Two items relating to the Ormond Uniting Church (former Thomson Memorial Presbyterian Church): 1/ a book named "The Ormond Faith Story - The History Of The Ormond Uniting Church Centenary Edition 1903 – 2003". The front cover includes a colour photograph of the Church and the back cover includes a list of the Ministers during that time period. The Contents include several black and white photographs and an Appendices written by Rev Bill Morgan, Rev. Rod Horsfield, Rev. Robert Mcutchen and Rev. John Lamont, on what Ormond means to them. 2/ a black and white photograph of three ladies inscribed on the back as "Ormond Uniting Church Drop-in Centre, Cnr North & Booran Rds., Caulfield. Sept 84"A5-sized printed book of 64 pages plus colour back (photos of 9 men around Uniting Church insignia)and front (in red border is a colour photo of the Church) covers, with black and white images on the inside of these covers. It is mostly printed text with a number of black and white photos.ormond uniting church, anthony street, centenary edition, merton hall, anglican, maud street, presbyterian, wheatley road, methodist, ocean street, saint cuthberts, beattie james rev., jones hugh rev, chalinor john rev., hadley vincent rev., broughton david rev., morgan william rev., mcutchen robert rev., lamont john rev., horsfield rod rev., tregear george rev., kirkside independant living units, uniting church inaugurated, kids of the uniting church australia, kuca, after school program, saint kevins catholic church, father crimin, caulfield adult learning centre, daley daniel rev., green kevin rev, probin david rev, glen orme avenue, ormond, caulfield, plaza cinema, north road, manse, booran road, sunday school, glen orme, ladies church aid, ladies guild, dromana, playgroup, ucaf, booran road hall, fraser street hall, mordialloc, ormond park, new hall, reid christina rev., lamont john rev, cricket, tennis, glen orme avenue methodist church, ormond presbyterian church, st kevin’s catholic church, glen huntly presbyterian church, malane's corner, market gardens

The former "Zion" Congregational Church was on the corner of Walker Street and Beverin Street in Sebastopol. Its origins began as 'Zion" Welsh Independent Church in Albert Street, Sebastopol. The Uniting Church in Australia was inaugurated in June 1977, at which time the Sebastopol Methodist Church joined with the Zion Congregational Church on Walker Street, Sebastopol and became Sebastopol Uniting Church. The block to the south of the church was purchased in 1982, the occupying house demolished and the area cleared and later sealed for parking. In 1984 the interior of the church was renovated and plans were drawn up for further additions and alterations to the Sunday school, which were carried out in 1989, adding a kitchen and toilet built by Jeff Menhennett & SonsWhite soft covered booklet of 20 pages with blue printing. Written in biro on front cover "To Keith Rash with compliments from Hugh Lawson 7/4/1961"zion congregational church, sebastopol, carmel welsh church, zion hall, hugh lawson, sebastopol unitng church

The book was compiled by an elder of Sale Uniting Church, Helen Day, at the request of the Gippsland presbytery Standing CommitteeThis is a useful researh tool.A book titled They Shall Dream Dreams Thirty Years of the Uniting Church in Australia, Presbytery of Gippsland, The front cover has a red background with a montage of photographs in a curved white frame. It is a history of the life of the Gippsland presbytery since the Church’s inauguration in 1977.uniting-church-gippsland presbytery-gippsland

Booklet with information about the Uniting Church of Australia commemorating the Inauguration of the church. This unites the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational Churches.Bruce Morgan was the first Shire Secretary (1964-1983) of the Shire of Diamond Valley. This collection was compiled by his wife, Mavis Morgan, detailing the events they attended in their official capacity6 page booklet black, white and red cover and logo, inside has black and red text and black and white photosbruce morgan, mavis morgan, uniting church of australia

Pamphlet with the Order of Service for Greensborough Uniting Church on 26th June 1977. Celebrating the inauguration of the Uniting Church in Australia. This unites the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational Churches.Bruce Morgan was the first Shire Secretary (1964-1983) of the Shire of Diamond Valley. This collection was compiled by his wife, Mavis Morgan, detailing the events they attended in their official capacity3 page pamphlet black, white and red logo, black text and black typebruce morgan, mavis morgan, greensborough uniting church, uniting church in australia

Order of Service for the Inauguration Service at The Rosanna Uniting Parish on 26th June 1977. This Church incorporated the Rosanna Methodist Church and Rosanna Presbyterian Church.Bruce Morgan was the first Shire Secretary (1964-1983) of the Shire of Diamond Valley. This collection was compiled by his wife, Mavis Morgan, detailing the events they attended in their official capacity6 page pamphlet with black, white and red logo and black text.bruce morgan, mavis morgan, uniting church in australia, rosanna uniting church

