The newspaper clipping (item F251-2) reads: "Sister Enid of the Methodist Mission in Prahran has won this week's Bouquet for a Lady. And as the bouquet was given to her by the mission's superintendenet, Rev. Frank Hartley, she said, 'This is the biggest surprise I've ever had.' Sister Enid has been a mission sister for 23 years. As Miss Alice Blenkinsop she trained at Melbourne Central Mission, and later worked in the slums of Collingwood and at the Wesley Mission in Hobart. She has also been a court probation officer. On Thursdays Sister Enid runs the Friendship Club for elderly women and pensioners at Prahran. Children have a special place in her heart. 'We used to mother the poor little dears during the depression, take them on holidays and form clubs where they could be together,' she said. She is training a children's choir for the Christmas carol service at the mission."Shows her standing behind a chair with a painting behind her."Sister Enid Wesley Prahran Mission Hobart 1940s, 1950s 1960s. Alice Blenkinsop. Happy birthday to Win, with my love, Alice"blenkinsop, alice, sister enid

The newspaper clipping reads: "Sister Enid of the Methodist Mission in Prahran has won this week's Bouquet for a Lady. And as the bouquet was given to her by the mission's superintendenet, Rev. Frank Hartley, she said, 'This is the biggest surprise I've ever had.' Sister Enid has been a mission sister for 23 years. As Miss Alice Blenkinsop she trained at Melbourne Central Mission, and later worked in the slums of Collingwood and at the Wesley Mission in Hobart. She has also been a court probation officer. On Thursdays Sister Enid runs the Friendship Club for elderly women and pensioners at Prahran. Children have a special place in her heart. 'We used to mother the poor little dears during the depression, take them on holidays and form clubs where they could be together,' she said. She is training a children's choir for the Christmas carol service at the mission."The clipping from Truth in 1962 is headed "Bouquet for Sister Enid".blenkinsop, alice, sister enid

The Greensborough Inter Church Council was formed in 1989 at a meeting of the Greensborough Ministers Fraternal, with 8 churches initially involved. The Council organised ecumenical activities and services at Christmas and Easter and co-operatively organised many other activities in the area including the annual Family Carol Service. This folder contains agenda and minutes from some meetings, correspondence, advertising flyers and newspaper clippings on various activities. The collection is from Rosalie Bray, a past president and secretary of the group; it covers the years 1990-2003.Folder of documents, etc., housed in plastic pockets and arranged by year.greensborough inter church council, rosie bray

Bleak House. Author: Charles Dickens. Publisher: Chapman & Hall Ltd, London. Date: 1873-1900. (See note section this document for more information on Edition). Blue leather hardcover with title on spine in gold lettering, Charles Dickens signature on front cover written in gold lettering. The spine has a Library label.fictionCharles Dickens (1812–1870) was one of the great English novelists of the Victorian era, famous for vivid characters, social criticism, and stories that were first published in serial form. He began as a journalist, rose to enormous popularity during his lifetime, and wrote major works such as Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, and Great Expectations. Bleak House is one of Charles Dickens’s major novels, a sprawling, multi plot story built around the endless Court of Chancery lawsuit known as “Jarndyce and Jarndyce” and its ruinous effect on several families. It is widely regarded as among his finest and most complex works, central to any serious study of his fiction.book, the old curiosity shop, charles dickens, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, warrnambool, maritime-museum, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road

Christmas Books. Author: Charles Dickens. Publisher: Nelson & Sons, London. Date: 1940’s-1950’s. (See note section this document for more information on Edition). Red cloth hardcover with brown patterned paper stick on title to front cover. Spine has gold lettering. The spine has a Library label and no Volume information.fictionCharles Dickens (1812–1870) was one of the great English novelists of the Victorian era, famous for vivid characters, social criticism, and stories that were first published in serial form. He began as a journalist, rose to enormous popularity during his lifetime, and wrote major works such as Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, and Great Expectations. This volume gathers five separate Christmas stories rather than one continuous novel. The best known of them, “A Christmas Carol”, follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s moral transformation after visits from supernatural spirits, while the others mix ghostly, sentimental, and domestic themes around Christmas, memory, family, and social feeling. Together they show Dickens using Christmas as a setting for moral instruction, sympathy for the poor, and festive storytelling. This Nelson and Sons London Christmas Books volume is a collected edition of Dickens’s five Christmas novellas, “A Christmas Carol,” “The Chimes”, “The Cricket on the Hearth”, “The Battle of Life”, and “The Haunted Man”. It is not the original 1840's publication; the Nelson publication is a later reprint in the company’s “Nelson’s Classics series, with examples catalogued from 1941 to 1959.book, the old curiosity shop, charles dickens, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, warrnambool, maritime-museum, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road

Our Mutual Friend. Author: Charles Dickens. Publisher: Oxford University Press, London. Date: 1956 (See note section this document for more information on Edition). Blue leather hardcover, Spine has Author and Title in gold lettering. The spine has a Library label and no Volume information.fictionCharles Dickens (1812–1870) was one of the great English novelists of the Victorian era, famous for vivid characters, social criticism, and stories that were first published in serial form. He began as a journalist, rose to enormous popularity during his lifetime, and wrote major works such as Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, and Great Expectations. This volume gathers five separate Christmas stories rather than one continuous novel. The best known of them, “A Christmas Carol”, follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s moral transformation after visits from supernatural spirits, while the others mix ghostly, sentimental, and domestic themes around Christmas, memory, family, and social feeling. Together they show Dickens using Christmas as a setting for moral instruction, sympathy for the poor, and festive storytelling. This Oxford University Press London, Christmas Books volume is a collected edition of Dickens’s five Christmas novellas, “A Christmas Carol,” “The Chimes”, “The Cricket on the Hearth”, “The Battle of Life”, and “The Haunted Man”. It is not the original 1840s publication; the Oxford publication is a later reprint from 1956.book, the old curiosity shop, charles dickens, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, warrnambool, maritime-museum, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road

