Historical information

A small card at the back of the picture reads,’ This Picture was a teaching aid used in St. John’s Kinderg S.S and was found in the Church Ruins after the fire in July 1920 by Nancy McC(Absalom). Later framed by Grandma.

Significance

St. John’s Presbyterian Church was built in 1875 and was burned down July 21st 1920. A volunteer fireman Mr T Spicer discovered the fire and despite the prompt arrival of the fire brigade, after an hour only the walls and tower remained. Some items were salvaged including vestry furnishings and church register. A bible which had been given to the Church in 1895 was rescued by an unknown young man whose identity remained a mystery until1976 when a Mr Stan Williams of Ballarat told his story. The Church was rebuilt in 1922. The event of this fire remains one of the most significant in the history of Warrnambool.

Physical description

Framed print of kookaburra on branch in natural setting. The bird is coloured blue, green and tan. Background is in muted greens. The light wooden frame is covered in fabric in pinks and green. A patterned metal edge sits atop the fabric.

Inscriptions & markings

On back of picture, ‘ From Grandmother to Nancy on her 5th Birthday, Aug 20th 1920. This is a relic of the burning of St John’s Church July 21st 1920. Picked up by Nancy and framed by E Black.”