Information Sheet for the Inauguration Service at The Rosanna Uniting Parish on 26th June 1977. Mrs Morgan participated in this service.Bruce Morgan was the first Shire Secretary (1964-1983) of the Shire of Diamond Valley. This collection was compiled by his wife, Mavis Morgan, detailing the events they attended in their official capacity1 page sheet handwritten in black and red ink.bruce morgan, mavis morgan, rosanna uniting parish, rosanna uniting church

black and white photo: image shows front of brick church, single spire on LH side. See record 4258 - record of concert for inauguration of electric blower organ. Church was formerly Golden Square Methodist Church.bendigo, church, uniting church, golden square, bendigo, uniting church, sandhurst, church

The Methodist Book Depot was inaugurated in 1857 but it was not until 1859 that authorisation was given to to import a stock of books from England. At the time of its centenary the Methodist Book Depot was at 265 Little Collins Street, Melbourne.Grey card covered booklet with gold text on the cover. There eight cream coloured pages with black type and four black and white images. The booklet is held together with two metal staples.methodist book depot melbourne, rev norman elliott, j p holyrood

Two blue printed program for the official inauguration of the Methodist Girls' Fellowship on Saturday, 4th July, 1936 at Cecil Street South Melbourne.

Gunn was Stated Clerk of the Victorian Presbyterian Assembly until 1976. In 1986 he had been ordained 50 years. Gunn was ordained on February 12, 1936 in New Zealand. He served in three parishes before chaplaincy with the 20th Armoured Regiment in WW2. He was awarded the MBE for devotion to duty and recovering wounded soldiers across a minefield under mortar fire. He was called to St Andrew's Gardiner in 1955 and became the Stated Clerk of the Assembly in 1969, and in 1970 was also Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of Australia. He was Moderator of Victoria in 1965 and 1967. He chaired the Joint Constituional Council and the commission set up to prepare the interim constituion of the Uniting Church. He presided over the inaugural assembly of the UCA on June 22 1977 and made the declaration of inauguration.Gunn meets Greek Orthodox leaders at the Victorian Presbyterian Assembly 19 October 1976.Name.gunn, l. farquhar, victorian presbyterian assembly, general assembly of australia

Gunn was Stated Clerk of the Victorian Presbyterian Assembly until 1976. In 1986 he had been ordained 50 years. Gunn was ordained on February 12, 1936 in New Zealand. He served in three parishes before chaplaincy with the 20th Armoured Regiment in WW2. He was awarded the MBE for devotion to duty and recovering wounded soldiers across a minefield under mortar fire. He was called to St Andrew's Gardiner in 1955 and became the Stated Clerk of the Assembly in 1969, and in 1970 was also Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of Australia. He was Moderator of Victoria in 1965 and 1967. He chaired the Joint Constituional Council and the commission set up to prepare the interim constituion of the Uniting Church. He presided over the inaugural assembly of the UCA on June 22 1977 and made the declaration of inauguration.Head & shoulders of Gunn looking to his left.Name.gunn, l. farquhar, victorian presbyterian assembly, general assembly of australia

Gunn was Stated Clerk of the Victorian Presbyterian Assembly until 1976. In 1986 he had been ordained 50 years. Gunn was ordained on February 12, 1936 in New Zealand. He served in three parishes before chaplaincy with the 20th Armoured Regiment in WW2. He was awarded the MBE for devotion to duty and recovering wounded soldiers across a minefield under mortar fire. He was called to St Andrew's Gardiner in 1955 and became the Stated Clerk of the Assembly in 1969, and in 1970 was also Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of Australia. He was Moderator of Victoria in 1965 and 1967. He chaired the Joint Constituional Council and the commission set up to prepare the interim constituion of the Uniting Church. He presided over the inaugural assembly of the UCA on June 22 1977 and made the declaration of inauguration.Gunn seated at his desk holding the telephone.Name.gunn, l. farquhar, victorian presbyterian assembly, general assembly of australia

Gunn was Stated Clerk of the Victorian Presbyterian Assembly until 1976. In 1986 he had been ordained 50 years. Gunn was ordained on February 12, 1936 in New Zealand. He served in three parishes before chaplaincy with the 20th Armoured Regiment in WW2. He was awarded the MBE for devotion to duty and recovering wounded soldiers across a minefield under mortar fire. He was called to St Andrew's Gardiner in 1955 and became the Stated Clerk of the Assembly in 1969, and in 1970 was also Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of Australia. He was Moderator of Victoria in 1965 and 1967. He chaired the Joint Constituional Council and the commission set up to prepare the interim constituion of the Uniting Church. He presided over the inaugural assembly of the UCA on June 22 1977 and made the declaration of inauguration.Gunn holding tea cup and talking to two people also holding tea cups, at the celebration of his 50 years of ordination.Name.gunn, l. farquhar, victorian presbyterian assembly, general assembly of australia