Christmas Books. Author: Charles Dickens. Publisher: Chapman & Hall Ltd, London. Date: 1894. (See note section this document for more information on Edition). Green cloth hardcover with Authors name to front cover in gold. Spine has gold title lettering. The spine has a Library label.fictionCharles Dickens (1812–1870) was one of the great English novelists of the Victorian era, famous for vivid characters, social criticism, and stories that were first published in serial form. He began as a journalist, rose to enormous popularity during his lifetime, and wrote major works such as Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, and Great Expectations. This volume gathers five separate Christmas stories rather than one continuous novel. The best known of them, “A Christmas Carol”, follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s moral transformation after visits from supernatural spirits, while the others mix ghostly, sentimental, and domestic themes around Christmas, memory, family, and social feeling. Together they show Dickens using Christmas as a setting for moral instruction, sympathy for the poor, and festive storytelling. This Nelson and Sons London Christmas Books volume is a collected edition of Dickens’s five Christmas novellas, “A Christmas Carol,” “The Chimes”, “The Cricket on the Hearth”, “The Battle of Life”, and “The Haunted Man”. It is not the original 1840's publication; the Nelson publication is a later reprint in the company’s “Nelson’s Classics series, with examples catalogued from 1941 to 1959.book, the old curiosity shop, charles dickens, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, warrnambool, maritime-museum, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road

Bleak House. Author: Charles Dickens. Publisher: Chapman & Hall Ltd, London. Date: 1925. (See note section this document for more information on Edition). Cloth hardcover with title on spine in gold lettering, Front cover has a paper stick on title. The spine has a Library label.fictionCharles Dickens (1812–1870) was one of the great English novelists of the Victorian era, famous for vivid characters, social criticism, and stories that were first published in serial form. He began as a journalist, rose to enormous popularity during his lifetime, and wrote major works such as Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, and Great Expectations. Bleak House is one of Charles Dickens’s major novels, a sprawling, multi plot story built around the endless Court of Chancery lawsuit known as “Jarndyce and Jarndyce” and its ruinous effect on several families. It is widely regarded as among his finest and most complex works, central to any serious study of his fiction.book, the old curiosity shop, charles dickens, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, warrnambool, maritime-museum, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road

Buff coloured 16 page souvenir programme for family event staged by the City of Ringwood Band, Saturday 18th December 1971. Includes attachment - Application for Membership of Allan's Brass Band Club.Band rehearsals onTuesday nights 7.30pm - New players welcome Junior Band forming 1972 Sponsors/Advertisers include: Ringwood School of Commerce Ringwood Coaching College Kinman Hygiene Septic Tank Services Pty Ltd Ringwood Authorised Newsagency Brian Robert Motors Pronto Mixed Concrete Co. Pty Ltd Ametco Travel C. E. Carter & Son Mackey's Tyre Service Graham Ratcliff's Amoco Service Station Ringwood Lanes Maller's Pharmacy A.W. Dickson RESI Bainbridge Motors Pty Ltd Stoney's Super Service Bill Patterson Holden

The Banyule Banner is published by Banyule Council to advertise upcoming events in the City of Banyule and to report on past events. This edition contains reports on Carols by Candlelight, a waste wise Christmas, Ivanhoe Park Croquet Club, council services and community events.A record of events within the City of Banyule.24 pages, colour illustrations. banyule banner, banyule council

Eurofest Choir photographs of events - concerts and birthdays. All pages are A4 size. a Twelve photographs of Eurofest Choir Dimboola Trip 2005. b Group of twelve photographs of Eurofest Choir Trip to Dimboola 2005. c Four photographs of performances by Eurofest Choir 2010 and 2011. d Six photographs of Eurofest Ensemble performing in Goldfields Library during Cultural Diversity Week 2011. e Group of nine photographs taken at launch of DVD 'Our Stories German Immigrants in Bendigo -The Second Chapter' on 25th June 2011. f Nine photographs from the launch of DVD 'Our Stories German Immigrants in Bendigo - The Second Chapter'. g Twelve photographs from events at which the Eurofest Choir performed in 2016. h Ten photographs of Eurofest VChoir at Spring Gully Primary School and a farewell to Ekkehart and Brigitta. i Six photographs of Eurofest Choir at 35th Anniversary of Bushdance and Music Club. j Three photographs of Eurofest choir. One of choir entertaining at Bentley Nursing Home and other two of Christmas 2019.a 'Dimboola Trip 2005'. Left side of page 'Euro-Fest Choir'. Photograph of sign lower right 'Royal Flying Doctor Service'. Lower left photograph of sign 'Horsham 56, Rupanyup 21, Murtoa 26, Stawell 74, St Arnaud 68'. b Lower left photograph street sign 'Horsham 56, Rupanyup 21, Murtoa 26, Stawell 74, St Arnaud 68'. Lowest left photograph 'Minyip Town Square. An Australian Bicentennial Project to commemorate the Nations Bicentenary'. c 'Eurofest Ensemble and German Friendship Society in action around Bendigo'. 'Christmas break up 2010'. 'Carols in Anne Caudle Centre'. 'Celebrating Heidi's Birthday in January 2011'. d. 'CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK 2011 IS HELD AGAIN THIS YEAR IN MARCH 19TH-26TH. EUROFEST ENSEMBLE SANG IN THE GOLDFIELDS LIBRARY ON TUESDAY 22ND MARCH FROM 1PM TO 1.30 PM. LIBRARY HAS A COLLECTION OF GERMAN RESEARCH MATERIAL AND DOCUMENTS ABOUT THE GERMAN SETTLERS ON THE GOLDFIELDS.' 'Heidi gave explanations of the folk songs the Eurofest ensemble performed'. 'Between brackets of German folksongs on recorders played items by Kester and Liesbeth'. 'Wayne Blandford accompanied a few songs with the Hohner accordion'. e Top centre '25th June 2011' Top left 'Bendigo High School students recite German poetry'. Top right 'Elfi sings Wien.,Wien, nur du... with pianist Margaret'. Middle centre 'Above Heidi Teague (Secretary of German Friendship Society) MC for the Launch of Our Stories German immigrants in Bendigo - The Second Chapter'. Right centre 'On right Mayor Cr Rod Fyffe, launching the DVD. On left Di Parker with Heidi Teague, who were instrumental in the production of the DVD'. Bottom centre 'Below- Speakers; Bob Schultz (President of German Heritage Society) and Michael van Vliet (Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship)'. f Top left 'Peter Weert, our past pianist has helped the choir on occasions and was our accompanist for the recorded songs on the DVD'. Bottom left 'Jamie Roberts produced and directed the documentary featuring the story of eight German Immigrants'. Top right ' Bendigo Advertiser, Monday June 27, 2011. German stories told. Cultural: Rod Fyffe and Heidi Teague at the launch of the documentary.' g '2016. Luncheons during the year, including Christmas in July, Christmas Tide and events celebrated with music and visiting and cheering up the elderly with German music'. h 'A lovely shared meal at the home of Margie to farewell Ekkehart and Brigitta for their contributions in music and baked cakes. We will miss you and may you both be blessed in your new city'. '6th Nov 2013. Eurofest Choir sharing German music with Spring Gully School students'. i 'Eurofest Choir at 35th Anniversary of Bushdance and Music Club. A great atmosphere and jovial International evening. 19th July 2014'. j ' With Euro Fest Choir, we entertained Trudie Frachsdorf and Ankie Driesen, and others, who enjoyed the German Folk songs, intermingled with a couple of Dutch songs of Daar bij die Molen and Het Kleine Cafe, 30th August 2019 at Bentley Nursing Home, Bendigo'. Back of two photographs: 'German Christmas Luncheon 2019'. german friendship society, germans in bendigo, heidi teague collection, eurofest, heidi teague, birthdays, christmas, concerts

