"BRING TOOLS"? An intriguing title for a book! But in "The Australian Christian" in September, 1921, the following invitation was printed:--

On 14th September, 1947, a four-year-old boy was enrolled in the kindergarten section of the Sunday School at Boronia Church of Christ. The church had, not long before, celebrated its Silver Anniversary. That little boy was far too young to appreciate the history and the heritage of the Boronia Church. Nor could he know then that, more than fifty years later, he would be asked by the 80th Anniversary Committee to compile an account of that Church's history and witness in the Boronia community and beyond. But that's what has happened.

Traditionally during this writer's Church life, "Decade Anniversaries" and other "milestone events" at Boronia have resulted in written accounts of our Church's pioneers and their witness--and of God at work through those who have maintained that witness, enriching not just the Church Family life, but that of the community which surrounds the "Church on the Hill". This account seeks to maintain that tradition. And in all of that, to God be the glory.

For every person named in this account, there have been literally hundreds of others who have served this community of faith in a loyal and conscientious way over its eighty years. It would be impossible to name every one of them. Indeed, it would be risky. Think of the "Church Plan"! Think of the Sunday School teachers and auxiliary leaders over those eight decades! But this grateful Church acknowledges and affirms all its people for helping to achieve this milestone. We still 'BRING TOOLS', for God's work is never done.

I am grateful that our written historical records have largely survived fire, the elements, silverfish and time. I am grateful that Gordon Chandler, who helped to build that first chapel in 1921, has such a good memory of events over all those years. I have appreciated Madge (Stewart) Dobson, who in 1921 was among the first Sunday School scholars, and can also recall with such clarity so much of the "early days" of our Church.

I must acknowledge the work of the late Lesley Stirling, of Trevor Dow and of the unknown person who prepared a history of the church for the sixtieth anniversary for, from their earlier written accounts of Boronia's history, I have gleaned much information.

A conscious effort has been made to correct innocent errors of historical fact that have occurred over the years, by going back to sources, as far as is possible, in order to seek verification. Advice and information have been sought from and provided by many people and organisations--the Churches of Christ Historical Society, Churches of Christ Theological College, and far too many individuals to name--to clarify and verify this latest history of our Church.

Lastly, thanks to the proof-readers and "watchdogs" who have recommended change checked this account for accuracy of fact.

David Allen      

Nearly one hundred and thirty years ago, William Chandler selected a tract of land below Mount Dandenong at The Basin. In 2001, it is difficult for many of us to imagine The Basin as a heavily forested area with few signs of cultivation, almost no other people for miles in any direction, and criss-crossed by a few meandering tracks.

An experienced farmer, William Chandler saw the potential of the rich alluvial flats of the Dandenong Creek valley, along with the bonus of a reliable water supply for irrigation and, with the help of his family, set about clearing and preparing the land for cultivation. Soon the fertile soil proved its promise, and the Chandlers were producing vegetables for market. Before long, fruit and flowers were adding to their income.

Mr and Mrs Chandler were Baptists but, since there was no Baptist meeting place in the district, they began attending Sunday worship with The Basin Methodists, who met in the school. So it was that they came into contact with Hugh Gilmour, a member of Churches of Christ who conducted a regular Bible Study for the Methodists. In discussions about baptism and New Testament Christianity, Mr Gilmour argued persuasively the position of Churches of Christ, convincing William and Kate Chandler (who were already baptised believers) to join Churches of Christ. Gilbert Chandler, one of their sons, was baptised at a prayer meeting at the Lygon Street Church of Christ. In 1902 another son, Henry Rupert Chandler, was to marry Ada Jessie Gilmour, a daughter of Hugh and Christina Gilmour. Several other members of the Chandler family--Bert, Esther, Kit and Louisa--along with John Maguire became baptised believers at a mission conducted at the Bayswater Church of Christ in 1904 by H.G. Harvard. The Gilmours were associated with the Montrose Church of Christ, and Chandlers became linked with that family of faith for the next seventeen years. Historical records of the Montrose Church of Christ reveal William Chandler (horticulturalist) as a Trustee of Montrose's Building Committee in the first decade of the twentieth century, along with John Maguire (farmer, Bayswater) and Henry Rupert Chandler (fruit grower, Mooroolbark), among others. H. R. Chandler was a deacon from 1906 to the early 1920s and treasurer from 1905 to 1920, and John Maguire is listed as a deacon for 1908-1912-1914. E. Chandler was an organist in Montrose's early years. Gilbert Chandler left for America to train as an evangelist at the Johnston Bible College, returning in 1911 (coincidentally the year of Hugh Gilmour's death) to conduct missions at Croydon, Colac and Geelong. Later in that decade he went to Sydney where ill-health resulted in a return to Melbourne and a ministry at Ringwood.

The railway line was extended from Ringwood to Upper Ferntree Gully in 1889 and accelerated settlement but Boronia, with a district population of about fifty, had to wait until 1920 for a railway station to be provided. That event, however, stimulated members of the Montrose Church of Christ who lived in the Boronia-Basin area to consider seriously the need to establish Boronia's first Church of Christ . . . and Boronia's first Church.

John and Louisa Maguire hosted a meeting at their home of February 28th, 1921 to discuss the establishment of that Church of Christ in Boronia. Although no Minutes were recorded for that meeting, and no list of attendees survives, enthusiasm must have been high. Just over a week later, on March 8th 1921, a second meeting took place at Bert Chandler's home, attended by Mrs Badger, Mr E. R. Batterham, Mr and Mrs Bert Chandler, Gilbert Chandler, Mr and Mrs H. R. [1] Chandler, Frank Goodwin, John Maguire and W. Salmon. This time, Minutes were recorded by John Maguire, and it is clear from his record that the earlier meeting had discussed acquisition of land and the erection of a sign. The reader can also sense, from the Minutes below, the enthusiasm of this pioneer group to get plans moving quickly.

No time was wasted! Within nine days of that first official meeting the hymn books had arrived, a tent had been borrowed for Sunday meetings, and duplex envelopes and debentures had been organised. (The hymn books were soon to be returned, and replaced with 50 copies of Sankey's 1200 Word Edition hymn books.) These details were recorded on 17th March, 1921, in the neat copperplate writing of John Maguire who could, for the first time officially, head his Minutes as "Minutes of meeting of the Boronia Church of Christ ". And those at this meeting resolved to conduct the first Gospel (evening) Service on the following Sunday, in addition to the planned morning service.

Sunday, March 20th, 1921 was also the day the first Sunday School commenced. Scholars met at 9.45 a.m., before the Church service. One class gathered in the tent, loaned by the North Fitzroy Church, which was erected a little to the west of the present Church site. Another met in Chandler's covered wagon. The kindergarten class met in the large box in which the tent had been transported. Gilbert Chandler was the first Superintendent of the Sunday School and the teachers were E. R. Batterham, E. W. Chandler, H. R. Chandler and J. Maguire.

The first Sunday School scholars were Ada Jean Chandler, Allan Chandler, Arthur Chandler, Ethel Chandler, Fergus Chandler, Geoff Chandler, Gordon Chandler, Hazel Chandler, Keith Chandler, Mary Chandler, Phyllis Clissild, Coral Edmonds, Myrtle Edmonds, Jean Girwin, Eric Goodwin, Ivy Goodwin, Marjory Goodwin, Winnie Goodwin, Connie Hand, Millie Hand, Minnie Hand, Nellie Hand, Les Leeman, Essie Maguire, Laurie Maguire, Marjory Page, Madge Stewart and Mary Wright.

The Foundation Members of Boronia at the Church service which followed in the tent were:--Mr E. R. Batterham, Mr Bert Chandler, Mr Gilbert Chandler, Mr H. R. Chandler, Mr Hugh Chandler, Miss K. Chandler, Miss Ada Gilmour, Mr and Mrs Frank Goodwin, Mr and Mrs John Maguire, and Mr Salmon. (Mr Warden seems to have joined the group on April 4th.)

Gilbert Chandler presided and Frank Goodwin, one of the first students at the College of the Bible, preached. The preacher at the evening service was Elliott Arnold.

A Montrose Church informant to "The Christian" informed its readers early in 1921:--

"A great forward move has been made in the setting up of a new cause at Boronia. About 20 Montrose members, with about 10 other members who live near Boronia, met for the first time on Sunday, March 20, when splendid meetings were held, and a fine Sunday School was organised. This is a fine opening, and the prospect of a strong church being built up is excellent. Another strong point in their favor is that they are the first people to hold religious services in this growing centre. The prayer of the parent church is that her offspring may be abundantly blessed of God. Though weakened by the removal of many useful and faithful brethren, the brethren who are left are full of hope for the future."

And from the fledgling Church itself, Secretary John Maguire informed the readers of "The Christian":--

"We have started with a membership of 25, and have heard of others who are likely to join us." [3]

A block of land has been purchased on the main road, within two minutes' walk of Boronia Railway Station, and we intend to have a building erected at an early date . . . There are religious meetings held within two miles, and that is the Church of England at Lower Fern Tree Gully. We are five miles from Montrose, and three from Bayswater. This is quite a new district, Boronia is a new station opened last May, between Lower Fern Tree Gully and Bayswater."

The first organ used was a portable one, owned by Mrs F. Goodwin, transported in Ha Chandler's wagon to the morning services, and returned the same way after the Gospel service Mrs Jessie Chandler was the first organist.

Funding for the building, as indicated by the first Minutes, was to be raised by debentures. The were 100 of these at five pounds ($10.00) each. Gilbert Chandler, appointed to oversee the sale of these debentures, arranged to advertise their issue through "The Christian", enabling of churches to participate with financial support.

Donations, loans, special offerings and fund-raising efforts were all means of adding to the building fund.

Records reveal that by early April, Lot 17 had been purchased for the Church at 31 shilling ($3.10) per foot, in place of Lots 13 and 14. Those two Lots had proved unsuitable because of the difficulty of access. (In those days, Boronia Road lay in a deep cutting through the hill.) One pound ($2.00) had been paid as a preliminary deposit on Lot 17, with nine pounds ($18.00) more being required to make the purchase complete. Eight pounds ($16.00) of the ten pound ($20.00 total was subscribed on the spot at that April 8th meeting. It was agreed that Lots 13 and 14 were to be put on the market for immediate sale at one pound, five shillings ($2.50) per foot. And Bro. Warden undertook to have a calico sign erected on the Church site.

It appears that Lots 13 and 14 were owned by Wref Chandler. Records of 17th May show that he was willing to take the two blocks back, so this was agreed to. (These are the blocks which eventually became the property of Laurie Maguire in 1925, and which operate today as "Hillstop", an outreach venue for our Church.) It is presumed that a Mrs Jones owned Lot 16 and exchanged it for Lot 15 which belonged to the church. Twenty or so years later the church again acquired Lot 15 for 27/6d ($2.75) per foot.

At the May 17th Business Meeting of the Church, it was resolved to ask the Home Mission Committee for the release of Gilbert Chandler from his obligation at Ringwood Church of Christ, to take up the position of minister at Boronia. (Gilbert and Frank Goodwin, to this point, had shared the responsibility of preaching on Sundays.) This request seems to have been acceded to, for by November 1921, G. E. Chandler was recorded as our preacher and he was offered thirty shillings ($3.00) a week for 3 months to continue, with his salary to be re-negotiated at that time.

Meanwhile, plans for the first permanent building were proceeding. Gilbert Chandler and John Maguire met with Northcote draftsman, Mr Timms, to draw up plans for the chapel because North Fitzroy Church needed its tent. Initial drawings and specifications for the first structure were rejected as unsuitable and a discussion was arranged with Mr Dawes regarding alterations. A further delay in construction was decided upon, in anticipation of a fall in the cost of building materials, according to the minutes of the May meeting. [4]

As the next Minutes were recorded on November 23rd, 1921 "in the Church Building", it is clear that much had occurred in the interim. The first confessions of faith had been witnessed in the tent church. Laurie Maguire's confession was made at the very first service and, in the absence of a baptistery, he was baptised at Bayswater. Our pioneers were forced to proceed with the construction of the vestry first, to accommodate them at meetings. It seems that a vestry was built over a two-week period, so that the tent could be returned to North Fitzroy. The vestry, measuring 28 feet by 12 feet, served as both Church and Sunday School for about three months. The three Sunday School classes were apparently separated by dividing curtains. An offer by Mrs Jones (presumably the Mrs Jones who had exchanged Lot 15 for Lot 16) of the use of her organ in place of the portable one was taken up, but because it was large and space was limited, she took it back, and was officially thanked in August of 1922. It was while our people worshipped in the vestry that Gordon Chandler made his confession of faith, responding to the challenge issued by his uncle Gilbert Chandler, and his baptism followed at Montrose church.

A committee consisting of Bert Chandler, Gilbert Chandler, Harry Chandler, Frank Goodwin and John Maguire toured Melbourne suburbs by car, examining various Church structures in order to find one that suited the needs of the Boronia members. When a decision was finally reached, it was a unique design (until copied and adapted by the Balwyn Church of Christ).

It is recorded that the appointed builder was Mr Gall (or Dally). Roy Langley and John Maguire completed the preliminary site-work. Stumps for the chapel were cut on John Maguire's land.

Most of the building supplies had to be transported from the goods siding at Bayswater railway station, usually in H. R. Chandler's truck. Road bridges over creeks and culverts were narrow, and loads were often wide. The frame for the chapel's front window had to be lifted each time a bridge was crossed. The same procedure would be needed to deliver the long church seats to the chapel.

An invitation appeared in "The Australian Christian" in August or September 1921, as follows:

"Boronia Church of Christ.

A working bee for the erection of the church building will be held Show Day Sept. 22nd. Carpenters, plumbers, painters and general hands are needed. Meals provided. Trains leave Flinders St. at 5.50 a.m., 8.25 a.m., and 1 p.m. Come and spend a day where the boronia and daffodils bloom, and help the baby church of the brotherhood. Bring tools."

A paragraph item in the "Christian" about the same time stated:--

"The new chapel at Boronia, Vic., is to be erected on Show Day, Sept. 22. The church there will greatly appreciate help from city brethren. Carpenters, painters, plumbers and general hands are needed. The site is a few minutes' walk from the station, and right in the vicinity of the largest boronia and daffodil farm in Australia. A glorious day's outing is promised to all who assist."

The response was sufficient to ensure the erection of the chapel in two days; but the finishing touches took place over the following weeks and months, largely by volunteers. "Titch" Fordham and Mr Woodbridge did the painting. Laurie Maguire and Gordon Chandler were among those who worked on the kauri ceiling. Tiling of the roof was done by Mr Gerrand. [5]

A subsequent report in "The Christian" announced:--

"The church at Boronia held a successful working bee on Sept. 22 when an effort was made to finish the building. Although this end was not accomplished, a great amount of work was done. Another effort will be made Saturday, October 15, when it is hope to complete the building. Thanks are extended to all brethren and friends who assisted to make the day a success; also to Sister Jones of Malvern Bro. and Sister Mahony, Surrey Hills, and to Lygon St. Sunday School, for excellent gifts of furniture for the building. Mrs Jones also donated two silver communion plates."

In an October edition of "The Christian" the Brotherhood noted:--

"J. Maguire writes: 'Members of sister churches are cordially invited to the opening services connection with the new building at Boronia, Vic., on Sunday, Oct. 30, at 11.30 a.m., 3 p.m., 7. James E. Thomas will speak morning and afternoon. Services continue on Nov. 2, at 8 p.m. On Sunday a train from the city reaches Boronia in time for the morning meeting. Dinner and will be provided for those coming from a distance. Thanks are extended to all the brethren have from time to time come along and assisted us in the erection of the building'."

So the chapel was sufficiently complete to be opened officially on October 30th, 1921 by Ja. E. Thomas in front of 200 people. Platform furniture was donated by the members of Lygon Street and Swanston Street Churches of Christ. The first pulpit, partly constructed from a blackwood tree felled on Bert Chandler's property, had been assembled by sixteen year old Laurie Maguire.

Among the 200 present on that special day were the following Boronia members:--Mrs Badger, Mr and Mrs E. R. Batterham, Mr and Mrs Bert Chandler, Mr C. Chandler, Mrs E. W. Chandler Mr and Mrs Gilbert Chandler, Gordon Chandler, Mr and Mrs H. R. Chandler, Mr Hugh Chandler Miss K. Chandler (Snr.), Miss Kitty Chandler, Miss Lal Chandler, Miss Ada Gilmour, Gilmour, Mr and Mrs Frank Goodwin, Mr and Mrs John Maguire, Laurie Maguire, Mr Salmon and Mr and Mrs Warden. (Some accounts add the following names:--Mr and Mrs J. J. Batterham, Mr W. Chandler, Mr and Mrs Treharne, and Mrs Watson.)

"The Christian" reported the event thus:--

"Opening services of the Boronia church were well attended on Oct. 30. At the morning meeting Bro. Moysey presided, and Bro. J. E. Thomas exhorted. Many visitors from sister church attended. At the afternoon service Bro. Thomas spoke again, when the seating capacity of building was taxed to its utmost. A collection of £5 was taken for the famine-stricken countries of Europe. Bro. Gilbert Chandler gave a fine address at the gospel service. On Wednesday, No 2, at the public meeting Bren. Thomas, Blakemore and Bagley were the speakers, and solos recitations, etc., were given by visiting friends. In addition to the many gifts received, the char was on this occasion presented with a handsome clock by one of the visitors. Thanks extended to all. Nov. 6, good meetings morning and evening. Bro. Goodwin spoke in morning, and Bro. Gilbert Chandler at night."

An illustrated description of the Brotherhood's new church at around the same time said:--

"Fronting main road, within three minutes of Boronia Railway Station. Main building, 36 ft. by 28 ft. Principal roof lined with 3 in. V-jointed kauri. Walls of 7 ft. dado in 3 in. V-jointed kauri with fibro-plaster sheets, finished in red pine. Vestry, 12 ft. by 28 ft., divided into three classrooms. [6] Two porches, 9 ft. by 9 ft., fitted up as class-rooms also. The main building will seat 120, but on the opening day it was taxed to its utmost, over 200 being present."

Lighting for the Gospel Services and other evening meetings was provided by a pressure petrol system with the cylinder outside the chapel. If the lights began to fade, someone would hurry outside to pump petrol through the copper pipes to the lamps. On more than one occasion, according to Gordon Chandler, it was even necessary to sprint down to Vere Page's Garage to obtain more petrol!

At the second morning worship service the following Sunday, Gilbert Chandler presided and Frank Goodwin was again the speaker. At the Gospel Service that evening a young student minister, Roy Arnold, delivered the Message. Essie Maguire (who became Essie Bird) responded to his invitation and confessed her faith in her Lord at that meeting.

The first Annual General Meeting of the Boronia Church of Christ took place on February 18, 1922. It was revealed that there had been four additions to the church family during the year--two by faith and baptism, the other two being baptised believers who had transferred in.

The Sunday School now had thirty-six scholars, with an average attendance of twenty-seven.

The ladies of the church had been busy, raising the equivalent of $45.50 towards the cost of lighting, estimated to be thirty-sir pounds (or $72.00).

By this stage, too, the baptistery had been constructed and Bro. Dale was to be officially thanked for his work in that task. However much "finishing work" was required in the chapel, and a Tuesday in March was nominated "where as many as possible were asked to come along and assist".

Plans were made for the first Sunday School Anniversary, to be held on April 9th and 11th, 1922. E. R. Batterham and Mrs B. Chandler were asked to train the children for the occasion. It was hoped that a "note offering" during the morning service would help to liquidate the debt on the building. Bro. Thomas was to be approached to speak at the morning service, and Bro. T. R. Morris to preach in the afternoon. For the following Tuesday, Bros. Mahony and Blakemore were to be invited to speak. Everyone who had assisted with the construction of the Church was to receive a personal written invitation to celebrate the first Anniversary.

In the latter half of 1922, Gilbert Chandler left for the United States, and the business meeting of 30th August that year decided "that an effort be made to recognize the work of Bro. Gilbert Chandler with the Church before his departure for America." His contribution in terms of both time and talent were certainly pivotal throughout the initial process of Boronia Church's development.

