in 1891. In 1895 they purchased the site of the present building. A committee set out certain specifications (including the crown tower), and a competition for the best design was won by architect RA Lawson. The building, constructed by Lang Brothers of Parkville at a cost of 2,170 pounds, was opened in 1898. College Church remained the only parish church in Parkville until 1934. The outstanding element is the crown tower, a choice of the first minister, the Reverend Alexander Yule. It is a copy, albeit on a reduced scale, of King's College Chapel, Aberdeen University, of which Reverend Yule was a former student. This crown tower is the only example in Victoria and is possibly unique in Australia. The church is constructed of red brick and Oamaru sandstone with a steeply pitched slate roof and parapeted gables. Windows are in the Gothic pointed arch style. The interior of the Church has a fine timber ceiling with arch braces. There are a number of quality stained glass windows, the two largest being dedicated to Mungo Scott and his wife, Scott having been a benefactor of the Church. The late nineteenth century pipe organ was built by George Fincham and Son (Richmond), with Professor Franklin Peterson as consultant, and was completed in November 1903. In the 1940s College Church was internally re-ordered and this work was designed by prominent church architect, Louis Williams. The church became part of the Uniting Church in Australia in 1977, and ownership subsequently passed to Mar Thoma Syrian Church in 2008. From The Argus, Friday 19 April 1907: Rev. Alexander Yule washeld in highest esteem in his ministerialbrethren and a large circle of friends was abundanrly evident by the expressions ofsorrowful regret at his death and of sympathy with his widow and her three sonsby those who attended the funeral servicesyesterday morning. To most of those present the announcement of Mr. Yule's death, made in "The Argus" on Wednesday, came as a painful surprise. It was known that at the time of his ministerial jubilee last January he shown symptoms of failing health, and that his illness had gradually become more serious, but few among the intimate friends of the family thought the end was so near. Although Mr. Yule suffered much physical weakness, his mental faculties were unimpaired, and he was able to carry on his ministerial work almost to the last. He even conducted the services at the College Church, Parkville, on Sunday, March 31. Testimony is borne that his ministry was appreciated most highly by the important congregations, both in Scotland and Victoria, under his charge; that in the church courts he was a safe and wise counsellor; and that he did excellent service on various committees, and as the convenor of the Theological-hall committee, on which he was appointed by the General Assembly. The esteem in which he was regarded by the Presbyterian Church as a whole was expressed in his election in 1891 to the Moderator's chair of the Victorian Church, and to that of the Federal Assembly in 1901. The funeral service was held at College Church, the scene of Mr. Yule's ministry since 1891. The building was filled to overflowing by a congregation that included most of the members of the metropolitan presbyteries, representatives from several of the provincial presbyterues, the students of the Theological-hall, members of the Parkville congregation, and the children of Miss Sutherland's Home. The pulpit and furniture were draped in black, and the plain oak coffin rested on the communion-table. The simple yet impressive service usual with the Presbyterian Church was conducted by Professor Rentoul, president of the Theological-hall Senatus, who was assisted by Professor Skene, Rev. W. Fraser (moderator of the Melbourne North Presbytery), Rev. D. S. McEacharn, and the Rev. John Thomson, a life-long friend of the departed minister. The Dead March in "Saul" was played on the organ as the coffin was borne to the hearse. The procession along Parkville-crescent to the cemetery gates was a notable one, and in the following order:—Theological-hall students; the hearse; the chief mourners—Dr. Yule, Rev. A. Yule, Mr. James Yule, and Mr. Groom, M.H.R., a relative of the family; the Theological-hall professors and committee; members of the presbyteries; and other friends, making a large and repre-sentative gathering. At the grave Professor Rentoul, Rev. Dr. Meiklejohn, Rev. D. Ross, and the Rev. Dr. Marshall officiated. The pall-bearers were Revs. D. S. McEachran, J. Thomson, A. McDonald, R. J. Smith,Mr. P. McLennan and Mr. L. E. Groom, M.H.R. The funeral arrangement were in the hands of Mr. Josiah Holdsworth.William Downes - one of the founders.college church, presbyterian church, yule, rev. alexander