Churches of the District

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Built 1903 - Picture by courtesy of Mr. Gerald Shanahan

The early settlers of Mount Blackwood, and much of Korobeit, were predominantly Roman Catholic, so in May, 1861, St. Michael's Catholic Church, a wooden building with a shingle roof, was erected on the north-east corner of Muir's lane, on the property now owned by Mr. J. J. Anderson. A Catholic school, referred to elsewhere, was built about the same time just behind the chapel. The attendance at St. Michael's was often as high as 150, again demonstrating how highly the district was populated in the early days. Prior to the erection of the above chapel, Mass was conducted in the old Purcell homestead at the foot of Mt. Blackwood, still owned by the Purcell family. The priest rode on horseback from Bacchus Marsh, celebrated Mass and then rode on to Blackwood to complete his duties; he was always accompanied by another person on horseback to keep away the wild cattle, which were quite numerous in the bush in those days. To lend credence to this statement it is known that one local resident was "treed" for some hours by an aggravated animal when out after a cheap steak.

The old wooden chapel was in service until 1903, when the present beautiful brick structure was built on the corner of the Greendale Korobeit Road. The land was donated by Lady Clarke and the church. "Our Lady, Help of Christians", was opened on October 11th, 1903 completely free of debt. About 400 people were present at the opening ceremony, all denominations being represented and all present were entertained at a luncheon held in marquees in the Korobeit State School ground opposite. As at all functions in those early days, the mode of travel was horse or horse-drawn vehicle, many of the visitors for the occasion taking several days for the trip there and home again. Mr. Martin Hackett, now a resident of the Werribee district, acted as Secretary, and the late Mr. Philip Purcell was President of the committee responsible for the building of the Church. The golden jubilee of Our Lady Help of Christians Church was celebrated in 1953, when a large number of parishioners, past and present, attended a dinner in the Myrniong Hall. Rev. Dean O'SulIivan, of Kyneton, attended the celebrations and received a great welcome, as he was assistant priest at the official opening in 1903. He also made the present wooden altar and presented it to the Church on its opening day.

As it is to be expected over the 98 years of its existence. the Catholic Church has witnessed good and bad times: times when the parishioners numbered over the 150 mark to now when services are still conducted every Sunday to a very much smaller congregation, including descendants of some of the old pioneer families.

Father O'Connell, who had charge of Bacchus Marsh Parish around the 1860's was a great help to the Korobeit Catholics during their preliminary meetings when contemplating the erection of St. Michael's Chapel. He was also one of the priests officiating at its opening and dedication. As will be seen, priests retained their parishes much longer than their counterparts in the other denominations. Father O'Brien succeeded Father O'Connell and he was followed by Father Ryan, who had charge until Father Horne was appointed. Unfortunately Father Horne died in Bacchus Marsh about 1907, then Father Gleeson took charge. He was succeeded in 1920 by Father Ellis, who was transferred to North Melbourne in 1936. Father G. Gavin Duffy was appointed the same year and despite a severe illness some few years ago, has made a wonderful recovery and is still in charge of the district. At present there is a very active Social Committee under the Presidency of Mr. Jack Shanahan with Mr. Laurence Thompson as Secretary. and Mr. Brian Shanahan as Treasure.

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THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND

Built 1865

It Is indeed unfortunate that the early records and minutes books of this Church were lost in a fire which destroyed a house situated on the top of the hill south of the township, occupied by Mr. Hearle. However, it is known that Christ Church was officially opened and dedicated in November, 1865, and that it was originally in the Parochial District of Blackwood and Trentham, in the See of Bendigo, and that the Vicar came from Blackwood, quite frequently walking the 12 miles to conduct services in Myrniong. About 1900 there was an alteration to the Church boundaries and Myrniong came under the charge of the Minister residing at Bacchus Marsh.

Records available show that the Rev. A. J. Cole was in charge of the Myrniong district up to middle of 1891, when Rev. R. Buchanan was appointed Minister. He was succeeded in 1898 by Rev. F. W. Gibbs. Rev. Gibbs retained his appointment for only three years and gave way to Rev. C. A. Brewer, who held the position as minister until 1911 where Rev. T. W. Davis was appointed. Then came Rev. G. A. M. Cerutty, from 1921-24, and on his transfer Rev. E. C. Frewin took over the Parish until relieved by Rev. E. Durance. in 1927. Rev. E. W. Norman was appointed In 1931, and four years later Rev. Francis Morton was posted to Bacchus Marsh. Rev. F. Porter received the appointment as minister; In 1939 enlisted as a Padre in World War II and saw service overseas, returning to his charge at the close of hostilities and continued his duties in Bacchus Marsh district until 1949. During Rev. Porter's absence overseas Rev. J. Rowell was the relieving minister for five years. Rev. A. W. Singleton took over the Parish from Rev. Porter and remained until 1951, when Rev. G. Phillips accepted appointment to the district. On his transfer in 1957, Rev. J. L. Reeve, the present Vicar, was appointed Minister to tho Bacchus Marsh Parish.