In April, 1923 a special meeting was called to consider the purchase of a new Church organ. There must have been a second-hand one purchased, used in the months after Mrs Jones took hers back, and it must have been a bit unreliable, because the Minutes reveal it was sold to Mr Kilner for five pounds ($10.00). A committee of ladies, "Sisters Ellis, Bert Chandler and Maguire were appointed to purchase same, with power to add". Thirty pounds ($60.00) in loans were promised at the meeting towards the purchase which, in addition to the five pounds ($10.00) from the sale of the old one, got the project under way. By the February 1924 Annual Meeting it was reported that a new organ had been bought "with the assistance of the sisters" for sixty-five pounds ($130.00). The meeting also rejoiced in the addition of nine new members over the previous twelve months. Evening classes were planned to train the "younger brethren" for church-work and "a night in the month nearest the full moon (was) chosen on which to make a start."

A Sisters' Auxiliary was formed at a meeting in the chapel on Saturday afternoon, June 16th, 1923--the forerunner of "Women's Work" at Boronia. President was Mrs H. Chandler and Miss P. Niven was Secretary-Treasurer. Others present at the meeting were Mrs E. R. Batterham, Mrs Bert Chandler, Miss K. Chandler, Miss L. Chandler, Miss N. Ellis, Miss Gilmour, Mrs John [8] Maguire and Mrs Warden. A week later the name Boronia Church of Christ Sisters' Auxiliary was formerly adopted, and weekly house meetings were decided upon, with members paying a fee of one shilling (ten cents) per month. Mrs Birdsey's and Mrs Jones' names were added to the list of members.

Older readers will remember the cypress hedge on Boronia Road and the Allandale Road side of the first chapel. The women of the Church donated the trees, which were to provide shade on the eastern side and reduce the dust from unmade Allandale Road. This was noted at the July 2nd, 1924 meeting. Plans were being made to form a tennis club and Mr Alexander of Belgrave offered to sell his block opposite the church for a tennis court at 25 shillings ($2.50) a foot. A fortnight later, it appears that the opportunity to buy the block next to the church was taken up instead at the price of 27/6d ($2.75) per foot.

Church growth was on the agenda at the end of that year when planning for a November mission reached its climax. A. E. Hurren was to lead the Mission. One hundred Alexander Hymn Books were to be purchased and 500 leaflets printed to advertise the event in the Boronia community, along with a calico sign to be hung outside the church.

It seems that the petrol pressure driven lighting system was superseded by electric lighting by the Annual General Meeting of 1927 as "it was decided to leave the matter of the disposal of the lighting system in the hands of the secretary."

In addition to the Sunday School and the Sisters' Auxiliary, by the end of the twenties there was an active Christian Endeavour group, a Phi Beta Pi group for girls with 18 enrolled, a Kappa Sigma Pi group for boys with a membership of 21, and a keen tennis club which was permitted to install a cupboard under the church in which to store tennis requisites.

Among those added to the community of faith at Boronia in the twenties was Vic Burden by faith and baptism on August 19th, 1928. Vic was to marry Ivy Goodwin, and this couple gave devoted service to their church for another seven decades. Two interesting news cuttings of 1929, from sources unknown, are in our Church's archives. The first, headed "Going To Church" said:--

"Hawthorn's officials and players will be motored to Frankston in cars provided by supporters on Sunday. Afternoon tea has been arranged. The Party will return about 5.30 p.m. On the following Sunday evening August 11th a party of between 60 and 70 will motor to Boronia to attend a church service conducted by the Rev. E. L. Williams, one of Hawthorn's most popular players."

A more detailed report, by an unknown contributor under the heading "Boronia Notes", stated:--

"On Sunday evening last, more than 70 players and officials of the Hawthorn Football Club visited the Boronia Church of Christ to attend the service conducted by the Rev. E. L. Williams (Lyall), who pleases the club's supporters by his clean, vigorous methods on the wing in League football. The church, although one of the largest in the district, could hardly accommodate the crowd, full proof of this preacher's popularity both in the district and with the Hawthorn club. [9]

It is not a usual practice to take up a collection at the evening service at this church, but at the request of the Hawthorn visitors it was done, and a record in contributions will be forwarded to the City Mission.

In a special sermon, Mr Williams said that the game of life involved all the rules known in other games. There was a decision at the beginning to take the right from the wrong path. Then there was the goal, which was to be found only in Christ. 'We must show determination from the start until the end of the contest,' he said. 'It is not merely putting a ball between two goal posts that gives us joy. We find joy when we put the ball there in the face of opposition. In the game of life it is victory over opposition that makes the game worthwhile'."

1938--We were recovering from Depression and heading for World War Two. The ministry term of Lloyd Read saw this brochure distributed to advertise June and July meetings. [10]

Sister-Church co-operation had been evident as early as 1926, when the assistance of Salvation Army Major Stevens in providing a truck for transport to the Sunday School Picnic was acknowledged at the annual Church meeting. In February 1930, Rowley Batterham urged the Church to consider joining the other Boronia Churches for a combined meeting on Easter Sunday morning, and he and John Maguire were delegated to approach the other Churches involved to plan the event. Thus began a long tradition of ecumenical activity, which remains to the present day.

Edwin "Eddie" Bird had joined the congregation by faith and baptism in 1927 at the age of eighteen--the first person to respond to E. L. Williams' invitation to do so. Eddie worked for the musical company, "Suttons", and as a piano tuner he maintained the church's pianos and organs from 1930, eliminating the need for "Allan's to send out a man to thoroughly overhaul the organ" from that year onwards. 1930 was also the year that a "Young Worshippers' League" was formed, run by the Sunday School executive. An issue raised in that year concerned the version of the Bible to be read from the pulpit and it was agreed that any version could be used, provided that the Reader indicated the version he (never "she") was using before beginning the Reading.

The eastern suburban Churches of Christ planned their first Eastern District Conference in 1930, and delegates were sought from Boronia to join the Croydon, Montrose and Ringwood brothers and sisters. H. R. Chandler and E. R. Batterham were appointed to the role.

The tenth anniversary of the Boronia Church was celebrated in 1931, but statistics relating to Church growth were not supplied in the Minutes of the annual meeting. The Depression was starting to bite more severely that year, and a suggestion was made that money for Sunday School prizes be donated instead "to the relief of distress." However it was decided to present prizes as usual. Nevertheless the Church community worked conscientiously to raise funds to aid those suffering through unemployment during those times and extra offerings were frequently taken up for that purpose. At the 1931 Sunday School Anniversary a trio of males--Don Maguire, Les Goodwin and Alan Smith--rendered an "outstanding item", 'Oh How He Loved'.

Fortnightly Bible Classes on Wednesdays began in 1931, with H. R. Chandler as organiser and for the first time communion was provided at the Sunday evening Gospel services for those who had been unable to attend the morning services.

The financial hardships of the nation were felt close to home, as Student Minister A.O. Baker was informed by letter that the church was unable to pay him, and would have to dispense with his services. Bro. Baker responded by letter, saying he would work free of charge, apart from the cost of his rail ticket--2/9d (29 cents). The special meeting of members, which discussed this request, must have been impressed by his diligence and self-sacrifice, because they resolved to keep him on until the end of the College year AND to pay a salary of 15 shillings ($1.50).

Percy Jordan was received into membership by transfer from Gardiner Church, and was to be an active participant in many Church activities, including a stint from 1941 to 1960 as Sunday School Superintendent and long membership of the Officers' Board as deacon and elder. [11]

In 1932 the E.S. and A bank at Ringwood sent a letter demanding payment by the end of June of 17 pounds, 6 shillings and 8 pence ($34.68) interest due on the church's overdraft. A reply was to indicate to the bank manager that this demand was impossible to meet at that time, but that the church would honour its obligation as soon as possible. The bank's call for debt reduction was to be repeated in 1933.

The AGM of February 1932 showed a membership of seventy-one, and active youth groups for boys and girls. Arrangements were made for the Sunday School scholars to provide a "Demonstration" at the Boronia Progress Hall, with an offering to be taken for the alleviation of distress in the Boronia and Basin district through the Ferntree Gully Aid Society.

The aim for the Anniversary that year was to have every member present. In mid-1932, Bible Studies and Prayer Meetings had ceased to operate and a survey of the congregation was being undertaken to assess the viability of making a fresh start with those activities.

Comfort was coming to the baptistry! Proposals were being made to heat the water.

Sunday sport in the Shire of Ferntree Gully was an issue which saw the church opposing an application for that purpose in 1933.

The members also responded to a call from the Melbourne City Mission in that year, raising two pounds, twelve shillings ($3.20) through voluntary giving to help with the Mission's work among Melbourne's poor and needy.

Economic and social pressures brought on by the Depression continued to be felt and Bro. Will Clay in 1934 appealed for the help of Churches of Christ for Social Service work. Brotherhood funds for the relief of the poor had been depleted because victims of severe floods had also required assistance. The sum of 2/6d (25 cents) per week was promised from our church funds for this purpose, and in addition the women of the church decided to forward second-hand clothing and footwear, etc towards the needs of the Social Service Department of the Brotherhood.

Sister Olive Dent, who was to become Olive Goodwin, was admitted to the fellowship at Boronia by faith and baptism on May 27th 1934. Vic Burden was asked to oversee the installation of a tank and tank-stand with volunteer workers at that meeting.

In 1935 a piano fund began and all auxiliaries were urged to raise money for this purpose. KSP donated one pound ($2.00). At the quarterly meeting in May that year, recognition was given of the continuous service of Bro. H. R. Chandler as Sunday School Superintendent from 1921 when he took over from Gilbert Chandler in the church's first year.

Major maintenance and repairs to the Church building and furniture were carried out in 1935 under Vic Burden's guidance. Some were at the instigation of the Health Department. Others, such as the white-ant affected floor of the vestry, were out of urgency. (Someone's foot went through the floor of the vestry!)

Balwyn Church--the one that copied our chapel design--asked in August, 1935, for the use of our property for their Sunday School picnic, planned for Cup Day. They were informed that the [12] grounds and vestry were available "but on no consideration would we allow the Chapel to be used."

A social event was organised in 1935, to celebrate the forthcoming marriage of Eddie Bird and Essie Maguire.

The AGM of 1936 noted a membership of 83. Minister was College student Tom Bate. The Sisters' Auxiliary had raised the equivalent of $45.40 over the previous twelve months--a significant effort in times of such financial hardship. Brethren were encouraged to add their names to those rostered to greet visitors at the door on Sunday mornings. Special offering for the Building Fund was planned for the 15th Anniversary celebrations on March 22nd.

At the mid-year Quarterly Meeting, the first mention appears of regular Officers' meetings. To that point all interested members--officers and others--had met together. Henceforth, Officers would meet on the last Thursday of most months. (This was shortly after altered to Mondays.) Quarterly Church meetings for the congregation still continued, however.

Mrs Treharne made a generous gift of a piano to the Church in 1936. (Still in use.)

A presentation was made to Madge Stewart prior to her marriage to Len Dobson. The approaching marriage of Ivy Goodwin and Vic Burden was recognised in a similar way.

Plans were discussed to erect an advertising board on the platform of Boronia railway station to draw the community's attention to Church services.

It was resolved at the 1937 AGM to charge a fee of five shillings (fifty cents) for Church weddings. This year saw Kate Jordan replace Miss Niven in the role of Chaplain of the Phi Beta club. Rowley Batterham also resigned as Chaplain of the Kappa club, a role he had filled since its inception. It appears that church finances were low at the end of the year, for Perc Jordan and John Maguire were asked to draft a letter to all members, setting forth their "financial moral and spiritual obligations".

Inquiries were being made for a suitable preacher from interstate for the church in 1938. A proposal for Church volunteers to visit the Boronia community house-to-house was suggested by Bro. Herb Finger at the AGM, to distribute leaflets outlining the work of the church and invite people to attend the Sunday Gospel services. Included with the information distributed would be 150 pamphlets written by Churches of Christ identity A. R. Main, Principal of the Churches of Christ College of the Bible. Mrs Treharne was thanked for donating an organ to the church at the May quarterly meeting.

A mission was planned for the end of the year. It is not clear from our documents whether this eventuated, for at year's end it was suggested that Bro. Scambler be contacted regarding holding a "Spiritual Rally" some time in the New Year. Christmas services were to be advertised in the Melbourne "Argus" and "Age" newspapers, as well as the "Christian."

Nesting sparrows were a problem in the tower and the vestry, and bird-wire was installed to keep them out.

January, 1939 saw bushfires ravage Victoria. Many church members, including Laurie and Don [13] Maguire, were involved in fire-fighting. The church community responded to a Bushfire Relief Appeal from the Brotherhood's Will Clay, with a donation of eight pounds, one shilling ($16.10).

On Saturday evening, June 3rd, a presentation was made to Gordon Chandler and Hilda Christie at a concert and social evening to celebrate their approaching marriage.

With the outbreak of World War Two in September, 1939 the issue of conscientious objection to military service was circulating through Churches of Christ. Boronia CWA Branch was granted permission to use the church building to hold first-aid classes.

Rowley Batterham and John Maguire were our church representatives at a public meeting in February, 1940 in connection with a civic farewell for local servicemen.

In late 1939, a planning meeting took place to prepare for a Mission in March 1940. The proposed venue was the Boronia picture theatre. A letterbox drop was suggested to advertise the event and more than fifteen pounds ($30.00) was subscribed in advance towards the expenses.

The site for the 1940 Mission was changed to the Boronia Progress Hall. The event was advertised on the railway station, by a "slide" on the screen at Boronia's "Electra" picture theatre, through 500 leaflets, posters in shop windows, and a large calico sign.

An attempt was made in 1940 to revive the tennis club. As there were now three halls available for hire in the town of Boronia, it was agreed that use of the church would be refused, except for church purposes.

1941--our 20th Anniversary year--saw the church being urged to support the Chaplains' Committee in its work in the military camps. Eric Goodwin resigned as Sunday School Secretary because he was leaving the district. Cyril Finger was asked to take up the position. A social and presentation were organised for Saturday, July 19th to celebrate the imminent marriage of Eric Goodwin and Olive Dent. The church presented them with a clock, which Olive still has. Vic Burden also resigned as Sunday School Superintendent and Percy Jordan accepted that position in his place--a role he continued until 1960.

The Shire Council was asked to provide a street light on the corner of Boronia and Allandale Roads and responded that this would be done.

1941 was also John Maguire's last year as church secretary--20 years' service! His replacement was Vic Burden.

At the AGM of the Church's twenty-first year, 1942, the officers were requested to arrange for the blacking-out of the building. Wartime Government regulations introduced lighting restrictions in 1942 as an air-raid precaution. One practice blackout actually occurred during the AGM. There was an unpopular proposal to suspend evening Gospel services through the winter months, because of the lighting restrictions. Instead, winter "evening" services were to commence at 4.00 p.m. from May 3rd, on a vote by the congregation. Gospel services were to be suspended during July and August of that year, but that motion was rescinded.

Average Church attendances throughout 1942 were recorded as 42 in the morning and 28 in the evening. [14]

Negotiations took place with the Properties Corporation of Churches of Christ on transfer of trusteeship of the property of the Boronia Church to the Corporation. After further discussion during the year, it was agreed that trusteeship would be transferred on February 25th, 1943.

At an Officers' Meeting on April 15th, 1943 a motion was proposed by G. Chandler and H. Finger "that a letter be sent to Bro. Gilbert Chandler" (in America)--who called the first meeting to establish the Church at Boronia--"advising him that the building was now free of debt" . . . at last! Four electric radiators for heating the Church, and improved heating of the water for the baptistry, were proposed in that year.

At the August quarterly meeting, author Mary Grant Bruce was to be approached to be Sunday School Anniversary speaker for the following year.

The position of "Comforts Officer" to coordinate contact with Church members serving in the armed forces was proposed and Eddie Bird appointed to the role in October, 1943. Regular letter-writing and distribution of parcels through the women's auxiliaries resulted.

An "Announcement Sheet"--to become known as the "Messenger"--was suggested and adopted, and a duplicator was to be purchased to print it.

Bushfires in the summer of 1944 prompted a special offering for the Church of Christ Bushfire Relief Appeal on Sunday 13th February.

At the Officers' Meeting of January, 1944, for the first time it was proposed that nominations for positions on the Officers' Board be in writing on an official Nomination Form, signed by the nominator and nominee. Nomination Forms were to be placed in the hands of the Secretary on the Sunday prior to future Annual Meetings. At the following AGM on 2nd March, the following were elected to office:--

Secretary: Vic Burden.
Treasurer: Gordon Chandler.
Deacons: Perc Jordan, Eddie Bird, R. H. Chandler.
(Continuing Deacons from previous year: John Maguire, Rowley Batterham, Herb Finger).
Organist: Ivy Burden.
Assistant Organists: Essie Bird and J. McGreggor.
Pianist: Mrs Finger.
Song Leader: I. Barber.
Assistant Song Leader: Rowley Batterham.
Reporter to "Christian": Eddie Bird.
Auditors: Sister Niven and Bert Chandler.
Record-keeper: Cyril Finger.
Delegates to General Conference: E. L. Williams, Perc Jordan.
Delegates to Local Conference: H. R. Chandler, E. L. Williams and Herb Finger.
Sunday School Superintendent: Perc Jordan.
Sunday School Secretary: Cyril Finger.

Casualties of war were felt throughout the nation, the Boronia area, and our church. The church family mourned the death in January 1944 of Eric Goodwin, husband of Olive, who was killed in action in New Guinea. Eric had been a member of the Christian Endeavour Society and the Kappa Sigma Pi group at Boronia. He was Sunday School record-keeper and Secretary. Lyall Williams wrote of him:--"His quiet faithfulness and steady resolution impressed all who knew him. His [15] kindly disposition and general character won the love of others and exerted a real influence over other young men of the church." In the war years, four Goodwin boys, two Dinsdale boys, John Chandler, Don Maguire and two Batterham girls (nurses) among our early Church folk served their country.

There were moves mid-year to purchase the block of land on the opposite corner of Allandale and Boronia Roads, or one in Floriston Avenue, for a future manse. The Properties Corporation was approached for a possible loan. Local Estate Agent Vere Page was to be approached by John Maguire, with regard to available blocks of land in the area. In October the block of land adjoining the tennis court (now the Church car park) became available, and it was agreed that 110 pounds ($220) be offered for it.

Suggestions for a special "Growth Mission" were considered but there were problems with transport, no doubt because of petrol rationing.

It was moved that Ron Graham become the first full-time minister of our Church at the AGM in 1945. It was also moved that one hundred pounds ($200) be offered for the block of land on the opposite corner of Allandale Road.

The community of Boronia rejoiced as the news came through in May that the war in Europe was over.

A social evening to welcome Mr and Mrs Graham was organised for July 11th, 1945, prior to the induction of Mr Graham as new preacher on July 15th, and plans were being developed for the construction of a manse although at that stage a block of land had still not been purchased. Bros. Finger, Laurie Maguire and Vic Burden were asked to act as the supervisory committee for the construction of the manse.

At the Board meeting in mid-August, Mr Graham reported the arrangements being made for a combined Churches Thanksgiving Service in the Electra Picture Theatre, Boronia, on "V. P. (Victory in the Pacific) Day." World War Two was over!

The latest suggestion for a site to build the manse was the block next to the church tennis court, and it was further suggested that the manse be built in brick veneer. The quality and availability of building materials during times of rationing, however, necessitated a "re-think", and it was decided to build a "temporary" manse. But it was not to be the block to the west of the tennis court (now the car park).

Also on the agenda were plans for the 25th Anniversary of the church to be held on 17th March, 1946, and the formation of a Church Men's Society. The Anniversary celebrations were to be preceded by a series of "special services." Then there were to be three meetings--one on Sunday 17th, a Children's Tea on Monday 18th March, and a Fellowship Meeting on Thursday 21st March.

The possibility of acquiring the recreation hall at Park Orchards Army Camp was discussed and it was agreed that it was suitable for Sunday School, kindergarten and other youth work. The hall was 72 feet long and 36 feet wide. Cost was 360 pounds ($720), with removal expenses adding 600 pounds ($1200), including cutting the hall into sections for removal to Boronia and reassembling it on site. It was transported in six sections. After additional unavoidable costs, and a [16] Government subsidy of 1000 pounds towards the extension of the hall the final cost was about 1000 pounds ($2000), but the value was estimated at 4000-5000 pounds ($8000-$10 000).

