Physical description

Photocopy of a published page, marked as Eightieth Anniversary, relating to records as showing Golden Square as the first place in the Bendigo area at which the gospel was preached. On arriving from South Australia in 1852, attracted by the news of gold in the area James Jeffrey widely known later as Jimmy Jeffrey, a preacher who noticed that the sanctity of the Sabbath was being ignored, with normal chores and entertainment being the order of everyday. In short, little regard was shown for religion and there were no ministers. With a tree stump as his pulpit Jimmy began service by singing a Methodist hymn heartily, attracting a band of diggers to listen, with continuous services in Golden Square taking place ever since. Jeffrey continued with similar activities with increasing interest and attendances. Beginning with a tent surrounded by a fence a disused shed was bought and relocated to the site and was the finest building in the district. Late in 1852 the first real Church was erected in place of the shed and the tent. Enthusiasm and numbers of attendees swelled and in 1859 Reverend Joseph Dare and Robert Lisle and other church leaders purchased land (for 30 pounds) and had the foundation stone for a new Church building was laid by Reverend Daniel J.Draper on19th of April 1859 with Divine Service and Public Worship conducted from 11th December that year by Reverend Mr Draper. A collection on the day raised 262 pounds. The foundation stone for the present Church was financed by Richard Allingham laid on 5th January 1870. The first minister who went to the district was Reverend Mr Symonds who was stationed at Forest Creek near Castlemaine. Reverend Richard Hart was the first minister stationed at Golden Square. Embedded in the article is an image of Jimmy and Mrs Jeffrey. On the reverse of the article is a copy of a drawing by Reverend Aswel Aptel circa 1853.

Inscriptions & markings

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