The Upper Kiewa Valley Lions Club was established in March 1964 and celebrated 50 years in 2014.Residents of the Kiewa Valley belonged to the Upper Kiewa Valley Lions Club. They are/were involved in many community activities and services eg. The Take Away shop at Falls Creek, Christmas carols, the conquestathon Purple folder with Upper Kiewa Valley Lions Club with correspondence and summary forms covering 1010 - 1015. Includes members names. Booklet is yellow with black heading and '50' with green Lions insignia inside the O.lions club; upper kiewa valley; 50th anniversary; community service

George Zachary Parnis migrated to Melbourne from Malta in 1964, arriving with his brother Manny. George was 19 years old at the time. The family later became well-established in Melbourne’s western suburbs. George Zachary Parnis became a councillor of the former City of Sunshine (Victoria), active in local government before the council’s amalgamation in 1995. He was the Mayor of City of Sunshine for one term 1993 - 1994. This video records Mayor Cr. George Parnis term of being the Mayor of the City of Sunshine. The video also captures the role of the City of Sunshine Town Clerk Mr. John Willaton performing his public civic duties.This video provides a rare recording of City of Sunshine Mayor Cr. George Zachery's term in office. The video also contains rare scenes of Sunshine's Hampshire Road, Devonshire Road and including many images of Sunshine residents. Swearing in of the 1993 City of Sunshine Councillors. Election of 1993 - 1994 Mayor Cr. George Parnis. Mayor Cr. George Parnis maiden speech, after party gathering, speeches and toast. Gift given to former Cr. Marion Marton for her term as mayor 1992 - 1993. Council Meeting 31st August 1993. Gifts to retired Councillors Marion Martin and Charles Sidmore. Mayoral office scene. Council Meeting 22nd September 1993. Swearing in the new Councillors, Australian Citizenship Ceremony and Supper gathering. Council Function 4th November. Recognition to members of the Sunshine Ladies Benevolent Association after its disbandment in 1993. Sunshine Private Nursing Home tour 19th November 1993. Mytle's 100th Year Birthday party. Sunshine Festival Street Parade 20th November 1993. Sunshine City Band, Sunshine and District Historical Society, 1st Sunshine Scout Group, Pilipino Cultural Group. Carols By Candlelight Christmas celebrations 19th December 1993 R. T. Pollard Gardens Corio Street. Selwyn Park 24th December 1993 Sunshine United Cricket Club Christmas Party. Mayoral presentation 23rd January 1994 to Rick and Eva Cramere of the Friends of the Kororoit Creek for the establishment of Buckingham Reserve. Australian Citizenship Ceremony 28th January 1994, one held in a shopping centre and one in the Council Chambers. Maribyrnong and Maidstone RSL 17th April 1994 ANZAC Service. Robert Bruce Reserve Sports Albanvale Football Club and Albion Cricket Club Rooms 16th July 1994 opening function.Sunshine District Historical Society Mayor 1993 - 94 Cr. G. Parnis This video has been digitised.city of sunshine, maribyrnong maidstone rsl, marion martin, john willaton, george zachary parnis, charles sidmore, sunshine ladies benevolent association, gwen goedecke, sunshine private nursing home, sunshine city band, sunshine salvation army, selwyn park, friends of the kororoit creek, buckingham reserve, eva cramere, rick cramere, albanvale football club, john hyett, albion cricket club

Medium weight cardboard sheet, light greenish grey colour, printed one side, advertising "Carols by Candlelight", The Gardens, Band Rotunda, Christmas Eve, 24/12/2958. Arranged by Ballarat Methodist Youth Fellowship.ballarat, community services, carols by candlelight, botanical gardens

Articles in annual report include: List of RVIB president, vice president, board of management, medical staff and officers of the institute, honorary officers and consultant medical staff, President's report, The children - independence and achievement, Our Christmas party, Multi handicapped blind children, Training and understanding at Burwood centre, Financial independence through employment, Training confidence and achievement, Expansion of welfare services, Other services, Carols by candlelight, Auxiliaries and other generous helpers, Public education, Finance, Services and facilities, When you make or amend your will. Events that occurred in 1974 : Two permanent welfare officers in the country at Wangaratta and Sale, Re-equipment programme for the library and enlarging the range of books and magazines available to readers, Burwood centre for multi handicapped blind children separate to school - accommodation for twenty-four, Training department started instruction in use of hand tools - two clients gained employment in wood assembly. 1 volume of text and black and white photographsroyal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Articles in annual report include: List of RVIB president, vice president, board of management, medical staff and officers of the institute, honorary officers and consultant medical staff, The president's report, Nursery and school, Employment - the means of independence, Training and rehabilitation centre the rebirth of confidence and skills, Multi handicapped children, Our senior blind citizens the aged are not forgotten, Finance, Our auxiliaries and other helpers, Welfare -an increasing need, Melbourne traditional carols by candlelight, Services and facilities, When you make or amend your will. Events that occurred in 1969 : Alexander Mair died, he was a member of the board of management since 1952, RVIB faced a deficit, to date they did not have to restrict the scope of any of the services available to blind people and it was hoped with increasing support from all sections of the community that they would not have to do so, after 31 continuous years radio station 3KZ decided to discontinue its association with the Melbourne traditional Christmas festival carols by candlelight but in doing so offered the RVIB the rights to continue. It was the first time RVIB hosted and they offered thanks to television channel 0 and radio station 3AW.1 volume of printed text with photographsroyal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

