N Tuesday, 19th February, 1867, "The Royal Oak" arrived in Melbourne. T. J. Gore says in his diary of that date: "We were just thinking of going ashore with the captain, when the following brethren made their appearance on the deck, having come out in a boat. They had for us a hearty welcome. Brethren Thompson, Readford and Gibbons came out for us. We got into the boat and soon reached shore, which we touched at 11¼ o'clock. My heart returns thanks for this privilege. No longer on the rocking sea. We took train and went up to Melbourne. We took dinner at the house of Bro. Zelius, in company with the following brethren--Readford, Gibbons, Lawson, Roland, Exley, Dick and Earl. We had a very pleasant time indeed. The welcome of the brethren was very hearty. We could wish none heartier. After this we went up to Bro. Thompson's, where we took tea. I like all the brethren very much. From Bro. Thompson's we went to the chapel in Lygon Street."

      The meeting there was intended as a farewell to Bro. Earl, who was leaving for Adelaide, but it was also a welcome meeting too. Both T. J. Gore and G. L. Surber made some remarks, and after the meeting they stood on the step of the platform, and as T. J. Gore says in his diary, "had a very good shaking of hands." They then went to Bro. Osborne's, accompanied by Bro. Lawson, where the night was spent. Friday, 22nd February, the brethren of Victoria gave a welcome tea to T. J. Gore and G. L. Surber. T. J. [18] Gore, writing about it, says: "We went to the tea meeting. Here we had a grand welcome which I shall not soon forget. We had a very delightful time indeed. I am satisfied that we are not in a strange land. The brethren are so kind and warm hearted. Our meeting lasted from 6 to 10. It was very pleasant indeed. Such has been our reception in this colony. It has been truly cordial. Bro. Santo wrote a letter from Adelaide expressing his regret at not being able to be present. His letter breathed the spirit of a Christian. He is a good kind man, I know from his letter. February 24, the first Sunday spent in Australia. T. J. Gore preached at Lygon Street chapel at 3 o'clock on 'Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,' and G. L. Surber at night on 'Obedience.' Those were fine meetings. Large audiences and some decisions for Christ."

      Tuesday, 26th February, T. J. Gore in company with H. S. Earl left Victoria for South Australia. Numbers of the brethren and sisters were at the pier to wave them farewell. T. J. Gore, writing on March 1, says: "This morning early we reached Adelaide. We put our baggage in at Bro. Magarey's and went to the station, where we met Bro. Santo and other brethren. Bro. Santo conducted me to his house of business. We went to Bro. Kidner's for dinner. After dinner we went back to the office, and then to Bro. Verco's to tea. After this we drove out to Bro. Santo's, some four miles from town. Bro. Santo lives in a pretty place. I like everything thus far very much. The family are very kind."

      Sunday, 3rd March, 1867, was Thomas Jefferson Gore's first Sunday in South Australia. In the morning he spoke from the "Epistle of Jude" and at night on "Salvation through Christ" (Acts 4:12). The chapel was full, and there were three decisions for Christ. What a splendid beginning! But how little did he realize how wonderfully God was going to use [19] him, and how many hundreds, yea thousands, he was going to help in South Australia. T. J. Gore's arrival was also heralded by a tea and public meeting in White's Rooms.

      That was a grand and wonderful time. Sunday after Sunday the gospel was preached, and many were won for God. The preacher's eloquence and earnestness attracted many hundreds of people. He was laying the foundation of his work in Australia. The future years showed what a strong and sure foundation was laid. [20]

[TJG 18-20]