Heather Williams (secretary), Peter Hammon (chairman), Jennie Hammon, John Carmichael, Malcolm McPherson and young Jack Carmichael at back.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
After 142 years, Bundalong Uniting Church, formerly Bundalong Presbyterian Church, had its final service last Sunday.
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“It’s a sad day for the Bundalong district but time changes everything,” church organist for 60 years, Peter Hammon told the approximate 90 attendees.
“For decades, country schools and churches have been closing and Bundalong Uniting Church is no exception.
“As chairman of our now depleted congregation I welcome you all to this closing service, and a special welcome to Gereldine Leonard for taking this service and former ministers (Ian Littler, Malcolm Holmes and Loni Vaitohi) here today.”
Mr Hammon delivered a brief history of the church, which included the following.
“In the 1870s the State Government of Victoria passed the ‘Closer Settlement Act’ which meant huge tracts of rural land, like ‘Peechelba Run’ were cut up into smaller blocks. Ballots were held and farmers, if successful, selected land.
The church’s interior.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
“The McPherson family selected here in Bundalong in 1876 and in 1880 kindly loaned this block for the construction of a Presbyterian Church. Owing to white ant destruction, a second church, this church, was built – the builder being Mr. Mason, the late Jayce Symes’s grandfather from Wangaratta.
It was an outside, final church service.
“The minister rode a horse from Yarrawonga along a small track through the forest.
“In my lifetime I have seen 30 families come and go. For many years we had three Williams families – none related.
“In 1977 the church became the Uniting Church. Fast forward to four years ago. Ian and Valda McPherson sold their farm to Danny Dowling – a member of another pioneering family.
“Two years ago, after much deliberation, our small congregation decided to close and consequently the church land reverted to the adjoining farm.
“A tender for the sale of the shell of the church was called and Danny was the successful tenderer. As for the furnishings, the Yarrawonga Church Council decreed that the remaining parishioners determine the placement of the furnishings. So some have been relocated and others remain.
“What the future holds – who knows? But knowing Danny, the building and surrounds will be well maintained.”
Family’s 110 years connection
The church’s oldest parishioner Olive Prescott, flanked by Peter and Jennie Hammon.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
“As for memories I would like to recall my family’s 110 years connection with the church. Way back in 1905 my grandfather took over the running of the family farm from his father and uncle. He and my grandmother attended Boomahnoomoonah Church of England,” Peter continued.
“However in 1910 they decided to worship at Bundalong Presbyterian Church. Why the change I do not know, possibly because of my grandmother's Quaker upbringing. So they were regular worshippers here until 1936 when they retired to Yarrawonga.
“In 1936 when my parents married, my mother became the organist. In 1948, Mrs Enid MacDonald joined her and shared the position. In 1962, they both retired and I took over as the organist.
“The church has been an intricate part of my life for almost 80 years.
“My earliest recollection is at the age of five, coming here in the afternoon (quarter to three), the church full, mother playing the organ and going out to Sunday School after the second hymn, the children’s hymn. The late Mr.Corr, was the minister and the late Miss Lucie Newton, was the Sunday School teacher (who taught for decades).
“For Jennie (wife) and our family the church has also been a big part of their lives. Family baptisms, Rowena’s wedding in 2011 (eleven years ago yesterday), and many other memorable occasions. In conclusion we give thanks for the church being here, its ministers, its lay preachers who have faithfully delivered the Christian message for 140 years.”
An Ode to Bundalong Uniting Church by parishioner Judith McDonald, who could not be present, was read out by Jennie Hammon. The beautifully written Ode contained many memories of Judith’s.
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