SUMMARY - Edna (Myers) Barrie, 1918 – 2018, Profile Early Life Edna was born at Melton and delivered by Hannah Watts. Her mother Martha walked in the dark at night with her basket under her arm to the bridge over the Toolern Creek Bridge and into Sherwin Street to the corner of Yuille Street to Hannah’s house Lynch Cottage. Martha’s husband was away shearing and eventually heard the news of the birth of their blue eyed third child and second daughter. She was born into a family that was surrounded by music; her father played the “squeeze box” and mother the mouth organ. From an early age the family were aware of the great composers, a framed picture of Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert and Wagner hung above the door to the lounge room of their 4 roomed cottage, the room where the piano stood. Her life on stage started as a singer aged 6 years at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall. Edna was born with a natural ear for music learning piano and singing from her older sister Marjorie who became an accomplished pianist and soloist and renowned music teacher in Melton and district. In the 1920s and 1930s concerts at the Melton Mechanics Institute were regular events were the local talent was fostered. The Myers children, like other children of Melton and Rockbank, studied singing, piano and elocution, sat examinations, entered in competitions in South Street Ballarat, Footscray and Melbourne. In 1929 a Sacred Concert was broadcast by 3AR from the Hall as part of the Back to Melton Celebrations. Marjorie Myers performed two of the items on the piano. Edna attended Melton State School 430 from 1924 – 1933. Her father Fred had also attended the same school. In 1924 the School staged Cinderella at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall with a cast of 33 students. After completing her education a Melton she boarded in South Melbourne and attending Melbourne Girls High School (MacRobertson Girls High School), a school which recognized her musical attributes. She travelled home on the train on the weekends, sometimes getting off at Rockbank to save a few pennies in fares. Working life The early 1930s the Depression was a difficult time for a young woman to find work. Jobs were often menial and given to the youngest and therefore cheapest applicant. She worked as sales assistant at Polonskis and Myer in the city, and Irvines Modes in Footscray. Working to 1pm on Saturday, and when held up by a customer meant missing the train home. While at Myer Department store she lived at home and rode her bike to the Melton railway station. On one occasion she had a nasty fall when a part of her bicycle came loose causing the bike to crash rendering her concussed and injuring her nose. During the 1930s she was given a camera “a little snap” by Mrs Kelly her landlady. This began her interest in photography documenting family life at their “Burnbank” home. Musically, while at Myers she participated in annual performances held at The Kings Hall and the Myer Mural Hall. Working in the basement at Myers she was often embarrassed when her name was called, customers assuming she belonged to the Myer Family. Ken Myer worked in the basement at the same time handling the ‘Wheeler’, a wicker basket used for moving goods around the store. The family philosophy was for the children to start at the bottom and work their way up. Social life Social life in her teenage years was connected also with Scots Presbyterian Church. She attended Sunday School classes and received book prizes for attendance. She loved to read and welcomed the times when she received new book. She took part in the Sunday School Anniversaries and was presented with a Bible from the Superintendent, Henry Robinson for her assistance with the music. Marriage and War years In 1941 Edna married Ernest “Bonnie” Barrie. War in the Pacific was soon to break out. While in Sydney on their honeymoon they met up with Jim Barrie who was on his way to Canada via Hawaii just missing Pearl Harbour by two days. Jim became a Spitfire Pilot and joined the RAF and was based in England. He returned to Australia later in RAAF to fight the Japanese off the coast of New Guinea. The three eldest Barrie brothers were farmers and food producers and were thus except from military service. Edna and Bon were members of the VAOC- Volunteer Air Observers Corp entailing being rostered on duty as plane spotters. The women took shifts during the day and the men at night which involved staying overnight in the Shire Offices. Later the spotting tower was built in the plantation opposite the Post Office. Edna and Bon carried on with this from their home in Ferris Rd when the threat of invasion had ceased Community life Community life in Melton revolved around fund raising events for the Melton Mechanics Institute for the War effort and keeping up with maintenance for the Hall. In 1944 the Minister for Health gave approval for the Shire of Melton to open and Infant Welfare Centre inviting Edna to form part of the Committee with seven other women. In 1948 she was President of Melton Branch of the Victorian Health Centres Association. She volunteered this use of her car driving the person in charge, Sister Smith to visit mothers and their babies. In 1963, along with Betty Jones and Isabel Snell, Edna was instrumental in forming the 1st Melton Cub Pack and later supported the formation of the 1st Melton Scouts. During 1963 – 1968 she completed the Australian Boy Scout Association Cub Pack Preliminary Training and achieved her Wood Badge. Country Women’s Association In 1944-1996 she was a member of the Melton Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Melton Branch, Secretary of the Branch in 1945 – 1946 and Branch International Secretary 1970-1971. She worked with choir, music and drama interest groups within the branch attaining both first and second place in 1959, second place in 1952 Exhibition and second in Music in 1960 in the state. She was involved in their handicraft craft events, fund raising and musical events and singing competitions. During the 1950s she trained Trios and Quartets in part singing for the CWA competitions in Ballarat and Melbourne. It was at this time that she developed her skill as a conductor and trainer of choirs. She later auditioned for the Victorian Choir for alto parts believing she would stand a better chance of being chosen, because of her ability to sing in natural harmony. In 1962 she participated in the Tenth Australian Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial Conference “Australia Presents: CWA Massed Choir” in the Melbourne Town Hall. This event was recorded by Super Sound Spotlight on 45 extended play vinyl record. The songs were Australian music and words, for example The Silver Stars are in the Sky, The Graceful Swaying Wattle and Kookaburra. Edna continued with her interest in the Victorian Choir regularly meeting at the CWA Headquarters in Toorak for rehearsals. In 1974 she took part in the Australian Choir at the fourteenth Triennial conference of the ACWW Interfaith Service held at the Perth Concert Hall on the 13th of October. Arts and Culture Edna was also in the Choir of 3KZ Carols by Candlelight at the Myer Music Bowl in 1963 and 1964. Melton Choral Society. Edna was Director and Conductor in the 1970s performing at many community events such as Carols by Candle Light, Church Services, Easter and Palm Sunday services, Mothers Union and the 1976 Community Services Week Combined Church Service. The October – November 1978 Program covered the following: songs from the Musicals, Choral and Solo with Narratives, Guest Instrumental Item, Recitation Negro Spirituals and Australian Songs. Her involvement with church choirs included the Scots Presbyterian Church Choir Easter and Christmas performances and the 1967 Centenary Service. In 1980s the Melton Uniting Church Sacred Music Performances included The Crucifixion by Stainer, The Olivet to Calvary and other church Hymns. Edna was Musical Director of the Melton Amateur Theatrical Society and worked on performances in collaboration with Mabel Rogers on script and musical interpretation. Melton and District Historical Society Annual Art and Craft Show. First held in Melton Mechanics Institute Hall in 1973, it later took place in the in the Melton Community Hall. The Art Show was also run in conjunction with other community organizations such as Rotary and Girl Guides. Community history and research Melton streetscape and society Over 20 years commencing in the 1970s, Edna undertook extensive photographing of the changing streetscape of Melton’s High Street. She anticipated the impact of change on the community during the time of Melton’s rapid transition from a small farming district to a large urban community and this led to her extensively document and photograph many of the structures and landscape features of the township that have since been lost. She also meticulously recorded much of the contemporary life of the town and has left a significant legacy of archival material. Melton State School 100 Years Celebration, October 1970 Co-author with Mabel Rogers “The First 100 Years, 1870 – 1970” Assembled a collection of School Class Photograph and identified and compiled lists of names for future school history. She also assembled a photographic display for the 125th anniversary in 1995. Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS) Foundation Member, 1968 Held President and Secretary positions from its inception Research associated with the classification of Heritage buildings Christ Church Classification C Scots’ Presbyterian Church Classification D Set up the storage and Catalogue system in the Office at the Willows Organised society visits to Heritage sites in and beyond the Shire of Melton, including Stathtulloh, Eynesbury, Deanside, ToolernVale sites including Merrywood (now demolished) Staughton Vale, Chirnside, Point Cook, Shwerkolts Cottage. 1970 – 1983 Melton and District Historical Society Letterhead. Staughton Memorial Light from early newspaper cutting in its location before restoration to present location. Sketch by Wendy Barrie. Designing and printing pamphlets, stationery, and other sale items with Willows title. M&DHS street naming research for new housing developments (1970 – 2000). Collaborated with Mary Tolhurst to research the names of early landowners and pioneer families connected to the first settlers. Researched Aboriginal names for inclusion on lists submitted to developers. An early example is the naming of Kuranjang and the street names associated with the McPherson family. Plains of Promise (Shire of Melton history) by Joan Starr (1985). Edna assisted with Historical Society materials and contributed her own research and photographs. Contacted and organised for Hubert Opperman to launch the book. (She was also present at his last bike ride at Rochester in 1995.) Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies. Member attending meetings and representing Melton, also hosted the Group at Melton The Willows Member of the Committee of Management for the restoration of the “Willows” house the establishment of The Willows Park 1982 March - Official Opening of the Willows Park- Preparation and planning for the event. Involved in the collecting of items in the furnishing of the display rooms in the Willows house. Donated items and furniture from the Myers and Daley family houses. (19th century) Machinery Shed Establishment. Involved with Jeff Robinson in the construction and collection of machinery display Other significant sites Championed and participated in the restoration and preservation significant sites in Melton, including: restoration of the Staughton Memorial Light and its return to its present site restoration of the Pykes Grave (using EW Barrie earthmoving equipment) restoration and reconstruction of Dunvegan restoration and reconstruction of Macs Cottage, the management and Caretakers residence Melton State School War Memorial Gates removed from Unitt Street entrance and relocated to the Willows Park Donated the Barrie family single furrow plough which was standing at the Court House Plaza. It removed and to Council Depot and later missing. The plaque was taken to the Willows. Jimmy Melrose (aviator) cairn restoration at crash site in Melton South Donald Mackintosh (Olympic gold medallist marksman) grave site at the Melton Cemetery (Historical items held by the Myers family collection.) Houdini first flight at Diggers Rest. Edna’s father was shearing at Diggers Rest at the time and witnessed the flight. She attended the 90 year anniversary of the event at the site in 2000. Radio and electronics Edna’s husband Bon interest in wireless communication dates in the 1920s with the building of a crystal set in the early days of public broadcasting. At the Back to Melton Celebrations in 1929, 3AR broadcast a concert from the Melton Mechanics Institute on the 20th February at 8pm featuring Footscray City Band, James Hill baritone, Vera Carew Soprano, James Foran Tenor, Marjorie Myers Piano, and James Williamson Entertainer. Accompanists: Miss Agnes Ross and Mrs James Hill. The Myers children had recordings of their piano playing made onto the aluminium records, Martha Myers’ voice can be heard introducing an item. These were made in a studio in Melbourne. Marjorie was given a upright Gramophone by Donald Mackintosh in recognition of her talent and her contribution to the cultural life of Melton. The family were then able to listen to 78rpm recordings of the famous classical recordings. The turntable was hand wound metal stylus needles had to be regularly replaced. The aluminium disk needed a bamboo needle to prevent damage to the surface. Before electricity was introduced to Melton in 1939 the Mechanics Hall relied on generators to produce electricity. Bon Barrie, being mechanically minded, built a public address system for be used a community functions at the Hall and Recreational Park. By 1939 this was up and running and used for over three decades. A large Collection of 78rpm records provided music for dances, marching, parades and any public event needing music and microphones. The early system was portable and worked on batteries. CFA Radio Communication In the 1950s with the introduction two-way HF and later VHF very high frequency radio sets. Melton Rural Fire Brigade was part of the Bacchus Marsh Group. Radio sets where located in the Melton Fire Truck, and in the house of the Barrie family at Ferris Road. This was an ideal location to observe a 360 degree view in all directions when smoke appeared on the horizon. An antenna was erected beside the house. The set OX 7 was located in the kitchen and monitored 24 hours by the family. When an electrical fire occurred at the junction of the electricity to the house there was time to radio the fire station and summons the men working in the paddocks, thus saving the house from possible destruction. With the introduction of UHF – ultra high frequency Vinten Radios the signal was clearer and static and interference lessened and radio traffic became easier to read, and reduced noise levels in the household. VL3 LY Radio Base became the Group Headquarters was established in 1967. By 1970 the Brigades were: Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Diggers Rest, Truganina, and Werribee. In 1974 when the family moved to First Avenue, another antenna and a small building were erected adjacent to the residence and used to house the equipment, maps. Radio traffic consisted of regular schedule times and communication with adjoining groups of brigades such as Bacchus Marsh, Mt Macedon and Little River Groups. Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally. Edna was never registered as an operational brigade member but operated informally as an assistant to her husband Bon. She was however a member of the Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary from its inception in 1968, a non-operational position. Edna kept up to date with radio procedure following the 1967 handbook; preparing maps, plotting compass points and taking notes on weather forecasts from the SA Border and Western District. Daily notes were taken in anticipation of fire warnings. These log books and daily radio traffic were incidental to the regular radio schedules. Emergency turnouts noted, burning off times and predicted location of smoke. In the summer fire season all TBF (total fire ban days were recorded.) In times of emergency the Barrie family assisted Bon the base radio operator to plot the position and location of fire trucks and to help clarify garbled radio traffic, keep notes and make telephone calls. These log books are held in the EE and EW Family Archive. Melton Uniting Church Edna founded the Church Opportunity with Maisie Robinson in 1975 in the Melton South Methodist Church building. Methodist and Presbyterian Churches of Melton had combined severing their long held connection with Bacchus Marsh. A Manse had been recently built for the Melton Minister. At a Parish Committee meeting at the Melton South Church it was suggested to use the building as an Opportunity Shop. It opened in July 1975, and it raised $1,600 contribution to the church budget in 1976. In 1977 The Uniting Church in Australia was formed and the Melton South Uniting Church Opportunity shop continued to go from strength to strength expanding the buildings providing the welfare needs of the community. Archive Set up by Edna Catalogued items dating from 1857 Minute Book and set ongoing system and storage of items of heritage. Melton Un Awards and recognition of service to the Melton community Rotary Award for Community Service, 1980 Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebrations contributions, 1985 Life Membership of the Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS), 1989 Extra-Ordinary Contribution for years of service to M&DHS, 1992 Long Service for Exceptional Service MD&HS, 1993 Royal Historical Society of Victoria Award of Merit, 1997 Shire of Melton Certificate of Appreciation for continued support and dedication as a member of MD&HS to the preservation of Melton’s History, 1998 Centenary of Federation Peoplescape (Canberra) Melton Shire nomination, 2001 Uniting Church Melton Life Membership of the Opportunity Shop Uniting Church in Australia Commission for Mission for 30 years of hard work and dedications to the Uniting Church, 2007 Uniting Church Adult Fellowship Certificate appreciation in recognition of valuable support through the “Sammy” Stamp Fund Neighbourhood Watch 5 year award Photographs of Edna at different ageslocal identities