The earliest minute book available records the minutes of a meeting of the Church Committee held on March 5th, 1891, with the Rev. A. J. CoIe occupying the chair and a committee present consisting of Messrs. Lidgett, Mann, Hearle, Hewitt and Richards, as Secretary. Later Mr. R. H. Dugdale became Secretary, followed by Mr. W. Fowler; then Mr. James Dugdale and in 1929 Mr. L. G. Dugdale was appointed and has retained the position ever since a truly wonderful service to his Church. Names or Vestrymen appearing throughout the various minute books, after the five gentlemen named above. Include Edwards, R. H. Dugdale, E. Simmons, R. Lidgett jun., Wm. Crozier, F. Drury, W. Dugdale, J. Bjorkstin, E. White, R. Hornebuckle, James Dugdale. J. Lidgett, E. Marsh, H. Lidgett, J. Monger, E. Robertson, D. Thomas, W. Fowler, F. H. Linsdell, W. Linsdell and John Dugdale. The present committee consists of L. G. Dugdale, W. Linsdell, W. Lidget, R. Hornbuckle, L. J. Lidgett, R. G. Linsdell and A. J. Lidgett.

Some of the ladies associated with the Church have astonishing records of service. Miss Agnes Fowler taught Sunday school for over 50 years and as a mark of appreciation for her long service was made a presentation on her retirement. She used to walk to most services and in her long life must have walked nearly 10,000 miles in the service of her Church. Mrs. Jas. Dugdale also served as a Sunday school teacher, and later Miss Mary Hornbuckle, who has given 30 years of service In that capacity and about 20 years as organist. Prior to Miss Hornbuckle, Mrs. G. Allen was organist for some 10 or 12 years. The Church of England Ladies’ Guild was formed in 1932, with Mrs. Norman as President and Miss Evelyn Dugdale as Secretary. Three years later Mrs. W. Lidgett was elected Secretary. In 1941 Mrs. L. J. Lidgett took over the duties of Secretary and the ladies of the Guild have retained her services in that position ever since. The wives of the respective ministers held the position of President until 1947, when Mrs. L. R. Myers was elected to lead the Guild; this she did in a most diplomatic manner for four years. Mrs. W. Lidgett took charge of affairs in 1953, and she was followed by Mrs. L. G. Dugdale two years later. Both Mrs. Lidgett and Mrs. Dugdale proved capable leaders and worthy follower of the high standard set by Mrs. Myers, as did Mrs. G. Campbell who relieved Mrs. Dugdale in 1957, and in 1958 Mrs. Reeve became President. Mrs. Jas. Lidgett has held the position of Vice-president for some 15 years, and Miss Mary Hornbuckle was appointed Assistant Secretary 20 years ago and later became Treasurer - a position she still retains. Many other ladies associated with the Guild and Church welfare, have given yeoman service through the years and it is due to their loyalty and capabilities that the Church, though much depleted in numbers, is still able to function in a satisfactory manner.

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THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

"Kirk on the Hill" - Centenary Celebration, March 15th 1959

The Pentland Hills Presbyterian Church dates back just 100 years, as It was on March 14th 1859, at a congregational meeting held in the old flour mill owned by Mr. John Thomas, that a decision was reached to build a place or worship in the district, which was at that time predominantly Presbyterian. The meeting was presided over by Mr Thomas Hamilton, of “Glenpeddar,” and Mr. Robert Lawson, first principal of Scotch College, at Melbourne, and principal of Landsberg Mains College at Mt Blackwood, acted as secretary, Mrs. McLachlan donated 10 acres of land, and on September 20th, 1861 Mrs. Thomas, of “Oakfield” laid the foundation stone of the present edifice on a site commanding one of the best views in the district, as on a clear day Port Phillip and Corio Bays are readily discernable , as are buildings in Geelong and Melbourne.

The Church – the only place of worship in the district at that time – was officially declared open and dedicated on November the 2nd 1862 by Rev. A. Kiniasmont, of North Melbourne. Prior to even the first congregating services were conducted regularly in Fairbairn's Barn in the lower Pentland Hills and at Thomas’ “Oakfiled” Mill, by Rev. James Scott (latter Doctor) of Bacchus Marsh, who gave great assistance prior to and during the erection of the Church. The building cost, labour only (tendered by Watson and Reid, stonemasons), was £776 and the freestone quarried on "Dunbar” property, about the same amount, but most, if not all of the carting of the material (quite an item in those days) was done gratis by Mr. George Drysdale, who was looked on as one of the best tradesmen ever to be in the district.

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