A service commemorating 160 years of worship of St Andrew’s Mulwala in the Church of England/Anglican Church was celebrated last Sunday, October 8.
From Kyabram, a boulder containing the plaque was unveiled and blessed by The Right Rev’d Donald Kirk, Bishop of Riverina.
The special occasion marked 160 years of worship, the 40th anniversary of laying the foundation stone for the existing building and the 33rd anniversary of the dedication of the rectory.
“Welcome everyone. It’s an extraordinary mission. Thank you to the regular parishioners and for those who have had association with the church and have come here today,” Bishop Kirk told the approximate 60 attendees.
Bishop Kirk was ably assisted by St Andrew’s By The Lake Anglican Priest the Rev’d Jeni Bedding, churchwardens and parish councillors. Glenda Brooker, Marj Bleckwehl and Norma Toms delivered readings.
Rev’d Jeni read out many apologies in respect of those unable to attend. Included were: “As the Priest when the new St Andrew’s was built, I would love to join you but poor health and limited mobility prevent from attending,” Fr. Phil Anderson stated.
From Priest Lawrence Anbalagan (2005-2009): “We have very fond memories of our time in the parish and are sorry to have missed the occasion.”
Memorabilia was on display which attracted substantial interest. As did the lunch and fellowship which followed the milestone celebratory service!
Preach like apostles, ride like cowboys
In the early 1860s, the spiritual life of Mulwala’s earliest settlers was looked after by the Bush brothers – intinerant Anglican priests whose calling was to minister to sparsely settled rural districts.
“They were described as a band of men who could ‘preach like apostles’ and ‘ride like cowboys’,” local historian Alex Sloane, 78, included in a snapshot of the early 1960s at last Sunday’s 160th anniversary.
“My grandfather Alexander Sloane came to Savernake in 1862. He held very strong religious views, being a staunch Presbyterian from Glasgow.
“When he and his family found themselves in the Australian bush, he welcomed these ministries with all his heart.
“As the Church of England was the first Christian church in the area, he gave it his loyal support.
“The Bush brothers held their services under gum trees or in the stationhands’ huts on Boomanoomana, Mulwala and Tarramia Stations. Later, services were held in McRae’s Inn located in Mulwala township.”