Historical information

A Trove search records a fatal mining accident that occurred in Eaglehawk on 27th January 1895 concerning 23-year-old William Schofield who was the support of a widowed mother, and it can be assumed this is the son of the Mrs. Schofield mentioned in the letter.
28 Jan 1895 - FATAL MINING ACCIDENT. - Trove (nla.gov.au) The Age Newspaper p.6

Physical description

The item is a condolence letter behind glass in an carved and embellished timber frame. The letter is addressed to Mrs. Schofield from members of the Young Men's Bible Class at the Eaglehawk Wesleyan Sabbath School. The letter is handwritten in a copperplate style and surrounded by a black and white floral watercolour painting by the artist C.G. Darvatt. The frame consists of a gold painted inner timber frame with a decorative outer wooden frame. The wording in the letter to Mrs Schofield states: 'Eaglehawk. 14th February 1895. Dear Mrs Schofield, Permit us as members of the Young Bible Class in the Eaglehawk Wesleyan Sabbath School to express our deepest sympathy with you in the recent bitter experience you have had to undergo in the removal from your side of one so helpful and affectionate, and from our circle a classmate whose presence was so genial and counsel so beneficial. Words fail to express the depth of our grief at a loss so great or to measure the sympathy of our hearts. We can only commend you to the loving care of our Heavenly Father who has promised "To bind up the broken-hearted, to give joy for Mourning and the Garment of Praise for the Spirit of Heaviness". That a life so full of hope and promise of usefulness should by the Will of the Great Ruler of the Universe be so quickly ended is an enigma too difficult for us to solve but we may rest-assured the Judge of all the Earth will do right. In simple trust that the God of consolation will reconcile you to His ever-ruling Providence is the prayer of his Teachers and Classmates.'