"NEW CROSSLEY CHURCH. BLESSING AND OPENING CEREMONY. A lasting testimony to the faithful generosity of the Catholic community at Crossley was vouchsafed on Sunday last, when the beautiful new church of St. Brigid was formally blessed and opened, in the presence of a particularly large congregation of adherents of the Roman Catholic faith, and many supporters of the doctrines of other churches. The function was further enhanced by the presence of two noted Catholics in Dr. Higgins (Bishop of Ballarat) and Dr. Mannix (Coadjutor Archbishop of Melbourne.) Upon arrival at the church the prelates were received by a guard of honor formed by the members of the H.A.C.B. Society, and were introduced to the members of the local committee. Then his Lordship the Bishop formally blessed the exterior and interior of the building. The building is handsome and commo dious, and one that should suffice for the population of the Crossley district for many years to come. Standing upon the highest point in the vicinity it occupies a commanding position and is a prominent landmark for many miles around. At first it was intended to pull down the old church and erect the new one upon the space occupied by it, but subsequently the land adjoining was purchased, and the sacred edifice built upon it. The style of architecture is a free treatment of the Romanesque. In a short space of time the grounds and walks were transformed by working bees and made to conform to the beauty of the building. The interior is most artistic, and would be difficult to improve upon in elegance of design, while the furnishings are most appropriate, and harmonise excellently with the general scheme of decoration. It seats 400 people and in addition there is a choir gallery with a seating capacity of 60. The church is lighted with leaded Cathedral glass windows, and the front presents a pleasing appearance, the entrance porch being surmounted with a semi-Gothic window. The floor is tiled throughout. The ceilings are semi-circular in form, with beautiful designs worked in fibrous plaster. The brickwork of the structure is faced with cement, and it has a slate roof. It is undoubtedly an addition to the ecclesiastical buildings of the district, and was universally admired. The architect was Mr. A. A. Fritsch, of Melbourne, and the contractors Messrs F. and E. Deague, of North Fitzroy. On the doors being thrown open for the admission of the congregation, the seating accommodation was immediately fully taxed, and the lengthy service and sermon were listened to with the greatest interest and attention. Missa Cantata was sung, the Rev. Father Phelan, Koroit, being the celebrant. The musical arrangements were in the capable hands of Mr. Renwick, of Warrnambool, while Miss Logan presided at the organ. Mrs. Dan. Ryan was the soprano soloist, and sang Gounod's Ave Maria at the offertory very sweetly and expressively. At the consecration Rossi's Tantum Ergo was sung by Messrs Crowley and Renwick; Farmer's Kyrie Gloria and Agnus Dei and Webb's Credo were rendered during mass, and while the collection was being taken additional numbers were sung. The occasional sermon was preached by the Coadjutor Archbishop (Dr. Mannix), who based his remarks upon the Gospel for the day, St. Luke V., verses I to II, dealing with the miraculous draught of fish. On His return from Galilee Christ found that the fishermen had been toiling all night, and had caught nothing. He entered one of the ships, and addressed the multitude on shore. It was a beautiful picture, and no doubt he spoke to them about the kingdom to be established on earth. When He had finished speaking He told the fishermen to launch out into the deep. Peter said " Master, we have fished all night, and have found nothing." Still, they obeyed His command, and the nets were filled almost to breaking point. Having brought their ships to land they left everything and followed Him. In that lesson they had a symbol of God's dealing with men through the church He has established on earth. Their confidence was richly rewarded, and Christ founded His church upon those twelve Apostles. At that time the world was mostly pagan, steeped in iniquity and sin. The chosen people of God worshipped with their lips, but their hearts were far from it. When Christ wanted to estab lish His church on earth, and leave an organisation to carry on the work, did He select the most intellectual, or the most rich or powerful men? Neither did the time seem propitious. He selected twelve men who from a human point of view were quite incapable of accomplishing anything. What happened when the Jews put Him to death? The chosen twelve left Him at the critical hour, and when He came to die on the cross they were not there, but hid themselves from the hate and fury of the Jews. When the Holy Ghost came down upon them and strengthened them they became courageous and went forth at the bidding of their Master to teach all nations. Their success was not confined to the first meet ing after Pentecost, at which they made 5000 converts, but continued until the whole world had been brought into the net. It was surely a consolation to them as well as to him (the preacher), that they came from a land which of all others had been faithful to the teaching of Jesus Christ. The sons and daughters of St. Patrick had taken a great part in bringing men into the meshes of the church. It was due to the nation they belonged to that the church flourished not only in Ireland, but in England, Scotland, Ame rica, and Australia. It may have seemed hard that in the providence of God so many had to leave their homes and find a home in other lands. They had emi grated to the towns of England and Scotland, and had been the means of keeping the Catholic faith living in those places. In the United States and Canada many had made a home for themselves, and were always found faithful to God and to the true church. If to-day the Irish Catholics and Catholics of Irish des cent were taken out of the English and Scotch population there would be little left of the true Church of God. Perhaps they had not the learning of other nations. Certainly they had not the wealth of other nations, and not the power of the sword, but God was with them, and the faith they took from the old land nourished in the distant places. There was a time in Aus tralia when those opposed to God and God's Church thought they could rule Providence and make Australia a Pro testant land. They had lived to see whe ther God or His enemies are the more powerful, and the names of those who tried to stamp out the Catholic religion were forgotten, or only remembered be cause of their persecution. They had lived to see the glorious success which rested upon the Catholic Church in Aus-tralia, which the Irish people had built up stone by stone. Nowhere was it held in higher esteem than in these islands, and the people would always be faithful to God and His church. It was an inspira tion to go into the glorious church opened that day. It stood for loyalty and faith fulness and was a credit and a consola tion to the Bishop and people of the diocese, to the architect, and to the priests and the honest and zealous administrator of the parish. There was hope and an inspiration in that day's celebrations, and surely the Catholic faith would sink deeper and deeper into the people as time went on, and the progress of the last fifty years would be small as compared to the progress of the future. He congratulated the Bishop and priests who had raised that temple, and the people of Crossley upon their generosity and self-sacrifice. He prayed that the blessing of God and St. Brigid would rest upon them, their children, and their children's children. He hoped that not one of those who had received the sacrament at that church would be missing when called before the Judgment Seat, and that all would be counted into the enjoyment of eternal bliss. The Rev. Father Kerin then made a statement of the position of the finances, after which a special col lection was made towards the cost of the building. A list of subscribers of £l and upwards was read, to which Bishop Higgins contributed £250, Rev. Father Kerin £20, and the Coadjutor Archbishop £5. The amount totalled £1245 10s 7d. Pre vious donations totalled £1077 3s, and His Lordship gave an additional £250. An indebtedness of £3974 had been reduced by £1245, leaving a debit balance of £2728. The cost ot the church completed was £6250. They had broken the back of the debt, and were not frightened of it. It was also announced that the beautiful Stations of the Cross, which adorn the walls, had been donated by the following: Mr and Mrs. P. Crowe, Mr. and Mrs. T. Bushell, Mr. and Mrs. P. Gorman, Miss M. Dunne, Mr. Mugavin and Miss Mugavin, Mr. and Mrs. C. Conway, Misses A. and F. Broderick, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hennessy, Miss K. A. M'Carthy, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Dalton, Mrs. M. J. Greene, Mrs. and Miss K. Dwyer, Mr. and Mrs. John Mugavin, and the Rev. J. J. Manning. The new Estey organ was contributed by the school children, as the result of an enter tainment. Other donors of furnishings, etc., were Mrs. Brown, senr., (Kirkstall), and Mrs. James Maloney (Killarney), and Mrs. and Miss O'Donohue. The vestments were the gifts of Mr. and Mrs. M. Foley, of Killarney. The furnishings, carpeting, etc., of the sanctuary have been carried out by the Crossley Altar Society, of which Mrs. Jno. O'Brien is president, and Miss Mary Ryan secretary. In the course of a brief address Dr. Higgins expressed his deep indebtedness to the Coadjutor Archbishop for coming amongst them at a great sacrifice to assist in the ceremonies. He heartily thanked the people for their unbounded generosity, and congratulated priests and people upon the magnificent results of their efforts. They had an able champion in Dr. Mannix, who since coming amongst them had distinguished himself by his zeal for the church in this new land. He hoped he would be spared for many years to come to use his splendid talents in the service of the church. (Koroit Sentinel and Tower Hill Advocate, Saturday 4 July 1914, page 2)Digital images of the cathedral leadlight windowns in St Brigid's catholic Church, Crossley. st brigid's crossley, st brigid's, catholic church, catholic, church, religion, celebrations, christmas, christmas carols, carols, stained glass, window