The erection of the hall was to take pressure off the church building and vestry, and to provide urgently needed accommodation for the expanding Sunday School and youth auxiliaries. [17]

The decades immediately after the Second World War saw unprecedented change in the Boronia district. What had been a small semi-rural town of a few hundred people began to expand. The dairy farmlands, orchards and flower farms began to disappear from the map, to be replaced by "suburbia". For better or worse? Those who knew both still can't agree, and those who know no other "Boronia" are glad to have the Blue Dandenongs and the gum trees nearby.

But what of our "Church on the Hill?" The increase in population provided scope for growth and for witness, and the opportunities were grasped from the outset. Meanwhile the elected Officers were attending to decisions minor and major.

The opening of the new Church tennis court was set for February 2nd 1946 and a meeting was to take place the following week to form a Church tennis club.

The Annual General Meeting on February 25th was interrupted by a power failure soon after commencement, and had to be re-scheduled to March 5th where statistics revealed an average morning attendance at worship of 46.6 (with 40 communicants), and an average evening attendance of 35.6 (with 6.5 communicants). The Sunday School roll had 58 scholars, including 25 in kindergarten (the "Baby Boomers" had arrived!). Average attendance at Sunday School was 46.

1946 saw the twenty-fifth anniversary of our Church. The approaching Silver Anniversary of the church was to be publicised in "Fern Tree Gully News". Ron Graham, our minister stated in the new "Messenger":--

"Having in mind that more than sentimental recollection is the need of the hour, and that to guarantee the Church's tomorrow we must give our today, believing great things and expecting great things, the aim for the Thanksgiving Offering is set at £250 ($500). Each member's planning for this offering ought to be motivated by some such ambition as this; My utmost for the Highest."

(They passed the target!)

It was moved that the purchase price of the manse block be recorded in the Minutes, and this was immediately done--seventy pounds ($140) plus costs. The site was 53 Boronia Road, a few doors up from the Allandale Road corner block, which had been preferred. 100 pounds ($200) was the asking price for that block, but Government orders determined that, as it had only been purchased by its owner for 50 pounds ($100), it could be sold for no more than 60 pounds ($120) and the church refused to be a part of a "Black Market deal." The manse was finally erected in 1946, after the hall was basically finished. The total cost of the manse was hard to calculate, as materials left over from the hall were used on the manse, and materials not wanted for the manse were used on the hall. However the estimated cost of the manse and land was 1250 pounds ($2500). Loans from Church members amounted to 750 pounds ($1500), and voluntary working bees thereafter maintained the property. Mr and Mrs Stewart (Madge Dobson's parents) were officially thanked by the Officers' Board in August, 1946 for accommodating the preacher and his wife while the manse was under construction. Mr and Mrs Ron Graham took up residence in October.

Arrangements were discussed to hold communion in the homes of aged and invalid members once in three months. [18]

The AGM in early 1947 noted the construction of Chandler Park under way at the northern end of Allandale Road and requested that Mr Bird watch the progress of the work and report to future meetings.

It seems that restrictions to electricity supply were in place in 1947, but the State Electricity Commission informed the Officers by letter that radiators may be used on Sundays during Services. Several visiting artists were anticipated at a "Musicale" Evening arranged by Eddie Bird for Friday, September 19th, 1947. The "Food For Britain" campaign was a cause supported by the Church through a collection box at the Church door.

H. R. "Harry" Chandler was appointed "Officer Emeritus" with the unanimous approval of those present at the 1948 Annual General Meeting. "The Messenger" summed the appointment up thus:--

"Bro. H. R. Chandler's appointment is for life, and is in recognition of more than a quarter of a century's service given to the Boronia Church."

A fence was to be erected in front of the manse in May. The growing number of young people in the Church family prompted the suggestion that a Youth Council be formed, with two representatives from each youth organisation in the Church, the minister and one other officer.

Concern was expressed to the Shire Council that the new Chandler Park lacked toilet facilities and that, as a result, sporting bodies were putting a strain on the inadequate facilities at the Church property.

The Church supported a working bee at Camp Waterman, Monbulk, in November, 1948.

The 1949 Annual General Meeting was pleased to endorse the elevation of John Maguire as "Officer Emeritus." The resignation of Ron Graham as minister, effective from June 27th, was accepted with regret. He was to take up the ministry at Ann Street, Brisbane. In Ron's words, "After nearly four years of the happiest association with the Church at Boronia, it is with sincere regret that I give notice of resignation . . . I shall remember always with gratitude the cooperation of the Board of Officers, and we shall treasure the encouragement and friendship we have had in the service of the Gospel at Boronia." Col Smith, at that point a student minister at South Melbourne, was to be the new minister.

The cypress hedge on the Boronia Road boundary was removed, making the chapel far more visible in the community.

The Church read with pride the following announcement in "The Messenger" of February, 1949:--

"Miss Gwen Batterham has volunteered and been accepted for missionary service in India. She is a triple-certificated nurse, and will be nursing in the hospital at Dhond. During this year she will be at the College of the Bible, Glen Iris, taking special studies to provide the missionary educational background to her ministry of healing. Sister Batterham has been a highly respected and much loved member of this church for many years, and we rejoice in her decision to spend her life in such a generous and creative way for God's glory and man's welfare."

Towards the end of the year a fund was established for a farewell gift and the supply of "necessary items" for the support of Gwen Batterham in her missionary work. [19]

The Church girls' basketball (netball) club was formed about this time, with permission to use the hall on alternate Mondays. The club was advised to appoint representatives to the Youth Council.

Discussion took place regarding the Gospel service and the possibility of alterations to the program to provide for discussion or some other means of interesting and educating those attending, and attracting others.

As the population of the town continued to grow, the primary school in Dorset Road (now the site of McDonalds Restaurant) was bursting at the seams. In December, 1949 an application was made by the Education Department for use of the Church hall for school purposes. The secretary was instructed to ask for specific details.

In January of 1950, approval was given for the main hall to be used for classrooms "providing there was not undue interference with our own work." The suggested rental was two pounds ten shillings ($5) per week!

It was agreed that a camera to take "strip film" should be purchased for presentation to Gwen Batterham on her departure for the mission fields of India.

It was decided to support financially a new Church of Christ in Canberra and to invite a speaker to explain the project. The Boronia congregation were invited to contribute correspondence and articles to their own Church newsletter, "The Messenger." In October the Basketball (Netball) Club asked for the use of Lot 14 (now western half of Church car park) for the construction of a netball court and their request was granted.

Prior to the 1951 Anniversary, minister Col Smith was asked to arrange a Stewardship Campaign. Active auxiliaries reporting at the Annual General Meeting that year included Sunday School, Mission Band, Girls' Club, Explorers, Tennis, Cricket, Christian Endeavour--all overseen by the Youth Council. Meanwhile the Methodist young people asked for the use of our hall for physical culture purpose on Wednesday nights, for which they were charged ten shillings ($1.00) weekly for electricity and equipment use.

Mr Sidebottom, Ferntree Gully earth-moving contractor, was approached to level the western block of the property for a basketball (netball) court, and the club members received Officers' permission to conduct a fund-raising Street Stall in Boronia shopping centre.

The services of the "Nightman" were numbered, as plans to connect the toilets to a septic tank were presented for Board discussion. However those plans were temporarily rejected by the Shire Council on the grounds that "present conditions were unsuitable."

In September, the Church mourned the passing of Foundation Member, H. R. Chandler. As "The Messenger" said, "His loyalty to Christ and the Church was exemplary and the qualities of his life were many".

The 1952 Annual General Meeting received the suggestion of the Women's Auxiliary that a Harvest Festival be held on April 6th. E. R. Batterham's letter of resignation as a Church Deacon was received with regret and it was resolved to present him with a copy of Phillips' "Letters To Young Churches." A tribute was recorded in the Minutes to the work of Vic Burden as follows:--

"The thanks of the church are recorded to Mr V. G. Burden for his untiring services rendered over [20] the past seventeen years: five years as Sunday School Superintendent followed by twelve years as Church secretary. During this time much of the work done by him has been known to the membership, but there has been a larger list of work accomplished of which no record has been kept. For all his service, given in the true Christian Spirit, we wish to record our sincere gratitude."

Among the young people making news early in the year was Stewart Dobson, son of Madge. "The Messenger" informed the fellowship that:--"Stewart has been chosen as the 'Sun Travel Boy' for the shire and has before him a 17-week tour to Britain . . ."

A special Officers' Meeting was called in March to learn that minister Col Smith's salary had not been increased for some time in line with the rate set by the Brotherhood. The Church needed to make up back pay of just over sixty-one pounds ($122) to bring his salary up to the agreed level of £11-10-6 ($23.05) per week. It was further revealed that the minister was considering selling his motor bike because of the expense of running it. The Church agreed to pay him the retrospective amount, to increase his salary, and to add one pound ($2.00) weekly towards travelling expenses. Fortunately average offerings had increased significantly by the next Board meeting.

The levelling of the netball court had still not happened and the minister was still seeking a bulldozer, but church members with tractors might have to be called on to attend to the work. Another attempt was to be made to connect the Church toilets to a septic system, as Council requirements could now be complied with.

Mr Smith reported that, in less than two months there had been six confessions of faith and three baptisms. Average attendances were (a.m.) 71 and (p.m.) 41. Within a month a further two confessions and one baptism were noted. The Church's support of Gwen Batterham in India continued with a call for food parcels containing tinned meat, tinned carrots, tinned cheese, tinned dry milk, and vegemite. As there was no reliable contact person available to collect crates of food at Indian ports, the only sure way of the goods reaching their intended destination was to send them with returning missionaries. An alternative was to send money. Eventually Young's Shipping Agency was identified as a trustworthy recipient of food parcels for the mission, but in the end donations from Boronia and other east-suburban Churches of Christ did go with a missionary returning from furlough.

The tragic railway accident at Boronia railway crossing on June 1st, 1952 in which nine young people from the North Essendon and Caulfield Churches of Christ were killed, devastated the local Church, the whole Brotherhood, the Boronia community and the entire State. (A more comprehensive report of the tragedy is printed elsewhere in this volume.)

In July, 1952 the Secretary was required to inform Ferntree Gully Council that the Pan had not been replaced since March! (Our younger members might not know that the "pan" was the forerunner of septic tank sewage systems.)

The Church anticipated another Mission--the Snodgrass-Pollard Mission--in September, to which a committee was devoting many hours in planning and preparation. Five hundred pamphlets were ordered and visitation work was to take place in mid-August. [21] The Church also prepared for its own follow-up Mission, with visitation to commence on November 5th and musical items "yet to be arranged."

Membership had reached 130, although concern was expressed at the low numbers attending the evening service. Average attendances in the Sunday School were: main School 88 and kindergarten and primary 34. There was 100% attendance at Sunday School on November 30th!

A silver plate had been given by Eddie Bird for the communion bread, and all but one of the new trays for communion wine had been fitted with legs.

The netball court was finally levelled by late October after a protracted delay. The cost of printing "The Messenger"--attended to by Austral Printing Co.--was causing concern and investigations were under way to look at local printing options including duplicating possibilities. Deliberations continued into the following year.

1953 commenced with a membership of 123, a net gain of ten for the twelve months. Sunday School enrolments rose from 95 to 114 in the same period. The AGM was a routine event, from the evidence contained in the Minutes, although the meeting ran from 8.00 p.m. to 10.20 p.m.

The Church family was saddened by the death of John Maguire on May 6th, 1953. In August the Church lost another pioneer member, Frank Goodwin. (See the "Profiles" elsewhere in this book.)

Mid-1953 saw the formation of a Church Dramatic Club, which approached the Board for permission to conduct a concert on September 26th. The Drama Club's first play was "The Barton Mystery" in the same year.

Minister Col Smith was regularly making 60 or more visits a month. He had now purchased a car, and the Board agreed to pay six pence (5c) per mile for all Church running "until further notice". Mr Smith's visitation schedule, however, came to 25 pounds ($50) for two months, which he was concerned was above the Church's ability to pay. After discussion, the Board agreed that the original undertaking re running costs would be continued nevertheless.

Preparations for a Church Mission in November were well in hand at the October meeting, although members were still required for visiting and soloists were needed. Minister of Cowandilla Church, Trevor Robinson was the Missioner. District Churches were notified and a bookstall was planned, with proceeds to offset Mission expenses. Once again, a notice was prepared for display at the railway station, along with a professionally prepared sign displayed outside the Church. Following the Mission, a review of its effectiveness was positive, with some useful ideas for future Missions. The average attendance was 58 over the two weeks (four week-nights and Sundays). A special feature was the singing of the choir, conducted by Percy Jordan.

A Church end-of-year Social on December 19th included two plays presented by the Dramatic Club.

Changes to the formation of the Church Board were mooted at the first meeting for 1954. It would be recommended to the membership of the Church that Elders be appointed annually as ex officio members of the Board, and that the Sunday School Superintendent be a Board member on the [22] same terms. Both proposals were endorsed at the 1954 AGM. Two Elders would be elected for a two-year term.

At that AGM, the congregation directed the Board to plan for the introduction in the following year of a budget strategy aimed at formalising Church contributions to brotherhood work. After debate, the initial proposal was overturned, but was to receive further attention in the following year. It was decided, too, that consideration be given to the framing of a Church Constitution. Some months down the track, the Board moved "That the draft constitution, with minor alterations, be circulated to the church members, together with a notice of a special General Church Meeting for consideration of the Constitution as submitted. This meeting held following the 11 a.m. service on a Sunday early in December." (With minor modifications the Constitution would be adopted unanimously at an after-Church meeting on Sunday, December 14th, 1954 . . . and some wag described the Church to that point in time as "33 years of bliss.")

Later in the year a discussion centred on a proposal to establish a Sunday morning Creche and the women's auxiliaries were invited to make recommendations on the matter. The Explorers' Club was reformed on June 23rd 1954, after a period in suspension, under the leadership of Len Bacon assisted by Peter Collyer, Les Earle and three senior boys. Sixteen boys attended on the opening night, which was conducted by the legendary Will Newham, Explorer Chief. A further development in the youth program occurred when Mrs Harkness agreed to lead a Junior Endeavour group.

On July 4th, 1954 morning worship at Boronia went to air live on ABC Radio 3L0 (AM 774). The congregation were asked to "Keep noise to a minimum please", after a practise service the previous week. The President of the meeting gave a running commentary of proceedings so that the listening audience could visualise the activities.

1955 commenced with deep discussion at Board level about the minister's car allowance. His detailed statement revealed that running costs amounted to five pounds ($10) per week. The Board agreed to raise his allowance from three pounds ($6) to that amount. (He made 90 visits in the previous October!) At the AGM the membership "expressed sincere appreciation for the devoted work and leadership of Mr Smith." A further three years tenure was offered in recognition of his hard work. For the first time it was suggested that the Church might give consideration to the possibility of appointing deaconesses.

Jack Manallack was invited to be the speaker at another Mission planned for late this year, with Danny Stewart as Song Leader. Meetings were planned for every night except Mondays between September 11th and 25th, with Saturdays being "Youth Nights." Eddie Bird agreed to arrange musical items. Everyone was "highly delighted" with Mr Manallack's impact, and follow-up visitation was planned after the event.

Heating of the baptistery was to be electrified. By November, Junior Endeavour was to go into recess.

At a preliminary meeting of the Board in January, 1956, a proposal was drafted to put to the approaching AGM, amending the Constitution thus:--

"The Official Board shall consist of not more than ten persons (Deacons, at least two of whom shall be women, elected for two years, half of whom shall be elected annually) together with the secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, S. S. Superintendent, the Elders (as appointed) and the Minister". Ground-breaking stuff! [23]

The Budget System was again on the agenda, and a recommendation in that regard was also to be put to the AGM. The congregation was to agree unanimously to both Board proposals.

On a more day-to-day level, the matter of the sticky varnish on the Church pews was raised. A member whose frock was badly damaged as a result of this problem was to be visited and offered compensation, and three officers were deputised to investigate a solution.

The Minister's annual report to the Church revealed that, in a year of heavy University study, he had also conducted 220 religious education classes in district schools.

History was made at the Annual General meeting on 23rd February, 1956 when Olive Goodwin and Amy Sommerville were elected to the Board as Deaconesses.

Because of the increase in membership and attendances (130 active members and 20 isolated members) the pace of discussion on a chapel extension picked up. Development plans for the Church, the hall or the kindergarten hall were to result.

A "Back To Boronia" Sunday event was also listed for late September, 1956 with a special morning service and a "Pleasant Sunday Afternoon", a Tea catered for by the Women's Mission Band and an evening service. A planning committee of eight, with the Mission Band, were appointed. Past members were to be contacted. After completion of the event, satisfaction was expressed with all activities. Planning had also commenced for a 1957 Mission with A. E. White as speaker. Mr White stated:--

"Missions are not devices to produce astonishing results by splendid messages of the visiting speaker. A mission is the quickening tempo of the ordinary work and witness of the church week by week, where those who have given thought to the good news of Jesus Christ are asked to face his claim on their lives, and to commit themselves to him with us. Can you afford to be out of it?"

An article in the "Free Press" local newspaper in late 1956 caused concern to the Board. A breakaway group calling itself "Boronia Church of Christ" was advertising meetings and the secretary was instructed to write to the newspaper pointing out that there was no connection between the group and our Church. Mr Smith also undertook to speak to the editor about the issue.

At the beginning of 1957 Boronia High School sought temporary accommodation on the Church property, but the Board agreed that this was not possible at the moment. However by the next month, terms had been arrived at for rental of 12 pounds 10 shillings ($25) for a full day or 10 pounds ($20) for part thereof. The limitations of the Church's septic system in coping with full-day occupation were pointed out to the Headmaster. The Board awaited the Education Department's response.

An invitation was extended to Jack Manallack at the beginning of 1957 to take up a ministry at Boronia from February the following year, but his commitments elsewhere necessitated making further inquiries.

Mr Smith presented a "Forward Plan" to the Board, linking a Stewardship Campaign to the evangelistic campaign to be headed by A. E. White from April 28th to May 12th. His plan was unanimously accepted. [24]

A "Dinghy Fund" to support missionary work in the New Hebrides (Vanuatu) was supported by the Church, including a donation of 2 pounds 15 shillings ($3.50) by the Explorer boys. By midyear the fund had reached 100 pounds ($200).

The Stewardship Campaign under the leadership of W. A. (Bill) Thompson commenced with a dinner on April 7th, with 130 in attendance. Children were entertained while the adults heard the aims of the Campaign and the options for giving.

The A. E. White Mission was considered a success with three decisions and baptisms, but the minister urged that "we shouldn't just stop there. The spirit of the mission should be continued in visitation and cultivation of friendship."

Boronia Church of Christ enthusiastically embraced the aims of the Australia-wide "Operation Increase" program in September. The aims were:--

• To increase membership to 250 by 1960.
• To achieve an effective men's work by the end of the year.
• To complete the Kindergarten hall extensions by June 1958.
• To complete the equipping of the youth hall.
• To rebuild the tennis court surround by January 1958. (Shift soil to allow the posts to go in for the fence by August.)
• To increase the Building Fund enough to pay for the extensions program.

The women's Dorcas group commenced operations in 1957. At about this time also, Kevin Smith became one of our Church organists.

E. C. Sanders, a student at the College of the Bible, was invited to undertake an interim part-time ministry at Boronia after the Board received Church approval for that recommendation. On the recommendation of College Principal E.L. Williams, student Owen Clark was to assist Mr Sanders, also on a part-time basis.

Eddie Bird, a faithful member of the congregation, passed away late in the year and a tribute written by E. Lyle Williams was printed in "The Messenger." (See Profile later in this book.)

When the Church assembled for its annual meeting in 1958 to review the year past and plan for the future, the inspirational leadership of minister Col Smith over nine years was evident in the reports that Women's Mission Band, Women's Evening Fellowship, Dorcas, Sunday School, Phi Betas, Tennis Club, Basketball (Netball) Club, Cricket Club, Kappas, Good Companions and Explorers were "in good heart and serving the church well." There had been eighteen confessions and baptisms during the year. The meeting was informed that Mr Manallack, at that point serving the Berri, South Australia Church, had responded to the invitation to minister at Boronia, commencing in early 1959. The Board recommended the appointment, which was endorsed by the Church family.