Eulogy by John McArthur t seems trite to say that it is a privilege to be able to speak about Alex’s work in the Church, but having known Alex for over 50 years and our various activities having been inextricably intertwined it is indeed an honour as well as a privelge. I first met Alex in the late 1950s when we were members of the PFA State Council – they were halcyon days for the young people in the church with very strong youth groups in most congregations. Alex was the state Treasurer. John Anderson was the President with Maureen Hancock, the secretary, Maureen, who with many others from that Council are here today. Alex was also very active in his local church at Canterbury in all aspects of its life and witness as we have heard from his children, Barrie and Jo, earlier in this service Alex who had trained as an accountant, applied for and been appointed to a position with the PCV and upon the retirement of his mentor, S. K. Williams, was appointed the Financial Secretary of the Church. When I was appointed as a member of the Trusts Corporation, I was very glad to see that Alec was the secretary – most members were nearly twice my age and it waas comforting to be with an old friend of somewhat similar age. The meetings were reasonably formal as one would expect from a gathering of some of the very senior business men in our State. Alex’s records were immaculate – not only did his agendas have the business arising from the previous meeting but there on the side were a list of matters that in Alex’s opinion had not been satisfactorily finalised over the past year. But one matter has stuck in my memory - only the correspondence that required action was considered, many other letters were left to be formally minuted. This time there was a letter from the Government advising that a building on the south side of Collins Street originally owned by the Free Presbyterian Church in the 1800s was to be placed on the Historic Register and this was our first intimation of the matter. One trustee, a knight of the realm, whose chin was always down on his chest, ( I wondered whether he was asleep or something) raised his head and said “If one just stood still in Collins Street for five minutes they would slap a historic citation on you” and back down went his head. I was not sure what would happen next when I looked at Alex and slowly, that recognisable smile appeared on his face – not really a smile , more like a grin as Barrie and Jo said earlier, one that would appear time and time again over the years at meetings which were meant to be quite formal. Alex had an encyclopaedic memory – for example, ask him about bequest funds, say, the W. S. Godfrey Perpetual Bequest, his answer would be, “Ah yes, donated by the man who founded the Grocery business in Carlton, the capital now would be about 53, 250 dollars, been no call on it for 2 ½ years”. If a new project was thought appropriate and needed funding, he would be able to find a fund or a bequest that, with a little tweaking, could be used to seed the programme. His financial presentations at meetings contained all the information one could want – he would choose his words carefully, and one would sometimes think – get on with it Alex - but his purpose was to make it quite clear what funds were available and what was their correct use. He took this financial acumen into other committees of the church, the Stipend Committee dealing with Ministers’ salaries, the Beneficiary Committee, the superannuation fund for both ministers and lay workers. There are many in the church who have had cause to be grateful for his financial input which added to their well being. But his work was not all with financial matters – as the Financial Secretary for the State, Alex was ex-offficio a member of the Presbytery of Maroondah where he was not the Treasurer and although as an ex officio member he was not expected to take that much part in the Presbytery’s activities – but Alex did, he took part in the strategy and pastoral care committees which showed his depth of concern for others in his church life. But I believe it was around this time that Alex produced some of his greatest work for the church – Church Union, not all Presbyterians wanted to be part of the Uniting Church – so a Statutory Commision was established on a national level, to divide the assets of the Church between those desiring to form part of the Uniting Church and those wanting to remain Presbyterian. Each State produced detailed records and submissions for the Commission – and Victoria was always the first to have its documents to the Commission – although Alex had made it quite clear that he would be with the Uniting Church, his work was meticulous, impartial and assisted greatly the work of the Commission relating to Victoria. And this in addition to his normal day to day work which continued over a period of some four or five years. The inauguration of the Uniting Church did present Alex, and indeed the rest of us, with some challenges. There were the financial records of three churches to be merged, properties to be considered, new community programmes required, new administrative structures to be put in place. Alex took these all in his stride – although after the initial planning, his role was to concentrate on financial matters only, the other activities had to be financed. As the chairperson of the Finance Division and the Resources Commission for a large portion of the early years of the Uniting Church, I was more than pleased to have Alex again by my side, reports were prepared, queries answered, it was just like old times. The Rev. Allan Stuart, now retired and living closer to his family in NSW was one on those young people from the Canterbury congregation – emailed me recently “Alex has been a faithful servant of the Church, at all levels from the National Assembly to the local congregation. But times are changing, and Alex had rightly passed the torch onto others” Allan was right but I also think that words of that great Scottish poet, Robert Louis Stevenson, sum up Alex’s life: “A man is a success when he has lived well, laughed often and loved much. One who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by work, relationships, one who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.” To me, that is our friend who we remember today - Alexander Robert Gillespie. BW photo of Alex Gillespie dressed in shirt sleaves and tie, upper body.C&N 11/2/1987, p. 33alex gillespie (29/2/1928–1/9/2009) worked for the presbyterian church as its managing treasurer for many years before then moving to the uniting church as the synod treasurer.

Philip Potter was the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches and was in Australia for the inauguration of the Uniting Church in June 1977.Head and shoulders portrait of Rev. Philip PotterPhilip Potterphilip potter; world council of churches; inauguration of the uniting church in australia