"LARGE GATHERINGNG AT - CROSSLEY DEDICATION AND OPENING SERVICES. SERMON BY DR. MANNIX. Yesterday was an important and historic day for the Roman Catholic community of Crossley and Koroit, in as much as it will be always associated in the memories of all con cerned with the opening of the new St. Brigid's Church, Crossley. This building is far above the average standard of sacred edifices in country towns, and is certainly superior to any ercted in this district outside the churches in the two larger centres - Warrnambool and Koroit. The style of architecture chosen is a free treatment of the Romanesque, which is something quite original in the Western District. This noble style, from which, with its near re lative the Byzantine, spring the great Gothic school of architecture, is characterised by a special charm of its own, one of its chief features being graceful and sweeping circular curves in roof, window heads and in the ar rangenent of the ground plan. The building is of brick finished off with true Romanesqiue pillared pinnacles in concrete and plaster, the brick and concrete producing a pleasing contrast. The main characteristic of the front is a large rose window filled with Romlanesque circular tracery, and below a bold porch and entrance. The two sides are pierced with long circular-headed windows between graceful buttresses and the wall line is pleasingly broken by the projecting bays of the confessionals and also by the vestries. The main building is 80 feet by 30 feet' and the Sanctuary is spacious and semi-circular in shape, and lighted by three windows. The interior of the church is most artistic. The ceiling is semi-circular and of fibrous plaster in ornate designs. All the windows are lead lighted, throwing a rich and mellow harmony of' color throughout the interior and the white wails, mouldings, architraves and other fibrous plaster decorations: are further relieved by the rich coloring: in the stations of.the Cross arrranged around the nave. The central window of the Sanctuary contains a splendidly executed stained glass representation of St. Brigid. At.the western end is a room gallery. The altar is a choice piece of Gothic woodwork, in light, soft coloring, and there are two altars on either side of the Sanctuary in oak, and above whlch are very fine colored figures of Christ; and the Madonna. On either side of the altar are life-size figures of angels holding high brass candalabra. The whole of the furnishings of the church are on a sumptuous scale, and the edifice reflects credit on all concerned. The church can seat nearly 500 people. The architect was Mr. A. A. Fritsch. of Melbourne, and the contractors Messrs F. and E. Deagne, of North Fitzroy. The contract price for the building was £5,500. THE OPENING SERVICE. After the cereimony of solemnly blesssing the church was performed by His Lordship the Bishop of the Diocese, Dr. Higgins, assisted by His Grace the Coadjutor Archbishop of Melbourne. Dr. Mannix, the great gatheiring from all parts of the district entered the church, which was soon completely filled. The members of the H.A.C.B.S. attended wearing their green and gold regalia, and acted as a 'guard of honor' to the Co-adjlutor Arclhbishop and Bishop. Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Father Phelan, of Koroit, and a feature of the solemn service was the singing of a choir which consisted of picked voices from St. Carthage's choir, with friends from Warrnam bool and assisted by some of the mem bers of the Koroit choir, with Miss Logan as organist and Mr. Arthur H. Renwick as conductor. They rendered the music in splendid style throghonut. The "Kyrie," "Gloria." "Agnus Dei' and Dona Nobis" were from Farmer's Mass in B flat, and the "Credo" and "Sanctus" from Webbe's Mass in G. The soloists in the Mass were Mrs. Ryan, the Misses McEntee. Miss Katie O'Brien. and Messrs. J. M. Crowley, W. J. Callaghan; B. McEntee and W. Mahony. The chorus sang with great precision, special attention being paid to at tack. At the offertory Mrs. Dan Ryan gave a beautiful rendering of Gounod's "Ava Maria." After the Elevation that fine duet "Tantum Ergo." by Rossi, was sung by Messrs. Crowley and Renwick in an artistic manner, their fine voices blending splendidly. During the collection, Mr. Renwick sang with much feeling that devotional solo, "Lead Thou Me On,", after which Mr Crowley gave .an ex cellent rendering of Weissi's "0 Salu taris Hostia;" and the choir sang several hymns." It might here be mentioned that at the request of Fa ther Kerin, the same choir will repeat the music.at the Koroit Church on Sunday next, on the occasion of the ceremnly of laying the foundation stone of the cormpletion of the church. Dr. Mannix preachled the sermon for the occasion, taking his text from St. Luke first 11 verses. He re viewed the Gospel story of Christ preaching to the multitude from a boat on Lake Gennesaret and the miraculous draught of fish. The obedi ence of the poor fishermen in casting their nets at Christ's bidding was richly rewarded, and the miraculous occurrence was a striking example of what was to happen when Christ established His Church and built it up on those twelve apostles. When they came to think of it, nothing so re markable and marvellous had happened before or since in the history of mankind. The world at that time was for the most part a Pagan world steeped in iniquity and sin. The chosen people of God had God's re velation, but they worshipped with their lips and not with their hearts. When Christ was to establish His Church upon earth and leave an or gantisation that would continue His work, did He select learned men, powerful men, rich men, or a time that would