A Farewell Function for Mr and Mrs Smith took place on Monday evening, March 31st, and a Welcome Meeting for Mr and Mrs Sanders and Mr Clark followed the evening service on April 6th [25] A combined Good Friday service at the Presbyterian Church saw the building full and a witness was "particularly impressed with communion service."

Concern was expressed that there was no group for boys beyond Explorers. A Christian Youth Fellowship was suggested, but instead the Kappa group was reformed under the leadership of Mr L. Brown. It got off to a good start with 12 boys in attendance.

Extension plans had been held up for financial and other reasons for some time and it now became necessary to ask the architect, Mr Padey to revise the plans. One proposal considered was to move the chapel back so that additions could be made at the front. Because of the condition of the building, Mr Padey rejected that idea. The priority order of extension work was (I) kindergarten (II) hall (III) church. A later meeting of the Board examined Mr Padey's revised plans, and agreed to go ahead with the extensions to the kinder and primary sections of the hall as a first step in a larger plan. At the same time it became clear that extensions were necessary at the manse as in-coming minister Mr Manallack had four children. A subsequent meeting of the Board moved:--

"That Mr Padey go ahead and draw up detailed plans and specifications and call for tenders"

(for the hall extension). Similarly extension plans for the manse were completed and the work in progress before the end of the year.

Christians across Australia were anticipating the Billy Graham Crusade, and the Church was receiving preliminary information.

Owen Clark's term as assistant to Mr Sanders ended on 23rd November and a presentation was made on his last Sunday.

As planning for the 1959 Sunday School Picnic was getting under way, Perc Jordan suggested that the tradition of sharing the occasion with the Boronia Presbyterians should be re-examined. The Church of Christ Sunday School Roll had by this stage passed 230 and "it was now a very big job." The officers decided to back any decision he reached on the matter after consulting his department superintendents.

At the first meeting of the Board for the new year (1959) a farewell was organised for the Sanders family and plans were being finalised to welcome in the Manallack family.

Problems of youth leadership were mounting as, not only were Good Companions without a leader, but John Bird had had to give up leading the Explorer boys as he was moving to Sydney. John's departure also left a gap in Kappas leadership. After action by the Secretary, Mrs Joan Peterson agreed to accept responsibility for the girls, and Mr Henry Chandler agreed to lead the boys. By June, Heather Maguire and Wendy Manallack were to accept leadership of Good Companions.

Delays were still obvious in the hall extensions and much discussion took place at the AGM. However it was agreed that the matter be pursued with speed.

By mid-March the Billy Graham Crusade in Melbourne had concluded, and Mr Manallack reported that there had been nine decisions for Christ connected with our Church, and that he was "conducting three weekly classes for those to help stimulate faith." Further follow-up to the [26] Graham Crusade involved visitation of 260 homes, and contact being made with 25 people who had Church of Christ connections.

Mr Manallack made some observations in mid-March about the Church and its needs--"The Bible study nights are good. He does not see enough interest and participation in auxiliaries. There are folk who come who are not swamped by friendship. Not enough parent participation. C.M.S. goes to sleep. We fail on publicity. No notice board on Church or manse. Why?" A Gospel Committee to arrange varied presentation of the evening services was made up of Mr and Mrs A. Page, Lorna Hamilton, Margaret Sommerville, and Les Earle, with Stan Peterson coopted. A Publicity Committee, consisting of Bill Thompson, Alan Russell, John Bird, Mrs Carroll, and Miss Shields, with Mr Rohan as a co-opted member was charged with supplying the press with information and co-operation with other Church communities on coming events, as well as for the distribution of literature. A new Youth Council, aiming to plan a co-ordinated year and to discuss Christian Education was made up of the following representatives:--Percy Jordan, Norma Cheal (Sunday School), Jean Thompson, Beryl Hamilton (Phi Betas), Joan Peterson (Good Companions), Henry Chandler, Richard Hartshorn (Explorers), John Bird, Howard Chandler (Kappas).

A Christian Youth Fellowship had begun by May, 1959. There had been 46 young people at a social evening, and 34 at a film afternoon.

Kate Jordan, wife of Perc, and loved member of the Church family at Boronia, died on 8th June, 1959. (See "Profile" elsewhere.)

The official opening of the hall extensions took place on Sunday afternoon, September 27th, 1959 at 2.45. Sunday School activities, open to the public, took place in the afternoon rather than the morning. Former minister Col Smith was invited back to perform the opening ceremony, and Mrs H. R. Chandler was asked to turn the key. A special offering envelope was attached to the invitation to parents in the hope that contributions would reduce the cost of 5400 pounds ($10800).

A letter went out to all members in relation to their commitment to the Stewardship Campaign, and asking them to re-examine their giving to the work of the Church, particularly as the hall extensions had increased Church debt.

Church membership in August stood at 177. Annual Reports of Church auxiliaries and activities were to be printed for distribution at the next AGM for the first time, and it was also decided that a permanent Chairman of the Board should be elected at that meeting. Previously Chairmen for the night had been voted to the position at the meeting or appointed by the Board at the preceding Business Meeting.

Preliminary discussions centred on a Family Camp in the near future occurred at the October Board meeting, before it closed at the late hour of 11.40 p.m. with unfinished business re-scheduled to November 10th. Once again talk turned to Church expansion and property development--whether on our site or in support of a new Church development in a nearby suburb--and many ideas were tossed around.

At the end of December, 1959 this item appeared in the Church's "Messenger":-- [27]

And so the 'fifties ended. In the immediate post-war period Church attendance figures were about 47 in the morning and 36 in the evening. Figures for Sunday School enrolments were unavailable but we know that the Roll in 1942 had 37 names and this had more than doubled to 79 in 1947. Church membership stood at 150 at the end of 1959 (with 4 on the isolated roll and 30 on the supplementary roll), and the Sunday School Roll contained 304 names! Little wonder that this Chapter of our history was titled "From Blooming To Booming!"

The first printed and publicly issued Report to the Church at the 1960 AGM detailed the amazing way God had been working through His people at Boronia, but also set challenges for continuing growth and outreach. The fact that it ran to 9½ closely-typed pages is proof that great things had been done and great optimism was evident for the coming decade. The Church had an outreach through its giving, through Christian Education in local schools, Sunday School, CWF Afternoon and Evening groups, Dorcas, Church Men's Society, Christian Youth Fellowship, Good Companions, Phi Betas, Explorers, Kappas, Basketball (Netball) with two teams, Tennis (3 winter teams, 2 summer teams) and Cricket (junior and senior teams). But, as the Minutes record "we must not be content with standing still but press on to greater things for our Lord and Master."

Once again the Boronia Primary School had need of our large hall for the year because of overcrowding on their dual sites. Problems were experienced throughout the time of rental, including damage by students to the fence. By October, the extensions to the Rangeview Road site of the school had been completed and the hall was ours once more.

The Phi Beta Pi girls and Kappa boys were to combine with CYF, under the leadership of Neil and Margherita Sercombe. Initial membership was 18, but rose to 43 by year's end.

Church Secretary Bill Thompson was congratulated on his elevation to President-elect of Vic-Tas Conference of Churches of Christ, but the Officers regretted his necessary resignation from the Board. Deacon Peter Collyer accepted the vacant position. Mr Thompson, at a special meeting of the Church, was elected an Elder, and Albert Thompson (no relation) became a Deacon. Other roles in the organisation of the Church also had to be filled to free Peter Collyer's time for his new and demanding role. The officers recorded the Church's appreciation of Bill Thompson's service thus:--

"That this meeting place on record its sincere appreciation of the excellent service rendered to the church by Mr W. A. Thompson in the capacity of secretary over a period of 8 years. His attention to detail and the overall thoroughness of his work has been of great value to the church during a period of growth both in property and membership. While we have regretfully accepted his resignation Mr Thompson carries with him the prayers and best wishes of the board of officers as he serves in a wider capacity on brotherhood committees and as President-Elect of the Victorian/Tasmanian Churches of Christ Conference."

Stewardship and Enlistment for Service were in the spotlight. Sunday 29th May was designated an "Every Member Present" Sunday where the minister and secretary addressed us. For the following Sunday, members were urged to make it a "Stay At Home Afternoon" to enable every family to be visited so that one of a team of 20 could visit and "Enlist for Service" those who had talents and abilities useful for Church growth. Pledge letters were left with each home, to be returned to Church on the following Sunday. Seventy-nine pledges were returned and further follow-up visits were arranged to homes which did not respond.

Eastern District Conference of Churches of Christ appeared to be losing support and its future was in jeopardy, but a special Officers' meeting assured a Conference delegation of Boronia's [29] continuing support for the concept. The next Quarterly Tea was well attended and an improvement on previous tea, according to delegate Jack Pye.

C. O. B. student Graham Carslake was assisting Mr Manallack from July, particularly by taking over some of the visitation work. The minister was to report:--"Our time with Graham Carslake was a delight. He contributed much to our life and we owe it to him to follow up his excellent visitation effort."

A Family Camp at Camp Waterman, Monbulk planned for the weekend of September 16th-18th, 1960 was very successful in spite of wet weather, with 78 Church folk in attendance.

The Church was investigating "planting" a satellite Church in Scoresby Road and investigated a possible site.

Percy Jordan's 19 years at Sunday School Superintendent ended with his resignation in October, and Max Collyer agreed to take the position.

Alan Page announced his intention to commence Ministry studies at the College of the Bible in the New Year.

The suggestion that the purchase of land for a new chapel in Knoxfield be examined was put to the congregation at the 1961 AGM. At the same meeting the people endorsed an extension of Mr Manallack's ministry for a further three years. The opportunity for parents to bring new babies for a service of consecration was also approved.

A "Boronia Crusade" was organised for May, with Lloyd Jones of Adelaide as speaker, preceded by a great deal of publicity and planning. Brotherhood identity Will Newham, from our Surrey Hills Church, was invited to be Song Leader with assistance from our own Peter Retchford. Average attendances for the fortnight were 108. The membership braved poor weather and illness to the extent that all attended at least one meeting during the Mission. Fourteen young people made their confessions of faith.

Jean Manallack proposed the formation of a Girls' Life Brigade group in the Church, but after some discussion over several weeks it was decided to retain Good Companions for our girls, as an outreach of the Vic.-Tas. Brotherhood.

There were modifications to the Church Constitution mid-year, including the creation of the role of Assistant Secretary on the Board. The June meeting also produced some lively and positive discussion about unity at the local level, with various ideas aimed at stimulating co-operation among Boronia Churches.

R. Hugh Chandler, Church pioneer, "Was gently called in to the presence of his Master" in August. "The Messenger" on 13th August told us:--

"Our Brother 'Hugh' was gently called into the presence of our Master last Monday morning. Hugh had been ailing for some years, but his speedy decline this year indicated an early Home-call. He was a foundation member of this Church serving as an Officer and Bible School Secretary for years. His welcome at the door was most friendly. His faith was such a positive one, he was ready and waiting to meet his Lord. We will always remember Hugh as one who gave himself to the uttermost. This he did in Community, church and home life, and the respect he earned was manifest in the great number of floral [30] tributes, and the company present at Box Hill last Wednesday. Our love and sympathy goes out to embrace his wife Belle, and the children, Henry, Colin and Ellen."

Proposals to buy land for a new Church of Christ complex at Knoxfield were picking up pace. The contribution of Albert Thompson on these matters, with his grasp of Town Planning Regulations and Municipal Council operations proved of great benefit during discussions. We decided to take out a 3-month option on a property in Scoresby Road, and the plan to purchase was to be put to the congregation as a Board recommendation early in 1962.

The Church community enjoyed another Family Camp at Monbulk. Eighty-six folk attended the camp, and there were several day visitors.

The death of Mrs Treharne at the Will H. Clay Nursing Home in Murrumbeena brought this tribute in our "Messenger", penned by Perc Jordan:--

"Only a few of the present members will remember the late Mrs E. Treharne who was the first patient to be admitted to the W. H. Clay Nursing Home at Murrumbeena where she passed away on October 20th. During the early years of the Boronia Church, Mrs Treharne served actively and efficiently in the women's and youth auxiliaries. She was a leader of the girls' club and took an active part also in Christian Endeavour leadership. Her ability to lead and also to address meetings were often in evidence, and this ability was carried into other organisations outside the Church. She was of a generous disposition and two of our Church pianos are the result of her generosity. One is in memory of her husband, Mr W. R. Treharne, who pre-deceased her by many years. He was also active in the service of Christ and His Church at Boronia."

During the Sunday School recess over the 1961-62 school holidays a "Vacation Bible School" was held with an attendance of 75 on the first day. It showed "great promise of success." Sunday School had continued to flourish in 1961. End-of-year statistics would reveal a roll of 298 scholars--a gain of 27 on the previous year. Average attendances were 219, and the record attendance for the year was 269.

The assembly at the 1962 AGM endorsed the Church Board's recommendation that the block of land in Scoresby Road be purchased for £1250 ($2500). Eastern District Conference approved use of the Mission Fund for purchase of the land. The Board accepted the conditions of a loan from the Campbell Edwards Trust, amounting to £1138 ($2276) for the building program at Knoxfield. This action was endorsed at a special Church meeting late in the year. The need for extension of our own chapel was still being considered with options and estimates under consideration. Consideration was also given to the establishment of a Day Kindergarten within the Church property and a committee consisting of Olive Goodwin, Albert Thompson and Percy Jordan, with Jack Manallack ex officio, was formed to consider the matter. The Church lost the expertise of Mr Thompson late in the year, when he moved to Bright. [31]

Volunteers from Boronia assisted in the clean-up and reconstruction work at Camp Waterman, Monbulk, which had been all but destroyed by a summer bushfire. Such was the response from Brotherhood Churches that the Camp was able to reopen on 10th November.

Alan Avery and Don Smith from the Brotherhood met with the Board to examine the issue of Stewardship and the "Total Church Program", and to present a detailed analysis of what was needed at Boronia to ensure that giving was both practical in light of the Church's needs and spiritual.

Much discussion occurred about the Mission of the Church at the half-yearly meeting of the congregation. A detailed submission prepared by minister Jack Manallack was presented for action. One outcome was the formation of a Social Action Committee and a Teaching Mission Committee.

The Explorer Boys' Club had commenced the year with 12 boys and 3 leaders, and ended it with 71 boys and 10 leaders!

Church membership stood at 196--a gain of 20 for the year.

1963 saw plans for the Scoresby Road, Knoxfield Church accelerating. It was reported that Mr Colin Dredge from the College of the Bible would be working with the new Church from the beginning of 1964, on the recommendation of E. L. Williams, College Principal. The Home Mission Department of the Brotherhood was pleased to subsidise the new minister's salary. Some at the "mother church" in Boronia were preparing to move to the Scoresby Road fellowship. Because the new chapel would be the only Church in the area, catering to Christians from other traditions as well as those of Churches of Christ, the issue of what constituted membership received considerable attention. While the chapel was under construction, meetings were to begin in members' homes on Sunday evenings.

Mr Manallack was to complete his sixth year as minister at Boronia, and was invited to accept a further three years' tenure.

Alan and Iris Page were farewelled during the year as Alan took up a ministry position.

A Young Adult Fellowship got off to an enthusiastic start in 1963.

House Fellowships in seven homes began early in 1964, with fifty members attending the first round of meetings. The fledgling Scoresby Road membership were discussing the issues of "Guest Membership", the Opening Service, a Statement of Faith, and Christian Education as building works continued on the site.

Reports of Officers' Meetings were to appear regularly in "The Messenger", so that the membership was informed of decisions made.

The Church was considering a plan for financing the work of Brotherhood departments, called "Unified Promotion" . . . Defined as "a marshalling of the financial resources of the Brotherhood for the work of departments and the distribution of those resources according to the budgeted needs of the Departments." [32]

The matter of "Christians in Fellowship" i.e. those of other Christian traditions who chose to worship in Churches of Christ, came under intensive scrutiny at a special meeting in the Brotherhood Centre. Recommendations and rules were drawn up to clarify this issue.

The CYF group was planning a final night program that involved dancing, which the Board allowed, but with reservations.

Church Secretary Peter Collyer tendered his resignation after almost five years' work during a period of unprecedented Church growth. Expressions of appreciation of his work stated the "appreciation of the Board at the sacrifice of family life and the quality of service given", and "appreciation of the devoted, efficient and loyal work of the secretary." Peter's brother, Max also resigned as Sunday School Superintendent, but was persuaded to stay on in the position.

A Co-ordination Committee was set up to co-ordinate the total life of the Youth Groups of the Church, and set out a detailed charter under which it would operate.

The long-awaited opening of the Church of Christ at Knoxfield occurred on the afternoon of December 6th, 1964 in front of 340 people. "The Messenger" reported that about 50 were from the immediate area and were not actively connected with the church. 115 gathered at the evening service. J. E. Hatton, secretary of the Scoresby Road Church stated:--

"The task is now before the small group comprising this new church, and I am confident, as are the rest of our group that, under the able leadership of J. Manallack and Colin Dredge, and our joint Boronia-Scoresby Road Eldership, and the control of the Holy Spirit, a strong and virile Christian witness will evolve in this developing area."

Further Constitutional amendments were proposed for the 1965 Annual General Meeting, revising and replacing statements relating to the Eldership, recommendations for ministry, elections and ballots and formalising issues related to the "shared fellowship" between the "parent" Church and Knoxfield. The latter proposals were deferred, for discussion among committee representatives of the two Churches.

Mr Gerald McLeod was elected to the position of Church secretary, a role he was to carry out until 1971.

On August 15th, 1965 a Minute stated: "The front section of the hedge in front of the Chapel has been removed to prevent children from electrocution. With his hand poised above the electricity cable, one little boy had called down, 'Is it all right to swing on this rope?' There was no alternative but to prune the hedge at ground level."

A Stewardship Campaign was held in October, because of the urgent need to raise giving to meet Church financial obligations. A detailed analysis of the positive results was presented to the congregation, who were also urged to consider the stewardship of their time for the mission and outreach of the Church.

The issue of dancing arose twice in the year, with applications to the Board by the Christian Youth Fellowship and the Young Adult Fellowship. Permission was granted but the Officers' view was that "at least 25% of evening be in the form of other entertainment apart from dancing (Novelty items, guest artists, games, etc.)" An extension to the western end of the Youth Hall (now Allandale Kindergarten) was proposed this year. [33] Student preacher, Malcolm Gray, was appointed to continue the work at the Scoresby Road Church when Colin Dredge's year ended.

Eddie Cheal resigned as Church Treasurer at the end of 1965. Appreciation of his contribution over nine years was recorded, and Mr David Povey agreed to fill the gap created by his departure.

At the last meeting for the year, the Board was challenged by Jack Manallack to examine "Evangelistic Thrust" of the Church. He presented written proposals, which a committee agreed to examine and to bring back recommendations.

Statistical information revealed a combined Boronia-Knoxfield membership of 221 at the end the year, with 11 gains by faith and baptism at Boronia and one by transfer. Knoxfield recorded two additions by faith and baptism and 14 by transfer. Twenty weddings were celebrated in course of the year (Boronia 18, Knoxfield 2).

As 1966 began, Herb Finger and Jack Pye resigned from the Board; the former moving to Adelaide, and the latter to U.S.A. (Herb Finger, with his wife, had transferred from the Bayswater Church to Boronia in April 1924.)

The Church adjusted quickly to the introduction in February of Decimal Currency. At a special mid-year Church meeting the discussion centred on the extension to the hall, measuring 18 feet, at an estimated cost of $2400. The recommendation of the Board was endorsed a meeting, allowing the extension to proceed. Basic extensions to the hall were complete by the of the year, with finishing work being done by volunteers.

Mr Manallack was enthusiastically promoting the "Church and Life Movement" which shall establish an inter-Church Council in the Shire of Knox and to extend Christian outreach into community through a Community Advice Service.

Roger and Pat Goodwin transferred their membership to Ringwood. Roger, son of Olive, largely responsible for the rebirth of the Explorer Boys' Club at Boronia in the early sixties.

It was suggested that a Pre-School Day Kindergarten be considered, using the Church's facilities. There was an urgent need for kinder accommodation as the existing Boronia Pre-School had eligible 4-year-olds enrolled, but could only take 60. The committee examining the issue felt this "explosion" would increase. The Secretary was to approach the municipal council about possibility of financial backing to commence such a project. A draft constitution, based on model constitution suggested by the Department of Health and that used by Baptist Churches in their kindergartens, was accepted in November by the Kindergarten sub-committee. Subsequently it was ratified by the Church Board for presentation to the membership on November 11th. The necessary endorsement of the congregation was achieved, and an application was to be made to the E. S. and A. bank for a loan to commence work. (See "Allandale Kindergarten" history in Lesley Stirling's book.)

After a period in recess, the Young Adult Fellowship was being re-organised in 1966 by Mr and Mrs Graeme Williams and Mr and Mrs Bob Boucher.

Despite the commitments of the Church to the work at Knoxfield, the new Allandale Kindergarten [34] and the hall extensions, there was renewed discussion at the 1967 AGM about a new chapel for Boronia, but no firm decision was reached.

As Mr Manallack's period in ministry at Boronia was drawing to a close, urgent efforts were being made to secure the services of a new minister.

We sent greetings from our Church to the Boronia Methodists, whose Church had been relocated from the corner of Park Crescent and Boronia Road to its new site.

The Church family, with Patsy and Olive Goodwin, mourned the premature death of Roger Goodwin. He had spent just a week at home following a period of five weeks in hospital after collapsing in the city. Roger had not long before married Patsy. A tribute in "The Messenger" told us:--"Roger grew up in the Boronia Church--not simply from babyhood to adulthood, but he grew up to manhood and helped many others to mature too. His zeal and commonsense, coupled with intelligent decisions, provide the source of development that we saw in both the boys' club and the tennis club. His contributions to Bible School and C.Y.F were regular and helpful--Roger proved dependable." Olive initiated a scholarship in Roger's memory, to be awarded annually to a worthy Explorer boy as Roger was so much involved with leadership of the Explorer boys, and had served for some years on the Explorer Executive of the Brotherhood. And he was this author's friend!

Ada Chandler, mother of Gordon, and an original pioneer of Boronia also died in 1967, as did Lil Morgan who had been a great worker for her Lord at Boronia, and then at Knoxfield.

A number of committees were functioning as part of our Church's outreach, including a Visitation and Evangelism Committee, a Christian Education Committee and a Finance and Properties Committee. The Church was also cooperating with the municipal council's efforts to co-ordinate youth activities in Knox.

The question of "Christians in Fellowship" was again raised, particularly in light of anomalies between Boronia and Knoxfield Churches.

College student Ron Cook was recommended by Principal E. L. Williams as a student minister for Boronia in the coming year, and Robert Pfeiffer was his recommendation for Knoxfield.

The Manallack family were farewelled at the end of 1967. In Jack Manallack's nine years at Boronia, his emphases were on youth work, inter-Church cooperation, Christian Education at all levels and particularly at Boronia High School, marriage guidance, and the responsibility of the entire membership for the work and mission of the Church. Our Church was spiritually richer as a result of his pastoral leadership.

Boronia Church of Christ continued its tradition of assistance to other Brotherhood Churches in 1968, helping the little Avonsleigh Church in the Dandenongs with speakers.

E. L. Williams was assisting Ron Cook, in a part-time interim ministry.

Allandale Road was surfaced this year by Knox Council. Cost to the Church was $904.20. [35]

With the encouragement and active participation of Ron Cook, a Boronia Church of Christ Junior Football Club was formed, drawing players from the Explorer Club. Club leaders and Explorers' parents were involved in committee-work. A Table Tennis Club also came under the Church's "umbrella".

Deliberations by the Church Board resulted in Dean Olafsen being endorsed as our minister, commencing in 1970. Mr A. Ross Lloyd indicated his willingness to take up an interim ministry commencing in 1969.

Mr Lloyd was present at the first Board meeting for 1969 and urged active Church participation in the Billy Graham Crusade in March. The minister was to receive the names of 16 "referrals" as a result of the Crusade.

It was noted by the minister at the 1969 AGM that Boronia's Explorer Club was the largest in Australia. It was announced that the overdraft on the Allendale Kindergarten was expected to be nearly paid out by the end of the year. (By November, it was!) Tribute was paid to Bill Thompson for his devoted service to God and this Church community as secretary and elder, and in many other capacities.

The exceptional service of Max Collyer as Sunday School superintendent began in 1961 and ended in December, 1967, when Graeme Williams took over the role. Sunday School teachers were being in-serviced in preparation for the new "Christian Life Curriculum."

Peter Salisbury was assisting Mr Lloyd, and at the same time continuing his ministry studies at the College.

A Welfare Fund was to be launched by the Church to aid needy people in the community.[36]

Deane Olafsen commenced his ministry with our Church in 1970, with his wife Julia, and was still assisted by College student Peter Salisbury.

Bert Chandler, a foundation member of the Church, died in February.

House Church meetings were trialed during the year, with mixed results. Some people appreciated the concept, while others felt that the chapel should be open for meetings on Sunday nights.

Sunday School was now officially known as "Church School." Although attendances were down, compared with the peak years of the sixties, the new Christian Life Curriculum was providing new and challenging opportunities to spread the Word.

Gerald McLeod suggested that the Church initiate a "Peace Memorial Fund", with a view to saving thousands of dollars on the cost of a new chapel in the future, but his proposal was rejected after lengthy discussion. (Australia was involved in the Vietnam War, and there was much division in the community, and in our Church, about the conflict. Many felt that a recognition of a "Peace Memorial" was, in fact, an endorsement of war.)

The Building Committee set up in 1968 served notice to the Board in May that it was preparing to present a preliminary report, "on the matter of construction of a new chapel or the rehabilitation of the existing building."

The old pedal organ was replaced by an electric one in mid-year.

Churches throughout the Brotherhood were urged at Conference to donate 1% of total Church offerings per year to "Overseas Aid."

A Church Family Camp at Frankston was attended by 77 Boronia folk.

The quite detailed analysis of the Building Committee in relation to the future of the chapel was presented to the Board in December. The recommendation, from their study of options and costs, was to build a new chapel. Their report concluded:--

"The Pioneers of the Boronia cause, 50 years ago, demonstrated a wonderful faith in the community and the church by erecting the chapel which has served us so well. We should not underestimate the difficulties, both financial and physical, which were faced by those pioneers. Today in this affluent age, can we any longer avoid facing the matter of rebuilding? Your Building Committee says not."

At a special Board meeting in 1971, support was offered for Ian Cartmel, a member of this Church who was entering the College of the Bible.

The 50th Anniversary was celebrated on March 14th-15th, 1971 with a "Back To Boronia." On Sunday, 14th Deane Olafsen, the minister, led the morning service, and E. Lyall Williams gave the address. Approximately 370 past and present members were in attendance in the large hall. The [37] choir, led by Percy Jordan, contributed special singing. After a special lunch, a Pleasant Sunday Afternoon was part of the celebration, and Gordon Stirling was the speaker. Items were presented by the choir, by Kevin Smith, and by Robyn and Glenda Finger. The Foundation Members present--Mrs Goodwin (snr.), Miss K. Chandler, Mrs Maguire (snr.), Mr and Mrs Salmon, Mr Gordon r Chandler and Mr Laurie Maguire--were introduced to the gathering. Gordon Stirling also spoke on the following Wednesday at an Anniversary Reception where guests included municipal dignitaries and Brotherhood personnel. Thursday was "Ladies Night" where the Yukana Singers entertained and Gordon was again the guest speaker. And he was the speaker yet again at the Young People's "Koffee Klub" on the Friday, at the Men's Breakfast on the Saturday, and at both services on Sunday, 21st March. It was a busy and memorable celebration of such a significant milestone in the life of the Church and indeed, in the life of Boronia.

A special Church meeting in April saw detailed animated discussion of the re-building proposal. The "Peace Memorial Fund" was again raised and after much discussion a motion in favour was passed, but with several present abstaining.

At the AGM just four days later, the re-building issue was again the major item for further discussion, and over 70 members were present as the debate developed. The issue of the "Church of Christ Peace Memorial Fund" was the major topic and after an orderly but emotional debate, the motion was put and lost, 35 for, 39 against.

At the beginning of 1972, the Junior Football Club was planning to join the new Knox Junior Football Association, which had rostered games for Sunday afternoons. The Board decided that the words "Church of Christ" must therefore be deleted from the Football Club's name. It was left to the conscience of Deane Olafsen, who was coaching a team, whether he should continue to do so. A special meeting of the Board followed, where representatives of the Club put their case for the full Club name to be retained, on the grounds that here was an opportunity for outreach, and parents and players were keen to maintain their identity with the Church. However the Board could not be swayed. The issue was raised again at the 1972 AGM and, after much heated debate, a ballot was taken and the name "Churches of Christ" was restored to the Football Club. A subsequent meeting of the Football Club Committee, however, voted for a new name--Studfield Junior Football Club--and although many players were Explorers and several Committee members were active Church members, formal ties with the Church were severed.

The standing of "Christians in Fellowship" was re-defined and put to a ballot of members at the Annual General Meeting, which ratified the revision of requirements on this matter.

Amendments to the Church Constitution were tabled for discussion at the October meeting. The inclusion of the newly-defined Christians in Fellowship was necessary, and significant changes to the ballot system were proposed.

Mr Percy Jordan was nominated to the position of Elder Emeritus in 1973 in recognition of his long and faithful service. Deane Olafsen resigned as minister, effective from the end of 1973 to take up a School Chaplaincy position at Sale Technical School.

E. Lyall Williams accepted the position as interim minister, supported by College student Dare Stevens for 1974. Dare started a Young Marrieds group soon after his arrival. Mr Williams was to offer his services for the following year as well. [38]

There was some urgency about the Rebuilding Program at an early Board meeting this year, because of the escalating costs of building supplies. The Building Committee recommended that a start should be made by the end of September, 1974. The membership endorsed the Committee's recommendations in relation to financing the project.

The Church family was saddened by the death of Grant Woodward in March, 1974. Grant was only 29 and had been active in the life of the Church--particularly with CYF--since coming to Boronia from Oakleigh with Anthea. Family and friends at his funeral service made moving tributes to Grant.

Henry Chandler resigned from the position as Explorer "Chief" after making a significant contribution to the Boys' Club since it commenced in the 1950s. Henry and Beryl were moving to a new farm at Koo-Wee-Rup and transferring their membership to Berwick Church of Christ.

Keith Bowes from the College of the Bible nominated student David Brown as an assistant for Mr Williams in the coming year.

The year 1975 commenced with keen resolve to bring the rebuilding process closer, and fund-raising was an important part of that process. Lyall Williams auctioned calves on February 12th, with proceeds going to the Building Fund. However other aspects of Church Mission continued through corporate and individual efforts. H. C. "Curley" Shields donated $1000 to be invested to provide Bibles as gifts on suitable occasions such as weddings, and any annual surplus was to go into the Building Fund.

Early in the year Mr Arthur Taylor-Davis of the Leichardt, Queensland Church indicated his willingness to take up a ministry at Boronia, to commence in 1976.

Bob and Barbara Boucher returned from Box Hill to Boronia and involved themselves in Church activities. Roland and Carolyn Green, from an Anglican tradition, were baptised into fellowship at our Church. Edna Gunn transferred across from Knoxfield.

At the AGM the Building Committee was able to report that work on the relocation of the Day Kindergarten (and Sunday School Kindergarten) from the eastern end of the hall complex to the western end was proceeding well. New members of the Church Board were Kaye Williams, Errol Gilbert and Bruce McIntosh.

Detailed recommendations were put to the congregation to do with the Building Program, including choice of builder. It was agreed that the original building should be demolished and site works for the new building be undertaken by the Church. This included disposal of unwanted materials and retention of any to be used in the new chapel. Demolition of the original chapel followed, and a temporary chapel was set up in the middle hall. Our weekly Church newsletter of April 13th, 1975 included this "farewell":--

GOODBYE OLD FRIEND

"For almost 54 years the Church of Christ congregation in Boronia has been served by a stout weatherboard chapel erected in faith by a small band of Christians who sought a sanctuary for the worship of God and for the fellowship of believers in their quiet rural community.

Last Wednesday April 9th 1975 the demolition of this building was commenced. Your scribe has been worshipping here for a mere 15 years yet when he walked across the empty floor on Wednesday and saw gaps in the floor and walls he felt the feeling of loss which we will all experience today and in the days to come.

That old building has seen so much of life--and death. Parents and friends have gone to their final rest from there. Young people in the glory of hope have been married there. Babies have been dedicated to God and His service there. Many folk have met Jesus Christ there and from the baptistery have risen to walk a new life.

But age weakened the old building as it weakens us all and all must go the same way. It will live in the minds of us all. [40] However, 'forgetting what is behind and reaching out for that which lies ahead' we must press on to the future and the goal which is God's call to life and service in the name of Jesus Christ as our new chapel rises with its vision of the possibilities for the future."

In the very next week's "Messenger" came the triumphant announcement:--"Excavations start next Saturday!" The new chapel was on the way. Meanwhile the congregation met in the "temporary chapel" in the hall.

A waste paper appeal was initiated by the (Albert) Thompson family, to raise money for a spire. Cyril Finger provided the transport to take the loads of paper to the buyer.

It was resolved at a subsequent meeting that recognition of Mr and Mrs Harry Chandler and Mr and Mrs John Maguire as foundation members should be made, by designating the baptistry and vestry in their honour.

Soon after, the Building Committee were alarmed to learn that the builder had accidentally under quoted in the amount of $15,000! The architect was asked to revise plans to reduce costs. The builder then revised his expenses upward to the tune of another $1000. A special board meeting resolved to accept an offer by Vic Burden and Laurie Maguire to act as supervisors of sub-contractors in the construction of the new chapel, and that Lyall Williams should present these proposals to a special Church meeting. At that meeting, after worship on Sunday 25 May, 1975, the following motions were put and accepted:--

[1] That a revised plan involving the deletion of the Minister's Study and the Store Room and reduction of the eastern Porch Roof at an estimated saving of $8500, be adopted.

[2] That the offer of Messrs Maguire and Burden to act as supervisors of sub-contracting, making use of voluntary labour as much as possible, be accepted.

By August, progress had been made on the footings, all preliminary concrete had been poured and the steel framework was about to be erected.

Meanwhile, July saw our Church involved in a Church Growth Seminar, held at the Blackburn Church of Christ. David Brown reported back to the Church with recommendations.

The manse had to be re-blocked in October and considerable savings were effected through the voluntary labour of Lyall Williams, Tom Myerscough and Arthur Kay. Other extensive renovations of the manse were also carried out, prior to the arrival of Arthur and Merilyn Taylor-Davis.

Children's Talks first became a regular feature of Sunday Worship services late in 1975.

A Planned Giving Program commenced in December, beginning with a dinner at which the following three aspects of stewardship were presented:--

• A presentation of New Testament concepts.
• Stimulation through pledged giving.
• Presentation of the Budget for 1976. [41]

The dinner was followed by two team training evenings, visitation, and follow-up reporting.

Trevor Giles from the Home Mission Department of the Brotherhood was the field officer appointed for the campaign.

A complete Directory of Church members, "Christians in Fellowship", Auxiliaries, and Board members was to be prepared, for distribution in the coming year. Arthur Taylor-Davis was welcomed as the new minister in 1976.

The resignation of Cyril Finger as Sunday School Secretary became effective as from the March, 1976 AGM. This brought to an end his many years of faithful service in the role. Those present learnt that Albert Thompson had joined Laurie Maguire, Lyall Williams and Vic Burden on the "Operations Committee" overseeing sub-contracting work on the new chapel.

Although the Studfield Junior Football Club was now only loosely affiliated with the Church, its activities were still supported through the use of Church facilities, and it continued to report to the AGM.

Women of the Church were being encouraged to preside at Worship services in April, 1976 for the first time.

A Family Camp at Rosebud, planned by a team under the leadership of Errol Gilbert, attracted 50 Church folk.

A re-formation of a Young Adults group occurred in 1977, led by Anthea Woodward and Merilyn Taylor-Davis. They enjoyed social activities on Friday nights and Bible Study on Sunday nights.

Work continued on the new chapel and there were high hopes that it would be ready for an official opening in July. Issuing a detailed report to the Board in June, Lyall Williams stated:--"If observers grow impatient and suffer a sense of frustration it should be understood that those who are much involved in organisation of the work and those who are also heavily involved in the actual work suffer much more from the many frustrations."

Constitutional revision was mooted in July, with a proposed easing of restrictions on "Christians in Fellowship", and the possibility of female Elders serving the Church. Another issue was the use of "Symbolic Artefacts" in the Church. It was reiterated that no plaques would be placed on donated furniture or structural features--donors would be recognised instead in a Memorial Book or Honour Roll. While there was no objection in principal to appropriate symbols, it was decided that, at this stage, none would appear in the new chapel.

Amid great rejoicing the new Boronia chapel was officially opened on Saturday 8th October, 1977. Auntie Kit Chandler, the oldest surviving pioneer with continuous membership, unveiled the plaque. Gordon Chandler turned the key presented to him by Vic Burden. Lyall Williams gave the address at the meeting which followed the opening ceremony. [42]

The "Homecoming" and first Sunday Worship Service occurred the next day, Sunday 9th October, with former minister Col Smith giving the address. In the evening of the same day, Wendy Finger and Judy Stone were immersed, in the first baptisms in the chapel.

The final cost of construction was $113,000 (not including the car-park which could not be constructed until the Boronia Road cutting was removed the following year).

Mrs Iris Lawson was recommended to the Church as a College of the Bible student minister to assist in the work at Boronia, commencing in 1978. Arthur Taylor-Davis indicated that he would terminate his ministry at the end of 1978.

An official farewell to long-time member and Elder Emeritus Percy Jordan took place on 18th December, where he was presented with a framed photograph of the old chapel building.

The Board had a special meeting very early in 1978 to consider a possible ministry by Harvey Miller at Boronia. Harvey's credentials satisfied those present and he was invited to commence a three-year ministry from 1979.

In February of 1978, two Worship services were held on Sunday mornings--the first at 9.15 with a focus on families, and the second at 11.00 following more "traditional" lines.

Trevor Dow brought years of experience as club-boy and leader when he joined the leadership team of the Boronia Church of Christ Explorer boys' Club in early 1978.

Iris Lawson was soon involved in the Church's youth activities, and recommended that a Resource Centre be set up, containing suitable literature and other resources for teachers and leaders.

The final meeting of the Building Committee occurred on March 9'h, winding up four years of meetings and hard work. In his final report, E. Lyall Williams, chairman of the Committee, paid tribute to his co-members:--Vic Burden, Peter Collyer (Secretary), Ruth Finger, Percy Jordan, Gerald McLeod, Laurie Maguire, Arthur Taylor-Davis, Albert Thompson, and Lila Williams. He also stated:--"We register our real appreciation to all the voluntary workers, to all who contributed to the Building Fund . . . (and) express our appreciation of the excellent workmanship of the sub-contractors. Thanks be to God for our motivation and blessing in Christ."

The 1978 Annual General Meeting saw Olive Goodwin again making history, this time as the first female Elder at Boronia. The constitutional clause regarding women deacons was removed, clearing the way for more than two women now being able to serve the Church in that capacity.

The congregation also endorsed the Board's call to Harvey Miller to commence a Boronia ministry in 1979.

The problem of acoustics in the new chapel was under investigation early in the year.

By May, 1978 an "over 60s" group had started at the Church, to meet on the first Friday of each month. It would be known as "Koinonia." In August a tapestry of the Last Supper made by Olive Goodwin was hung in the Family Room at the rear of the chapel. A report in August about the "Good News Weekend' conducted by Gordon [43] Stirling was positive, the Church rejoicing in five confessions of faith and 26 indications of interest in doing so. There were also 23 requests for visits by the minister and three requests for Church membership. Indeed by mid-September of 1978 there had been 19 baptisms in a two-month period, bringing the total since October 1977 to 31! In the same period 16 others had transferred in to our Boronia Church.

Arthur and Merilyn Taylor-Davis were farewelled on 19th November, 1978 at a combined Church service. It was said "that Arthur left the church healthier and stronger than when he came." (There had been a total of 29 baptisms in twelve months.) An informal farewell, in the form of a Square Dance, was organised by the Young Marrieds group as well.