seem propituous? No. He selected twelve poor, igorant simple fishermen, without money, power, learning or anything calculated to enable them to do anything striking in the world's history. The success of the first morning after pentecost was not confined to those first days when the plentitude of the Holy Ghost sat upon the .Apostles, but it continued age after age until the whole world was brought within the sphere of ac tion of the Church. Greece, Rome Europe Asia and America, and now Australia had been brought into the net. This must be a consolation to them all as well as it was to him (the preacher), when they remembered that they came from a land which of all others had been faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was a consolation to them that in that great work that had been accomplished in bringing men into the meshes of the Church, and bringing them to God the nation to which they belontged had taken so great a part. Their religion flourished in England, Scotland, America and Australia. Surely it was due to the sons of St. Patrick, the sons and daughters of Ireland to find consolation in these great facts might It might seem hard that so many had to leave their native-land for England, Scotland, America and Australia. But if hard it was the means of keeping the Catholic faith living in England and Scotland. If to-day the Irish Catholics and Catholics of Irish de scent were taken out of the English and Scotch population there would be little left of the true Church of God. It seemed hard to emigrate to distant lands, but the result had been the new magnificent church in the United States, the flourishing churches in Canada and South Africa. Those Irish emigrants were a cornparatively small band. Perhaps they had not the learning of other nations. Certainly they had not the wealth and it did not fall to their lot to have the power of the sword, but God was with them, and the faith they took from Ireland flourished in those distant lands. In this fair land of Australia they had a glorious herit age handed down from the pioneer Irish Catholics, who came to this fair Austral land. There was a time when those who were opposed to God and God's Church,thought that Australia should be a wholly Protestant land. They had lived to see whether God or His enemies were the stronger. They had lived to see that those who in distant days would have stamped out the Catholic religion in Australia, had not prevailed. Their names had been forgotten because of their persecution of the Catholic Church, and they had lived - to see the glorious success that now, in every part of the Common wealth, rested upon the Catholic Church in Australia. Might God bless that Church and those Irish people, and the people of Irish descent, who had built it up. In that locality, and there was no place in.the Common wealth where the Catholic Church was held in higher esteem, the people would always be faithful to God and His Church. That beautiful building, and all it signified in loyalty and faithfulness, was a credit and a consolation to the Bishop and people of the diocese, to the architect who had done his work so artistically and skil fully. to the priests and the zealous administration of the parish. There was surely hope and inspiration in that day's celebration, that as time went on the Catholic faith would sink deeper and deeper into ther coming generation, and that the Catholic progress of the past 50 years would be small in comparison to the great progress of the future. He congratulated the Bishop priests and people who had raised that temple. He congratulated the people of Crossley; upon their generosity and self-sacrifice, and he prayed that God's blessing and the blessing of St. Brigid would rest upon them; their children and children's children. And when those who had received the sacraments and had been instructed in that Church were called before the Judgment Seat he pray ed that not one would be missing, and St. Peter aind St. Brigid would be able to count them all into the en joyment .of Eternal bliss. THE CELEBRATION The Rev. Father Kerin, Adninistra tor of the Parish, after the collection, read a lengthy list of the principal donations, headed by the Bishop, Dr. Higgins, with £250. All the furnish ings of the Church were also donations, and the Coadjutor-Archbishop added £5 to the list. The Rev. Father Kerin stated that the total to hand was £1245/10/7, which was an other proof of the generosity of the Crossley and district people. The amount previously received in donations was £1077/3. They started buildiing with a credit balance of £262 10/5 and ther now had a debit balance of £2,728/18/5. The total cost of the Church was £6,250, so that they would see the greater part of the indebtedness had already been wiped out. The Bishop (Dr. Higgins) delivered a brief address, in the course of which he congratulated the priests and people upon the completion of their magnificent Church. He congratulated the people on their magnificent generosity. He expressed his of deep indebtedness to the Coadjutor Archbishop of Melbourne for the services he had rendered to them. He had attended at considerable sacrifice to himself, and they were extremely grateful for the presence of so distinguished a champion who had shown such zeal and interest in their Church in this new land. He (the Bishop) trusted that his splendid talents would long be devoted to the defence of the Church." (Warrnambul Standard, 02 July 1914)Digital images of the interior of St Brigid's, Crossley.st brigid's crossley, st brigid's, catholic church, catholic, church, religion, celebrations, christmas, christmas carols, carols, stained glass, window