Harvey and Lynette Miller and family were officially welcomed in to fellowship on February 4th, 1979. Iris Lawson continued her role in support, while her studies at the College progressed.

The first of Max Collyer's beautiful timber symbols--a dove--was installed on the wall behind the baptistry in March.

In recognition of their service on the "Operations Committee", supervising the building of the new chapel, the Board resolved to present framed photographs of both the old and new chapels to Albert Thompson, Vic Burden, Lyall Williams and Laurie Maguire.

In April a working bee of over forty people set out the lawns and gardens on the Church property.

The Board considered a Capital Works Program and put its recommendations to the membership in July. After much discussion about priorities, the Board met again to clarify the issue. Major priorities included a bitumen car park, paths and other external safety requirements, along with an office and storage centre. Secondary concerns were related more to indoor facilities. The separate issue of the Spire arose as well and, on an architect's advice, a free-standing brick structure with a rustic wooden cross was proposed, using the $700 in hand and additional donations.

In October, minister Harvey Miller presented a five-year plan for the Board's consideration, which included ministry to children, youth, young adults, marrieds, mid-years, older years, singles and others. The plan was accepted in principle for implementation.

Max Collyer presented examples of new communion trays for use in our worship.

At the end of 1979 Iris Lawson completed her student ministry at Boronia and she and Neil were farewelled on 16th December, with the Church family's good wishes for Iris's new appointment as student minister at Hartwell. She was also invited to accept a 0.8 ministry at Boronia, commencing in 1981. Meanwhile Harvey Miller was invited to extend his ministry for an additional three years, both proposals to go to the new year's AGM. [44]

A set of rules for the use of Church property was published early in 1980, and all wishing to use the facilities were required to accept those rules.

A planned giving program was being put in place early in the year. In March, an invitation was extended to College student Cynthia Page to take up a student ministry in support of Harvey Miller at Boronia.

The Capital Works program was progressing well and the membership were indebted to Albert Thompson for saving between two and three thousand dollars on the cost of the car-park and general landscaping.

The Board's call in relation to the ministries of Iris Lawson and Harvey Miller (see last chapter) were endorsed by the membership.

Student minister Cynthia Page was welcomed to the Board, and quickly became an influence in the Church's Youth Ministry.

Towards the end of the year a Day Care Centre for the elderly was proposed as a new outreach for the Church, with Olive Goodwin and Max Collyer the "prime movers" of this venture.

After twenty-seven years of devoted and enthusiastic service in positions as deacon, elder and secretary, Peter Collyer resigned from the Church board in November of 1980. At the Annual General Meeting which took place in November, David Allen also resigned after serving as an Explorer leader for a number of years.

As part of Women's Ministry a Casserole Bank was started to assist families in need because of ill-health or other family crisis.

Iris Lawson was inducted as our second minister on 8th February, 1981. Her husband Neil accepted the leadership of Christian Youth Fellowship, assisted by Andrew "Pug" and Bev Brough. Also in that month the Boronia Church's financial commitment to the Church at Knoxfield was finalised, freeing $604 quarterly to be used for other purposes.

At the 60th Anniversary on Sunday 15th March 1981, a Thank Offering was taken to defray the cost of setting up an Adult Day Care Centre.

April 13th 1981 saw the first meeting of a group for married and single folk, known as "Mingles". There were 96 people on the contact list.

Midway through the year Harvey Miller advised the Board that he had accepted an invitation to join the Faculty of the College of the Bible as from the beginning of the following year. He and his family would remain in membership at Boronia. Considering this situation, the Board approached Gordon Stirling to invite his participation on the ministry team in a part-time capacity for the coming year--a role which he willingly accepted. In [45] lieu of salary it was decided that a fund be established to enable Gordon and Leslie to represent the Boronia Church at the World Convention of Churches of Christ in Jamaica.

1982 saw the beginning of an effective ministry team blending experience and youth, as Gordon and Iris met weekly to discuss, plan and pray together. Gordon undertook a visitation program mapped out by Church Secretary Bev Jeffrey, and by the end of March that year had visited every Church family! Quite an achievement. And he readily accepted the Board's request to extend his interim ministry for a further twelve months.

The outreach of CYF extended to the wider community, for it was noted that 90% of membership came from "non-Church" families.

"Features at Five" was the format for evening services over the winter months, starting at 5.00 p.m.

The membership overwhelmingly endorsed the Board's recommendation to call John Elliott to ministry for 1984.

In Spring, the musical performance "Handling Your Ups And Downs" was presented three times--once in our chapel, on a second occasion for the Day Care folk, and lastly at the Ringwood Church of Christ. There was a cast and crew of 32, led by John and Cherry Bird.

Pris Burnham started a Play Group this year, while Colin and Irene Henry, with Gordon Chandler, were guardians of the Church's Historical documents.

160 people attended a successful Stewardship Dinner late in the year, organised by Bev Jeffrey and Ruby Scott, assisted by a team of helpers.

Gordon Stirling undertook another visiting "marathon" in early 1983, making 88 calls by February, with 80 more to go.

Following the devastating Ash Wednesday bushfires of February, 1983, the Australian Brotherhood of Churches of Christ launched a special appeal, and the Boronia Church's Anniversary Offering was forwarded to the appeal.

Iris Lawson held monthly "Girls' Nights Out" in her home for teenage girls, providing fellowship and constructive ministry and building strong relationships.

Total Church membership in May was 234, made up of 186 active members, 14 Associate Members (formerly known as "Christians in Fellowship,") 22 inactive members and 12 isolated members.

Halfway through the year Lance and Enid Fisher visited the Sunday School to speak to the children about the work done among Aborigines, and $23 was raised to send to Neil and Anne Ewart who were field-workers in that area of ministry. September saw the resignation of Graham Condron as Church Treasurer, after seven years in the position. His replacement was Ian Parker. John Elliott commenced his ministry at Boronia on 5th February, 1984 and was to attend his first Board meeting on February 13th. When he failed to appear at the start of the meeting, Bruce McIntosh went to the manse and found John on the bedroom floor. He had suffered a severe [46] stroke. It became clear after some weeks in hospital that John would not be capable of carrying out his ministry responsibilities, and he resigned. Iris Lawson stepped into the breach, shouldering much of the role alone for the rest of the year. The practical support of the Elders enabled Iris to manage her time. Elders accepted responsibility to care for John Elliott's health, for a Stress Management Course, for Training Sessions for Visitation, for use of the manse, for the pastoral needs of the Church, and for the Young Adults group.

The fellowship of the Church was challenged in March 1984 to get to know another twelve members whom they did not know previously or did not know well. Other challenges to grow the Church included aims for the addition of thirty new members, 24 additional communicants and a weekly offering of $1050.

After eleven years as leader of the Good Companions Girls' Club, Bev Jeffrey announced her impending resignation, to take effect from the end of the year.

In April, Iris Lawson's term of ministry was extended a further four years, and in June Keith Milne of the Stawell Church of Christ was invited to consider a position on the ministry team, to commence in February, 1986.

Geoff and Kate Keeler were preparing to "emigrate" to Queensland and, after 20 years active participation by both in the life of our Church, Geoff resigned from the Board on November 12th.

Alan and Sally McMillan arrived from New Zealand on 24th January 1985 and took up residence in the manse. Alan was enrolled at the College of the Bible and would assist with the work at Boronia for the remainder of the year.

"Back To Boronia" was the theme for a celebration on January 28th where, in a special service, some pioneers and their families were special guests. This was a community-wide celebration, and just one part of the festivities celebrating 150 years of European settlement in Victoria. Our member Neville Sanders had a significant part in organising the community celebrations through his association with Boronia Rotary, as well as his lifetime spent in Boronia. Don Maguire organised for a large rock to be transported to the Church site, and a plaque was fixed to it. On the plaque were the names of the Boronia Church of Christ pioneer members and the date of the commencement of the church. Col Smith, our preacher from 1949 to 1958, was the guest preacher at the celebration service, and the plaque was unveiled afterwards.

Danny and Pam McDowell were welcomed into fellowship in April, following their transfer from the Bayswater Church.

The Church Family Camp in 1985 was at Shiloh Ranch and was considered a great success.

Elaine McLeod was working to form a fellowship group for Singles--anyone whose life has been upset by divorce, separation, bereavement, family problems or loneliness--to be known as "Kairos", as a mission outreach of our Church. ("Kairos" means "a significant or meaningful time.")

During the year, the Church raised just over $2540 by Auxiliary fundraising, special efforts and personal gifts to purchase a transceiver for Anne and Neil Ewart in Onslow, Western Australia. [47] The transceiver would break the sense of isolation and lack of communication for the Ewarts, and assist them in their ministry among the Aborigines.

Lesley Stirling was busily writing a history of our Church up to 1985, ready for the Church's 65th Anniversary. (It formed the basis of this Church History.)

John and Joy Doyle, associated with our Church for 35 years, moved to Tathra in New South Wales. John had served as a board member for several years, and the children all went through the Sunday School and children's groups.

The Church was anticipating the arrival of Keith and Laurel Milne for the start of 1986, with Keith being part of the ministry team with Iris Lawson.

"House Parties" were organised early in 1986 to welcome Keith and Laurel Milne to Boronia. These involved groups of 10 to 15 people meeting for morning tea, afternoon tea or supper in the homes of members.

On 2nd February, 1986, Gordon Stirling celebrated 50 years of ministry!

A committee was formed with the aim of enriching the Church's music. Among its tasks was a listing of musicians, instruments and vocalists with the Church family; the formation by Danny McDowell of a "Big Band" of musicians for the first Sunday night of each month; musical items to be arranged for the third Sunday night of each month; two smaller groups of musicians to provide music at morning worship on alternate weeks; more song leaders to be encouraged.

Shiloh Ranch was again the venue for a Church Family Camp in 1986. Sixty-six people attended. CYF experienced some relationship difficulties, which required the intervention of the Church board and a number of frank and open meetings. Despite these meetings, tensions simmered throughout the year.

The Church board responded unanimously in rejection of an article in "The Australian Christian" which suggested among other things that "The pastor must not surrender leadership to any group of people." Our board pointed out that team ministry was in accordance with New Testament principles and practices, and disagreed with the article's "assertion that the autocratic model of leadership / ministry is always effective and productive".

Under the theme "Creator and the Created" in September, a Craft Exhibition in the Church halls was supported by 43 exhibitors. It included displays of African violets, pottery, printing, patchwork, table cloths, brooches, handicrafts, woodwork, tile work, needlework, sewing, crocheting, knitting, plants, dolls, toys, ceramics and china painting.

Iris Lawson was to commence a year's leave at the end of the year. Towards the end of the year Elaine McLeod drew the attention of the board to the difficulties being faced in staffing the Sunday School. She felt that the team-teaching approach which necessitated two staffs of teachers was unsatisfactory, and that current "do your own thing" trends in the wider community were impacting negatively in terms of co-operative effort in the Church [48] school. Elaine suggested a review of practices in Christian education in our Church, and from her school-teaching experience offered a range of suggestions for consideration.

The problems to which Elaine referred regarding Sunday School resulted in a large number of teacher resignations at the end of the year and in 1987 most departments of the Sunday School were operating with single teams of teachers. A review, as suggested by Elaine was under way early in 1987.

In February, Keith Milne was offered an extension of his term as minister to December, 1993.

Early in 1987, Errol and Margaret Gilbert and their family left our family, to move to Tasmania. Errol had served on the Church board and both he and Margaret were very much involved in auxiliary work. John and Joyce Masterson were welcomed in to our fellowship from Oakleigh soon after.

A Saturday night Youth Club commenced as a new Church outreach this year, at the suggestion of Kenneth Shaw and Russell Fyfe. Detailed forward planning occurred and advertising prepared for other local churches, for secondary schools and for shops and other places in the district. By its second night the group had 22 members ranging in age from 12 to 18.

Harvey and Lynette Miller and family were farewelled at a special service on June 28th, prior to their departure for the United States, where Harvey was undertaking further study.

Gordon Stirling was to complete a nine-year term as editor of "The Australian Christian" at the end of the year. He and Lesley were preparing to take up a part-time ministry at Launceston, Tasmania for 1988, spending just one Sunday a month here at their "home church". The sudden death of Launceston's minister brought forward Gordon's and Lesley's departure to August.

August saw the extension of the Adult Day Care program. In addition to Wednesdays, Monday sessions commenced on August 24th. What a valuable ministry this is, and it was summed up eloquently when a visitor to the Centre from Queensland named Denise Neal wrote to Olive:--

"I want to express my appreciation to you, your volunteers, and your participants, for making me feel so welcome when I came to your Centre. I left the Centre that particular day with a very full heart. The atmosphere which has been created there is warming, caring and giving. I fitted a great deal of observation and learning into the three days, but believe I will carry my impressions and feelings of your Centre in my heart for many a day. If I can achieve but one third of your atmosphere, I will consider that I am achieving something worthwhile. May I offer my very best wishes for your future programs, and may God bless you all."

In Spring the Church board considered the needs of our community of faith at all levels, its property and assets, and its options and priorities for future planning--all contained in a detailed document. After further examination, a similar document would be presented to the membership in the New Year.

Gerald McLeod, a former member and Church secretary died in September, and a memorial service was conducted at the Uniting Church in Collins Street, attended by many Boronia members. [49]

Max Collyer's ten years on the Maintenance Committee came to an end and he was succeeded by John Dow, in partnership with Colin Henry.

In October, our minister on leave, Iris Lawson, notified the board of her resignation, and Elaine McLeod indicated her impending retirement as Sunday School superintendent.

The Church celebrated the tenth anniversary of the opening of the new chapel on Sunday, November 8th. Bruce McIntosh penned these words in "The Messenger":--

"The little wooden church with its quaint tower had stood on the hill in Boronia Road since 1921; it was a landmark. Boronia's first place of worship, and it reflected all of the simple sincere values of the farming families that built it.

But then, fifty-four years later it was coming down, bit by bit, the weatherboards splintered and fell and the tough weather-hardened framework was exposed to the light of day again. There was at least one person there pulling down what he had helped to build, Gordon Chandler.

It was sad to see the old church come down. It like its builders had served the district well. Young people had grown up and married here; foundation members had been brought here for their final farewells at the end of fruitful service to the church and its Lord they loved. From here, that happy group of young people had travelled home after a happy evening service, only to die on our fateful railway crossing. But down it came, too small for a growing, changing congregation, and not before the local termites had made the most of a holy meal. In its place grew ever so slowly, over two years, our lovely present chapel, and its quite beautiful interior, topped off by the most festive lights to adorn any Protestant chapel.

For ten years we have worshipped in our new church home. Young people have married here; new families have joined us, more loved ones have left us, and the work of Christ's kingdom goes on.

Outside the new church is the memorial rock; a thanksgiving to those who built the old chapel; inside is the present congregation, the fruits of their labours--and ours."

Emily Batterham, one of those old pioneers that Bruce referred to, was "called home" on 15th November, and several members from Boronia attended a thanksgiving service for her life, held at Kew.

From the start of 1988, Church School was using the "Living Faith" Christian education material. Cherry and John Bird were the joint Church School superintendents.

Mike Folland commenced a student ministry at Boronia, assisting Keith Milne and focussing particularly on youth work. Gordon Stirling was asked to accept a part-time ministry with us for the following year, commencing on March 12th, 1989. Mike Folland accepted the Ministry Committee's invitation to also continue in the New Year.

Trevor Dow reported that the Explorer Boys' Club under the leadership of himself and Graeme [50] Bush was functioning successfully with a membership of 35 boys and an average attendance of 30, 22 of whom were from non-Church backgrounds.

The membership were invited to financially support the setting up of an "E. L. Williams Room" at the new Churches of Christ Theological College in Mulgrave, in recognition of the highly significant ministry of "E. L." at Boronia since his student days.

In mid-July of this year 107 Church folk responded to a survey relating to Sunday morning services. The vast majority voted to retain two services--a "Family" service at 9.00 a.m. and a more "traditional" service at 11.00 a.m.

On 22nd August an old former member of our Church, Percy Jordan, passed away at Frankston hospital. (See his "Profile" later in this book.)

Rosalie Cree's beautiful and topical banners began to be exhibited in our chapel in 1988.

Our Saturday Night Youth Club gained a grant of $600 from the State Department of Sport and Recreation. Ninety young people were listed with this club over the year.

In 1989 Gordon Stirling was assisting Keith Milne and Mike Folland as our ministry team. Mike had been appointed Student President of the College of the Bible for the year.

Brian White conducted several seminars at Boronia, among them "Understanding Stress and Depression" and "Effective Parenting".

In April, Kerry Handasyde's Band started, to aid us in worship. Band-members' ages ranged from nine years "to Frank Burnham"! Frank was our beloved double bass player.

At the end of the year, Mike and Ruth Folland ended their time with us and were anticipating a new experience with the Church at The Patch. We, in turn, were looking forward to the arrival of Andrew Henley and his wife Lee-Anne at the beginning of 1990. [51]

In 1990, Peter Collyer resigned from the Board after 32 years of diligent service including five as secretary from 1960. Peter, Phyl and their family had transferred to Boronia in 1951. Peter began teaching Sunday School in 1952 and was elected to the Board in 1954. He was superintendent of the Junior Sunday School during the second half of the 'fifties. He was elected to the office of Elder in 1969. Among his Church Committee contributions were service on the Building Committee and the Ministry Committee, along with being Minute Secretary and Church Service Plan compiler for a number of years. He was our "Christian" reporter for some years, and was our Board Chairman for about 12 years. He has been involved in leadership with Explorers and with Adult Day Care. All in all, a significant contribution to Church life at Boronia. He deserved a rest! But he's still exerting an influence.

Andrew Henley commenced his team ministry with Keith Milne at Boronia early in the year.

A new venture in outreach to children--Allandale Kids Korner--started early, too, led by Andrew Henley, Jo Deith, Anthea Parker, Margaret Ball and June Harling, with Colin and Irene Henry as cooks. Eighteen children were there on the first night, and numbers grew to 35 by the end of the year. Three quarters of them came from non-Church families. In the two-hour sessions, children enjoyed games, worship, a meal and craft activities.

A new Church of Christ at the growing suburb of Rowville became a reality, partly because of the interest of some of our members. Opening day was in late January, with 32 present. Tom Ede was minister, assisted by student John Sutton.

Among the "comings and goings" in 1990, we farewelled Iris and Neil Lawson and their daughters, as Iris left to commence a ministry at Ashburton. But we welcomed home the Miller family who returned from America.

Trevor Dow resigned as an Explorer Club leader, and our Church secretary wrote of him:--"His resignation was accepted with regret but also with sincere gratitude for the healthy club he leaves with us and the tremendous influence he has had on the many boys sharing in the club during his term of leadership."

By 1990 the Church was served by three bands, led by Danny McDowell, Kerry Handasyde and Cherry Bird.

In December, Olive Godown received a Rotary "Community Service Award".

THE "GREAT FIRE" was no doubt the highlight event of 1991. Our halls were destroyed and our chapel badly damaged by the fire on March 15th. Our minister Keith said, "In many ways it has tested and strengthened our faith, determination and sense of community."

A Rebuilding Committee was quickly formed, consisting of John Masterton (Chairman), John Dow, Graham Ball, Kris Condron, Lola Wardell and Olive Goodwin, with assistance from Trevor Dow and many others. Allan Emmett provided fine assistance with the financial organisation of the rebuilding program. Russell and Geraldine Handasyde's cool store provided storage for the [52] chapel contents salvaged from the fire. The generosity of our own State Churches was overwhelming in our time of need, as was the concern and financial support of local people and organisations, both religious and secular. Ties of Christian unity were strengthened as Roman Catholics from St Joseph's, Boronia allowed us to use their Church hall for morning worship and the Uniting Church offered its chapel for evening services. The Anglicans of St Paul's and the Salvation Army also made their facilities available.

Ministers' offices were located at the home of Dick and Hazel Tutton in Allandale Road, and in space made available by the Uniting Church; and the administrative office was on the property of Laurie Hargrave in Pine Crescent. Church printing moved to the home of John and Joyce Masterton.

Church School classes were held in the classrooms of St Joseph's Parish School and at the Uniting Church.

Among the temporary locations of other auxiliaries was Adult Day Care meeting in the Anglican Church hall for 16 months, celebrating their I 0h Anniversary there in April. Allandale Kids Klub was also relocated to St Paul's. The Boronia Guide Hall was "home" to the Play Group, and the Good Companions met at the Salvation Army farm at The Basin. Allandale Day Kindergarten suffered fire, smoke and water damage, and the children were also moved temporarily to the Guide Hall. Renovations and repairs to the Kinder were the Number One Priority of the rebuilding committee, and Allandale Kindergarten came home again on May 7th--a tremendous achievement!

Meanwhile, the 70th Anniversary of our Church was celebrated in St Joseph's School Hall, with former minister Harvey Miller as speaker.

A Spring Festival coincided with the reopening of our chapel on September 1st, 1991. It was cause for great celebration and thanksgiving.

The first page of the 1991 Annual Report of Boronia Church of Christ summed up a dramatic year thus:--

1992 saw Keith Milne being invited to continue his ministry at Boronia until 1998.

Our hall and kitchen complex finally reopened on July 19'h after the devastating fire, bringing everyone "back home" from their scattered locations in the district. There was a "ramp and stair" facility constructed by Graham Ball between the chapel and the halls, making access very much easier for Adult Day Care folk and our own senior members.

Trevor Dow's retirement from the Explorer Boys' Club was short-lived for he was back in 1992, assisting Peter Shattock and Daryl Marchant.

We lost our old double bass player, Frank Burnham, in July. Frank had only been in membership for about ten years, but had made his mark, and not just with his friendly, happy nature. Keith Milne observed:--"We have all been encouraged by Frank's loyalty, unswerving faith, valued contribution to our music on the double bass (won't that be missed!), and more recently his painting of our new halls."

Carl Lee became an honorary student minister at our Church in 1993.

On 6th March a Tribute Night was held for Gordon and Lesley Stirling, our loved members who had given so much of their time and talent to our Church and to Churches of Christ in Australia and New Zealand. It was a wonderful social evening that gave us all a chance to say "thank you" for their continuing enrichment of our lives.

Olive Goodwin resigned from her role of preparing communion for the Church after 18 years on the job. She was only the fourth person to perform this task in the Church's 72 years!

A Men's Ministry commenced this year, with a Men's Breakfast on February 27th. Activities were planned by a committee made up of Gordon Stirling, Adrian Wilson, Arthur Burton and Royce Wardle.

Kids Korner was now averaging between 45 and 50 children a night, all enjoying games, singing, worship, tea, more games and craft every meeting night.

On April 6th, 1994, we held a "Church Expo", highlighting all the programs and activities provided by our Church for its own folk and the wider community. A free sausage sizzle fed the visitors to the Expo, tea and coffee were available, and a cake stall was a fund-raising opportunity.

History was about to be made in 1994 as Keith Milne was soon to become our longest-serving minister. Keith and Andrew were joined by Andrew Ratcliff, a College student who, with his wife Raelene and children Matthew, Daniel, Adam and Rebecca, joined our Church family. Keith was inducted as Conference President of our Churches of Christ Conference on May 1st. His frequent absences on Conference business throughout the year were covered by the two Andrews, assisted by Gordon Stirling.

"McDowell Magic" was the title of a musical evening featuring instrumental, song and dance, and starring the McDowell family and friends. That event in July was to raise money for the Ministry Outreach Fund of our Church.

Don Maguire, youngest son of our first Church secretary died suddenly on August 25th. Between [54] 300 and 400 people attended his funeral at Springvale on August 30th, and the same number were present at a Thanksgiving Service for his life in our Chapel afterwards. "The Messenger" saw this as, "A tremendous tribute to one of our community's most respected Christian gentlemen." Don was a great cricketer, the mainstay of the Church team over many decades, and a great promoter of the sport amongst younger people. He was also very much involved with the Country Fire Brigade at The Basin from his youth. He was a "hands-on" worker for the RSL, too. Indeed, Don Maguire's involvement with community groups was something of a legend. And he was immensely proud of the Church he served and loved. (Mardi, his widow, was to pass away too, just five months later.)

Leo Rosner, one of the Jews featured in the book "Schindler's Ark" and the movie "Schindler's List", told his story and played his music for us on the evening of October 2nd. He held the congregation spellbound as he shared some of his horrific experiences, but the sadness and horror were relieved by his beautiful accordion playing--the skill that helped to save his life. He was clearly a man who loved life and his great sense of humour came through in his music. An offering was taken for the Holocaust Foundation.

E. L. (Lyall) Williams, who was a true Christian "hero of the faith" and such a special part of Boronia life from the late 1920s, died at Betheden Nursing Home on October 2nd. (See "Profile" later in this book.)

John and Cherry Bird and their family left us in October to move to Knoxfield. Their many and varied contributions to our Church life would be missed. Our own Elaine McLeod was at that time a student minister at the Knoxfield Church.

At the end of the year we farewelled the Ratcliff family who were moving to Happy Valley in South Australia. Speaking for all of us, Keith said of Andrew:--"We have come to appreciate his quiet wisdom, honesty and friendship."

Darryn Hickling and his wife Anita came to assist Keith Milne in ministry in February, 1995, and Andrew Henley and his family left us in late January. Keith Milne's appreciation of Andrew was clear as he noted:--"We have worked together now for almost five years and have a warm and harmonious relationship. Andrew has contributed significantly to our Church Family Life. His work in Religious Education Classes and the formation and establishment of Allandale Kids' Korner have been a success story. His public leadership has always been of a very high standard; he is a gifted speaker and worship leader, his sensitive contribution and professional participation in Funeral and Thanksgiving Services has been appreciated and admired throughout the community. He is largely responsible for many younger families coming into membership over recent years and has led many in Discipleship Classes."

In May, Keith completed his term as Conference President.

Study Groups were a feature of 1995. There were eight people meeting at the home of Catherine and Mark Riches; the "Thursday Morning Ladies" led by Lynne Sykes and Catherine Riches; a group of seven "senior" ladies meeting weekly for morning tea and study; a group meeting in the home of Vince and Dorothy Leeder, led by Gordon Stirling, then Royce Wardle and third, Graham Billing.

In June, Pris Burnham, our former Elder, Pastoral Care visitor and Play Group convener decided [55] to leave our faith community and join her daughter Cherry Bird, John and family at Knoxfield. Another gap created--another to try and fill.

We learnt in August of the death in Adelaide of John Elliott. John had been inducted into the team ministry at Boronia in 1985, but suffered a stroke shortly afterwards and was unable to continue. Eventually he recovered sufficiently to minister part-time at Marion, South Australia until a recent short illness.

December 1995 saw us celebrate Christmas with our first-ever "Carols on the Lawn," brilliantly organised by Danny McDowell, assisted by a team of family, Church folk and friends. It would be the first of many.

Keith and Laurel Milne commenced their eleventh year of ministry with us at the start of 1996.

The Christian Women's Evening Fellowship was replaced by two new groups as 1996 began, meeting on alternate months. The first of the groups was L.O.L.L.S, which stands for "Lots Of Love, Laughter and Sharing" and was primarily a social group. P.E.N.C.I.L.S was a craft group--"Painting, Embroidery, Needlework, Craft, Ideas, Love & Sharing". (They said "Chocolate, too, but we could not fit that into our name!") Its aim was to attract younger members and to reach out into the community. Thirty-seven attended their first night, and there were soon 50 or more attending regularly. Joan Allen and Margaret Ball were the "supper girls" catering for the group. Anthea Parker and Jenny Mason were the craftwork co-ordinators. C.W.F. Afternoon Group continued to offer its members "opportunities for spirituality, fun, fellowship and friendship."

A Pastoral Mission Group was formed in 1996, made up of Keith Milne, Betty Parker, Betty Dow, Olive Goodwin and Lola Wardle. Its brief was "to oversee and assist in the development of the Pastoral Care Program of the Church." Specific tasks included hospital visitation; illness and grief visitation; regular pastoral visits to Church attendees; overseeing the follow-up of absentees; overseeing the provision and distribution of emergency food and clothing, etc; overseeing and assisting the development of appropriate prayer support for the pastoral care of our Church family. Co-opted to the committee were Kris Condron and Jenny Mason, with support from Lynne Sykes. 57 phone calls and 47 visits were made in one month alone! Lucy Brooke was no longer able to continue her ministry as the correspondent for pastoral care and that responsibility was also taken up by Betty Dow. Pauline Gould continued to maintain the "Casserole Bank" for folk in need.

Gordon Moyes, General Superintendent of Sydney Wesley Mission, was the guest preacher at the Church's 75th Anniversary.

At the AGM, Ivy Goodwin was thanked for her 70 years as Church organist.

Keith Milne had a difficult year in terms of his personal health, but was optimistic in his typical fashion about the coming year.

Darryn and Anita Hickling left us at the end of the year to take up a ministry at Bordertown in South Australia.

Among friends lost to our membership through death was Essie Bird, another pioneer of Boronia Church. (See her "Profile" later) [56] Simon Risson and Bruce Moore, both students at the Churches of Christ Theological College, joined Keith in ministry in 1997. Keith announced his intention to resign from the team from the end of 1998.

Our Church family mourned with former members Lyn and Graham Lindroth, who lost their only son and daughter-in-law in an horrific bushfire tragedy at Ferny Creek over summer.

A Worship Mission Group, with members Kenneth Shaw, Kris Condron, Jean Mullen, Meredith Opie, Simon Risson and Gordon Stirling, introduced "Recommendations & Guidelines" for the Service Plan, new and improved Evening Worship, a Personnel questionnaire for the Service Plan, Kids' Focus, rearranged seating for worship in the chapel, and greater participation in worship by young people, including the children from Kids' Connection (the new name for Sunday School). Future aims included use of an overhead projector for Church music, improvements to sound equipment and a crèche facility (all of which would be up and running within two years.)

Lorna Boucher relinquished her role as assistant in the preparation of communion, a job she had held for 12 years, and Colin Henry's dozen years on the Management Committee of Allandale Kindergarten also came to an end. Pauline Gould also "handed over the reins" of the Casserole Bank to Pam McDowell this year, after co-ordinating that vital pastoral care service for some years.

M.U.C.K.Y Group began ("Mothers United in Christ with Kids who are Young") in the second half of the year, their aims being to enjoy both friendship and Bible study.

We mourned the death of our beloved Lesley Stirling, Gordon's wife. She had been a great witness for Christ in her life, and is still missed.

Another Mission Group was the Outreach and Evangelism Group, consisting of Sheila McAllister, Keith Milne, Irene Henry, Gill Evans, George Mullen, and Catherine Riches. Mark Riches led three seminars on this subject during the year.

"Hillstop"--the Maguire property at 59 Boronia Road, adjacent to our Church car park was leased. Craft classes commenced on October 6th, 1997. Other activities planned were a Coffee Shop (subject to Council approval), counselling service, and use of the facilities for small group activities such as the M.U.C.K.Y group. Anthea Parker, Jenny Mason and Adrian Wilson were the operative committee for this new outreach opportunity.

1998 saw our energetic stalwart Gordon Stirling attending to the pastoral ministry needs of the Church one day a week in an honorary capacity. (Gordon was celebrating 25 years of membership at Boronia this year.)

Bruce Moore's three days of paid ministry were in fact much more (no pun intended!). He was invited to accept a full-time position for 1999.

Thelma Hoffman and Irene Henry retired from very long and devoted service as Christian Education teachers in local primary schools. [57]

The Mission Groups operating at Boronia were Worship, Pastoral Care, Community Care and Concern, Children's / Youth Ministries, Outreach and Evangelism, Adult Ministries, Administration and Assets.

"Hillstop" Coffee Shop opened on March 2nd this year, with support from a rostered staff of Church folk serving customers, and even more making soup, cakes and slices to be sold. People from Bayswater and Montrose Churches also assisted in our Coffee Shop, maintaining the old, old links between our three Churches.

Two well-loved members who died in 1998 were Hazel Tutton and Ivy Burden. Ivy's membership went back to the earliest days of our Church. (See "Profiles".)

Our Church family was to be blessed with the arrival of Brian and Jenny Ricketts near the end of the year, to begin a term of ministry with us.

Lois Paterson retired as a leader of Good Companions in 1999. In expressing the appreciation of the Church, our secretary commented about:--"her rapport with the girls, her effective programming and the manner in which the numbers increased during her leadership terms for which she will be remembered."

Ian Parker completed 15 years of service on the Church Board, including time as Chairman and four years as treasurer.

Among the physical developments being planned in 1999 were an upgrading of the sound system in the chapel, and the installation of toilets for the disabled.

As a result of the successful Youth Alpha Course, an Executive Youth Committee led by Mark Riches established goals and objectives for 1999-2000 aimed at capitalising on the talents and leadership skills of our youth and of people of all ages, as well as enabling young people to both explore and express their understanding of the Christian faith within the Church community.

It was reported that "Hillstop" was "going strong". Ken Dobson from the Coolstore was donating a large bag of potatoes every week for "baked potatoes" on the menu. He was only going to do that for the first three weeks, but then changed his mind. "He says he does not do enough 'good things'," Anthea Parker reported. A monthly "Garage Sale" co-ordinated by the men of the Church, continued to help meet the costs of running "Hillstop".

The fifth successive production of "Carols on the Lawn", this year dubbed "Carols of the Century", was organised once again by Danny McDowell and his team of helpers and, in spite of wet weather, a big crowd packed the chapel for the occasion. [58]

Although some will argue whether 2000 is, in fact, the "Millennium Year", the "Church on the Hill" continued its life and witness regardless. Once again our Church's Evangelism and Mission Outreach Group planned a camp at "The Basin Centre". It was not to be a "sleep-over" camp. Instead, participants would attend each day, and go home to their own beds at night. (83 people would attend some or all of the camp programs over March 31st-April 2nd.)

Older Church members learnt of the death of Bert Comer at the beginning of the year. Bert was a mildly mentally disabled man who faithfully attended Church Sunday after Sunday until he moved to Oakleigh. His home had been in Floriston Road, but the site is now under the Coles / Kmart car park. Bert was quite an identity around the town of Boronia

Some folk attended the Wedding Anniversary celebrations for our beloved retired minister Keith Milne and Laurel, and we all mourned the death of George Parker. One of our octogenarians, Maisie Mierisch, was missed by our family as she entered a nursing home at Upper Beaconsfield.

The Women's Ministry issued $5 each to willing participants, whose task was then to make their money grow throughout the year under the name "Talents 2000". Among the schemes taken up by enterprising members were the sale of potted cyclamens, filled and unfilled sponges, handcrafted bookmarks, tomato sauce, passion fruit butter, knitted knee rugs, chocolates, cakes, embroidered baby sets, recipes and marmalade. The Henrys organised a theatre night.

A new Sound System was installed in the chapel. Funds were donated by individuals, and at a special offering on our 79th Anniversary Day. (On the same occasion, we also supported the mission work in Vanuatu, badly affected by earthquakes.) Improvements were under way with our toilets, to improve conditions for people from both ends of the spectrum who use our facilities--an improved toilet for people with disabilities was to be installed, along with more accessible toilets for the Allandale kindergarten children.

For the third year in a row "The Greatest Auction Ever" was held in May. Family and friends of the Church donated, and bought goods and services donated, and enjoyed a meal together.

Our own Pastoral Nurse Team, made up of health professionals among our congregation, was actively working to promote the physical and emotional health of the Church family--a new and exciting ministry. They conducted a competition, too, for an appropriate design for their ministry.

The Board were working to find a replacement minister for Bruce Moore, who had announced his intention to "move on" from the end of 2000. The new Federal Government "Goods and Services Tax", to come into effect on July lst, also occupied some time, as so many of our auxiliaries would be affected one way or another. [59]

Brief mention was made in Chapter Five of the terrible accident on the Boronia railway crossing on June lst, 1952. An event of such significance in the history of our Church and that of our wider Brotherhood deserves fuller attention. Thus the inclusion of this Chapter, somewhat out of sequence.

Thus screamed the headline in the old "Argus" newspaper on the morning of June 2nd, 1952. The fateful weekend began when a group of around thirty young people left North Essendon Church of Christ to travel by bus to a guesthouse at The Basin for a weekend camp.

After leaving their camp on their bus on the cold, wet Sunday evening, the youngsters called in at our Church at Boronia for the evening service in which some of them participated--Tony Pugsley, Brian Saunders, Mildred Potts and Joy Hillbrick in a quartet ("The Old Rugged Cross") and Valerie Saunders and Lynette Smith in a duet ("Keep us, loving Saviour") accompanied by Joy Hillbrick--before continuing their journey home. Slowly approaching the level crossing--in those days "open", with no boom gates, no warning lights--the bus driver apparently failed to see a train approaching from Ferntree Gully. At 8.36 p.m., the train ploughed into the bus, instantly killing six of the campers and injuring 22 others. One of the injured died on the way to hospital, and another two died of their injuries the following day.

Local residents cared for the injured until the two local ambulances arrived. Six more ambulances were called out from Melbourne. Boronia's only doctor at the time, Dr John Merry, worked among the injured alone until Dr Ian Falconer reached the scene from Bayswater. Sister Carter and other local nurses helped the injured.

Those who died were Valerie and Brian Saunders, Desmond and Richard Higham, Margaret Evans, Ruth Funston and Ronald Bishop, all from our North Essendon Church; and Lynette Smith and Betty Cantlay from the Bambra Road, Caulfield Church.

"The Australian Christian" reported:--

"Now they belong to all of us, for swiftly though the news spread through Australia and beyond, just as swiftly came the response from warm hearts everywhere. Telegrams, cables, cards and letters came from near and far, among them beautiful messages from other Christian communions and organisations. The public of Melbourne was profoundly moved, and many floral tributes came from strangers on Wednesday, June 4th, the day of the funerals. Our own brotherhood never showed its sense of fellowship more truly. From every State Conference and Youth Department, as well as from individual churches and members throughout Australia and New Zealand, messages of Christian sympathy have come--and, indeed, are still coming. Behind all other gestures we have all been linked in prayer for those bereaved and those young people who still lie injured (Ron Funston, Fay Tassell, Tony Pugsley, Merle Milne and Mildred Potts). We are thankful that fourteen others were able to return home within a few days of the accident." [60]

The funerals for most of the North Essendon young people were held at North Essendon Church at 10 a.m. on June 4th. That of Margaret Evans took place at Keilor Cemetery. At 2.30 on the afternoon of June 4th, the funerals of the two Caulfield girls were held at their Church.

Reporting on the funerals, "The Christian" continued:--

"It was a day of deep sadness, yet the authentic Christian note of triumph was there. Not merely or most vividly in words, but unforgettably in the brave bearing of the bereaved themselves. As Will. H. Clay said at the Fawkner Crematorium, they were upborne by a strength greater than their own, and for hundreds of those who sat in North Essendon chapel, or crowded the bleak, windswept street outside, or stood around the mourners at the Crematorium, their courage was the most eloquent tribute to the reality of the Christian faith."

Youth Leader of Victorian Churches, Laurie Tresize said:--"Those who lost their lives at Boronia were young people engaged in the kind of activity in which thousands of other young people engage. They had been to many camps and were known to nearly all other campers of their age group. On the day of the funerals many hundreds of young people left their schools and places of employment to attend. Young people were deeply moved with sorrow, many of them for the first time sharing in a community of suffering and learning in prayer of the love that overflows and reaches out to others."

"Armstrong", the popular "Argus" newspaper cartoonist of the time had a poignant illustration in the June 4th paper of the scene of the tragedy. Hymn books were shown scattered across the rails, and one was open at the verse:

Our own Church published the Order of Service from the Service on the night of June 1st shortly after the tragedy, in "The Messenger". It is reprinted at the end of this chapter.

Among the memorials to the victims of that terrible tragedy is a plaque in the Chapel at Camp Waterman at Monbulk.

Typically, the government eventually installed flashing lights at the railway crossing in September, 1952. There had been 28 recorded deaths at that crossing in 26 years to that point, and many more "close calls". It took the deaths of those last nine to have it made safer. Later came boom gates and now the railway line runs under the road.

Mention was made in an earlier Chapter of the devastating fire on March 15th, 1991. This Chapter is not a moment-by-moment account, nor a repeat of the summary that has already been written. It is a collection of personal accounts, documents and comments which express sadness and regret, optimism and determination, faith and commitment. We were down for but a moment. With God, with our Christian brothers and sisters, and with our community on our side, we were up again quickly.

Straight after the fire, Keith Milne and Andrew Henley released this special newsletter:--

THE FIRE AND THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE

1. CHURCH SERVICES

Will continue to be held each Sunday morning at 10.00am in St Joseph's School Hall, 212 Boronia Road; parking on the oval or at the rear of the hall.

2. SUNDAY SCHOOL

We are endeavouring to make arrangements for our Sunday School to resume on Sunday, April 28th. (after School Holidays)

3. THE CHURCH PLAN

For this period the plan will involve Musicians and Worship Leaders from both our 9.00 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. Services. We will of course revert back to our normal times when we reoccupy our building.

4. EVENING SERVICES

Will resume at 7.00 p.m. in the Uniting Church as from next Sunday evening (April 7th.)

5. OUR WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING

Will resume at the home of Lucy Brooke, 16b Hutton Ave., Glengollan Village at 11.00 a.m. on Thursday April 11th.

6. TRANSPORT

If our changed location makes it difficult for you to attend Services, please contact Bev Jeffrey and we will do our best to help.

7. ALL CLUBS AND AUXILIARIES

Will continue to meet at times and locations announced in The Messenger. [66]

8. ALLANDALE KINDERGARTEN

Providing all goes well, work to make the Kindergarten habitable will commence after Easter with the room being ready for use by Term 2.

9. OUR MINISTERS

ANDREW HENLEY IS USING AN OFFICE AT THE UNITING CHURCH, Telephone: 762 6732

KEITH MILNE WILL BE WORKING EITHER FROM HOME, 761 1132 OR IN AN OFFICE PROVIDED BY DICK AND HAZEL TUTTON.

THE FUTURE

We are not in a position at this stage to comment accurately on the cause of the fire, insurance or estimated rebuilding times, but we will keep you informed as far as possible through Pulpit Announcements, The Messenger, mail and, where necessary Special Meetings.

Consultants have been appointed to carry out the re building of the Kindergarten, Chapel Foyer and Hall complex, and as mentioned work will commence as soon as possible after Easter.

The Church Board has appointed a Building Committee to be responsible for decisions that need to be made during this rebuilding period.

We are very encouraged by your concern, and cooperation since the fire.

KEITH MILNE and ANDREW HENLEY      
MINISTERS      

Those who were there will never forget that triumphal Church Service in our car park on the Sunday after the fire. Nearly three hundred gathered to praise God as had been done every Sunday for almost 70 years. There were grim faces, there were tears and there was laughter. Who will forget when we all joined hands as a sign of oneness and commitment and comfort. We were even on TV! As our local paper "Knox News" reported, under the headline "Church goes on." "Despite a $1-million fire which destroyed part of the Boronia Church of Christ, many of the church's congregation showed their support and fighting spirit when they attended the outdoor Sunday service, just three days after the blaze." [26-03-1991] [67]

Just how much work had occurred since the fire is evident in the first recorded Minutes of the Building Committee which met five days after the event, printed here in their entirety:--

MINUTES OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING HELD
AT J. MASTERTON'S HOME, 20-3-91

Keith Milne opened the meeting in prayer.

John Masterton was elected Chairman and Kris Condron Secretary.

It was suggested that Olive Goodwin be invited to join the Committee--she accepted.

REPORT FROM ALLAN EMMETT

# we need a correct report right from the start; feels an independent Loss Assessor should be hired which would cost us up to $2,000.00.

# we are insured for $778,400.00 and our Insurance Policy is new for old if fully insured.

RECOMMENDED that we appoint an independent Assessor--Robert C. Deucher & Assoc. Pty. Ltd.--to represent the church to both the Insurance Company and in the rebuilding program.

ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY

# Johns & Lyng to demolish and remove halls at a cost of $5,810, and a Council recommended contractor to remove the asbestos at a cost of $8,720 which is under the Insurance Policy cost.

# Allandale Kindergarten cannot recommence until the asbestos is cleared away.

# The Loss Assessor for the Insurance Company is.  . .
      Michael Donnelly-Robins M.B.S. (Vic. Pty. Ltd.)
      19 Illingworth Pde.,
      Box Hill

# the Consulting Engineer is Jim O'Donahue--
      W.B.C.M. Consultants,
      71 Palmerston Crs.,
      South Melbourne.

# Jim O'Donahue to get quotes on full "from stumps up" demolition--a decision will then need to be made on type chosen.

# SUGGESTED that lists of any expenses incurred, e.g. rent of halls, be kept.

# the Arson Report stated that damage was caused by persons unknown at present.

# it was SUGGESTED that we do not open a special Building Fund--but rather a Building Account--we need to wait for acceptance of the Insurance Claim before acting on the former. [68]

# Allandale Kindergarten is only insured for $10,600 which is included in Church Insurance.

NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY, 27th. MARCH in J. DOW'S HOME at 7.45 p.m.

Just look what had been done after one more meeting. The third meeting, which started at 7.45 p.m. and ended at 11.00 p.m., tells us how hard the members of the Building Committee were working. We can only guess at the amount of time taken to solve all sorts of complicated issues.

MINUTES OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING HELD
AT J. MASTERTON'S HOME, 04.04.91

PRESENT: A. Henley, K. Milne, K. Condron, G. Ball, O. Goodwin, J. Masterton, A. Emmett, J. Dow, Russell Croker.

MEETING WAS OPENED IN PRAYER BY ANDREW HENLEY.

Russell Croker (K.A. Reid) welcomed and thanked for attending.

Allan Emmett reported that some quotes had been received, but these were only guides for the Loss Assessor in establishing our claim. Details of tender appear inadequate and already having Bob Deuchar and K. A. Reid working for us was proving valuable.

Russell Croker then spoke to the group. . . .

Recent photographs of the buildings passed around to jog Committee's memories and a plan of the original halls he had made from sketches provided was displayed.

Temporary works proposed by Johns & Lyng for the Kindergarten to cost $8,900 with 8 working days quoted. Permanent works to cost $19,080.

Russell clarified with Allan that no contract on a "cost plus" basis had actually been signed, allowing him to plan for a "fixed contract."

J. Dow raised the question of further quotes for the Kindergarten work. Reported that Bob Deuchar considered the amount fair and reasonable and on the basis that the Kindergarten is a community service had been happy to recommend that we proceed on the figure presented.

R. Croker to contact Reid Wood re time involved in obtaining second quote and check with J. Masterton tomorrow.

The Fire and Re-instatement Report already prepared by engineers and architects for builders to bring chapel back to what it was and be used for negotiations between church, assessors and insurance firm had been found to lack a number of items.

A tender document will include these items and look after our best interests.

A Scope of Works and Specifications presented by Reid will be used for final negotiations.

ENTRANCE / FOYER / CHAPEL / FAMILY ROOM / MINISTERS' OFFICES & TOILETS

Price listed does not protect our interests as the quote of $72,000 is considered to be too light. [69]

While the majority of steel work is O.K., some "grey areas" need checking. A comprehensive document prepared by Reid (to) go back to these people resulting in a more accurate Scope of Works.

The termination of our contract with W.C.B.M. Engineering has been 'held over' as Jim Donahue is an experienced fire re-instatement engineer highly though of by Reid.

RECOMMENDATION that Jim Donahue be re-employed, this time by us.

HALLS

A bull dozer job. The sub floor may be salvageable. However this means a more expensive job.

Two quotes have been received for complete removal with the exception of a couple of brick walls, but including the removal of asbestos. . . . . . $9,000 and $14,530

Building Surveyor considers structure unsafe and immediate action required. He has the power to make us pull it down 'tomorrow' which will require a second demolition contract, so we prefer to wait if possible and act in one go.

Effect on the Kindergarten. Concern expressed over the "split situation" between Kindergarten and Hall Contractors. An effort will be made to tie in demolition to overcome this. Because of circumstances the structural engineer originally prepared a hurried report.  . . once the Kindergarten is ready for occupation, the situation to be re-evaluated with speed and expediency for further action.

AGREED PROCEDURE

• Kindergarten--second quote
• Tie in demolition of halls and Kindergarten
• Permits will be required and Council prepared to speed these up.
• Ashley Hanson to be replaced by Neil Schulter--commercial assistant
• Scope of works for Chapel to be re-written and several other prices to be sought for comparison with that of Johns and Lyng.
• At this stage, need to confirm available finance.

COMMITTEE TO PROVIDE ARCHITECT'S BRIEF FOR HALLS BY NEXT WEEK

Care must be taken that plans provided of original halls match the insured sum; alterations may be made later as finance permits.

Future of Kindergarten queried--will not be altered.

GENERAL COMMENTS ON PLANNING THE FUTURE HALLS.

Fire rated wall with no windows on North side.

Light through ceiling with artificial lighting will be required.

Hopefully the space between fence and North wall will remain the same.

Agreed that better use can be made of the walkway. [70]

Alterations to the chapel (e.g. acoustics) may be possible. It all depends on money--anything over and above re-instatement costs will be our problem. Accurate re-instatement quotes required first, then other embellishments may be investigated for quotes.

FEES

Confirmation of Scope of Works to be sent from Reid to A. Emmett. Currently charges are based on hourly rates; this will alter to a percentage basis when costing completed. Expected to be about 12% of the contract price. J. Dow; G. Ball: that W.B.C.M. Group Ltd. are used as Consulting Engineers to K. A. Reid.

AGREED

Russell will be aiming for a Small Building Works contract to give him some power on our behalf.

J. Masterton gave Russell the lay-out of our 'new kitchen plan' to assist with his work on the halls.

J. Dow asked for recommendations re furnishings, lights, seating, carpets--Russell to supply same.

COMMITTEE THEN THANKED R. CROKER AND HE LEFT THE MEETING

Allan Emmett explained that action on the Kindergarten had been delayed to allow Russell the opportunity to check out the property, tenders, and meet the Committee.

ARCHITECT BRIEF

A. Emmett to provide copies of questions to all Auxiliary leaders on Sunday--to be returned by Tuesday

How many members Age levels
Frequency and time of meeting
Type of facility required
Size of room (seating capacity)
Floor covering preferred
Storage space--what type of equipment
Type of equipment required in area--seating etc. Use of kitchen

Sheets to be signed and dated

Needs of Church Board as well as Kindergarten and Resource Centre also required. [71]

Recommendation to Church Board	When insurance figure finally settled, Board must decide what proportion will be used for buildings and contents.
Building Account	ALLAN EMMETT to officially notify Treasurer C. Henry of the necessity he maintain the integrity of the new account with separate records and annual auditing.
MEETING AGREED WITH K. MILNE	that it was necessary for the church to meet together for progress report and questions.

ALLAN EMMETT
to present statement
following Service on Sunday,
April 7th, and answer any questions.

The question of our members being involved as tenders and in a voluntary capacity was raised.

No problem with tenders as they are all checked.

Volunteers cannot generally be used as it is necessary to maintain a high standard of Professionalism for our own protection.

NEXT MEETING ANNOUNCED AS TUESDAY, APRIL 9th AT J. MASTERTON'S HOME

K. Condron offered her apologies in advance.

KEITH MILNE CLOSED THE MEETING IN PRAYER AT 11 P.M.

Keith wrote this account a couple of months after the event:--

CHURCH FIRE, BORONIA 15.03.1991

At about 5 a.m. on Friday March 15th. my phone rang and an excited voice told me, "Keith, I think the church is on fire!" By the time I got there about 5 minutes later, it was well and truly ablaze. Andrew and several of our members were there as well as the Fire Brigade and Police.

It was a very emotional half an hour as we watched so much of what we loved go up in smoke.

It was obvious that our three halls and all their contents were completely gone, the Day Kindergarten was badly gutted, and worst of all our beautiful chapel was very badly damaged--the roof, ceiling, lights and most windows were gone, and most of the furniture ruined by water, smoke and ashes. [72]

Approximately 3/4 of a million dollars value lost in less than an hour.

But before the day was over, many good things had happened. Allen Emmett was there and quickly and extremely competently took charge. Ministers and members from many mainline churches in the area were there offering all sorts of help. Ian Allsop came out, Brian White and Ian Tippett also, and our own members responded fantastically.

The phones at home kept ringing with expressions of concern, assurance of prayers and offers of help.

By Saturday morning we knew we had places to meet for both our Services and all our Auxiliaries.

On Sunday we had a great Open Air Service in our car park attended by over 280, and televised by Channel 10. The following Sunday we celebrated our 70th Anniversary in St. Joseph's School Hall where we still meet each Sunday morning.

In the evening we meet at the Uniting Church, and through the week at St. Paul's Anglican Church.

THE FIRE AND THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE

We didn't want the fire--we lost many irreplaceable items and it will undoubtedly cost us a lot but there have been plenty of pluses . . .

# a feeling of really being wanted and needed in the community;

# a very humbling experience of love and concern from other churches "a deep ecumenical experience"

# a new sense of purpose for our people;

# a deeper appreciation of the skill, dedication and commitment of people like Allan Emmett and other skilled people from our congregation;

# a confirmation of our belief that GOD IS GOOD

Our Kindergarten has already re-opened--our chapel will take a few months to restore--our halls a few months more.

We don't really know whether it was accident or arson, but we do know that good will come out of bad.

Andrew and I and all our members will value deeply your prayers and support as we grow through this experience into what we believe will be a deeper sense of mission and the most exciting phase of our development. [73]

Typical of the touching and generous responses from Brotherhood Churches was this letter from Sunbury Church of Christ on April 2nd:--

Brotherhood churches were updated with our progress in "The Christian" of 22nd June, 1991, beneath the headline:

Rebuilding under way
Boronia Fire Update

Work has now commenced on the rebuilding of the Boronia, Vic, chapel, foyer and office area following the disastrous fire on 15 March. The Day Kindergarten has been restored and is now fully operational. The chapel roof has been removed and cleaning of the fire-stained interior brickwork has commenced.

A building committee meets weekly under the leadership of John Masterton to make ongoing decisions and recommendations.

It is anticipated that the restored chapel will be ready for worship services again mid-to-late August. New furniture, carpet etc. will be used throughout the complex. Individual seating, improved lighting and heating will create better facilities for both worship and midweek seminars.

The kitchen and halls areas are being completely demolished and architect's suggestions for rebuilding are being considered. The church continues to worship in St Joseph's School Hall. [74]

(Boronia Rd, 10 a.m.) on Sundays, with good attendances. All clubs and auxiliaries are functioning well in various locations. Under the enthusiastic leadership of co-ministers Keith Milne and Andrew Henley, the board is using some Sunday evenings to study Twelve Keys to an Effective Church by Kennon Callahan.

The community continues to take a great interest in the rebuilding progress and the local press has been very generous with publicity. Clearly the events of 15 March, as devastating as they were, will lead to an exciting new phase in the development and growth of the Boronia church.

K. R. M.      

The archives of our Church reveal all the hiccups and frustrations along the way, but finally, after the steps and stages of reconstruction and refurbishing, the Building Committee reported to the Church Board on 19th May, 1993:--

"Main hall floor completed after three coats and now in use--difficulty with final coat as drying time with second coat was excessive due to lack of circulation in that area--Messrs. Masterton and Dow looking at installation of vents to overcome this. Would appear that buildings are now completed."

J. Dow and L. Wardle moved "that the Building Committee now be disbanded.  . ."

G. Condron agreed to audit the books. K. Milne and E. McLeod "thanked the Building Committee for the tremendous job carried out over the last few years", and J. Masterton and E. McLeod moved "that the Board, on behalf of the church, express thanks to Olive Goodwin for the wonderful job she did as Treasurer of the Building Committee". Kris Condron, as the only other member of the Committee not now on the Board was also to be thanked.

In closing this chapter, here is a reprint of the words written on the back cover of our 74th Anniversary History booklet.

OUT OF THE ASHES--GARLANDS OF JOY

"THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE THE LORD HAS ANNOINTED ME, HE HAS SENT ME TO BRING GOOD NEWS TO THE HUMBLE.  . . TO GIVE THEM GARLANDS INSTEAD OF ASHES, OIL OF GLADNESS INSTEAD OF MOURNER'S TEARS."

ISAIAH 61:1A, 3A      

OUT OF THE TRAGIC FIRE OF MARCH 15TH, 1991, WHICH HAS SO SHOCKED AND SADDENED US ALL--GOOD THINGS WILL COME:--

• A GREATER EXPERIENCE OF UNITY AMONG OURSELVES, AS WE WORK TOGETHER TO RENEW AND RESTORE THAT WHICH WE HAVE LOST--BETWEEN OURSELVES AND OTHER CHURCHES IN THE COMMUNITY AS WE GRATEFULLY ACCEPT THEIR HOSPITALITY AND HELP--WITHIN OUR CONFERENCE OF CHURCHES IN THE PRAYERS, LOVE AND ASSISTANCE THEY OFFER. [75]
• A MORE URGENT SENSE OF MISSION, AS WE ARE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO RE-EVALUATE OUR PRIORITIES AND CLARIFY OUR GOALS.
• CLEARER UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT IT IS TO BE PART OF THE CHURCH--THE PILGRIM PEOPLE OF GOD.
• A DEEPER APPRECIATION OF OUR CHURCH "HOME" WITH ALL THE OPPORTUNITIES IT PROVIDES FOR WORSHIP, CELEBRATION, SERVICE AND FELLOWSHIP.
• THE ANTICIPATION OF RETURNING IN A FEW SHORT WEEKS, "HOME"--TO THE RESTORED BEAUTY OF OUR CHAPEL--TO RENEWED AND IMPROVED FACILITIES AND ACCOMMODATION.

WE DIDN'T WANT TO SEE SO MUCH OF WHAT WE HAVE LOVED DISINTERGRATE INTO ASHES, BUT OUT OF THAT RUBBLE, GOD WILL CAUSE GOOD TO COME, EVEN AS OUT OF THE SADDEST FRIDAY OF ALL CAME EASTER DAY AND THE RISEN CHRIST.

Keith Milne      
Andrew Henley      

Gilbert Edwin Chandler was a son of William and Kate Chandler, and was born on 7th March, 1884. He grew up on the family farm at The Basin and, having been involved with Churches of Christ along with the Chandler family, he was baptised at the Lygon Street Church of Christ in 1904.

He went to the United States of America in 1905, to study for the ministry, enrolling first at Eureka College in Illinois, where he stayed for only a few months. He transferred to the "School of Evangelists" in Tennessee (now Johnson Bible College). After two years there (1906-1908) he married an American girl on Christmas Day, 1908. In February 1909, Gilbert entered Phillips University in Oklahoma, and after graduation in December 1910 he ministered to a Church in Georgia for six months.

In July 1911 he returned to Australia with his wife and two small children, and took up a ministry with the Church of Christ at Croydon, Victoria. He then went to Colac in the Western District of Victoria between 1911 and 1914. Following that, he became minister at Geelong where he stayed until 1917.

With Will H. Clay as song-leader, Gilbert Chandler conducted a number of evangelistic missions but, suffering from nervous exhaustion after a mission in Sydney, he returned to his brother Bert's farm at The Basin. There he worked on the farm during the week and preached at the Ringwood Church of Christ on Sundays.

As the opening chapter in this book reveals, Gilbert Chandler was largely responsible for the meeting to establish a Church at Boronia. He presided at the first meeting in the tent Church on 20th March, 1921. Records suggest that he and his brother-in-law Frank Goodwin shared the preaching role in the early days. After the new Boronia Church family secured his release from Ringwood, he ministered to the Boronia congregation for nearly two years. He was also the first Sunday School superintendent. When a vestry was all that the Boronia fellowship had in which to worship, Gilbert's nephew, Gordon Chandler, responded to his uncle's challenge and confessed his faith in the Lord. Gordon says that his Uncle Gilbert was "an exceptionally good speaker."

After eleven years back in Australia, Gilbert returned to the USA in December, 1921 and commenced a ministry at Pineville, Kentucky.

The Boronia Church learnt in mid 1953 of the death of Mrs Chandler at Maryville, Tennessee, which occurred on May 31." "The Messenger" stated: "Many in Boronia will mourn the passing of Mrs Chandler for there are many relations here. Mr Chandler was an early preacher of the church in Boronia, and was known for his wider ministry of evangelism in the brotherhood at large."

After the death of his wife, he used his retirement to conduct a plant Nursery in The Blue Mountains in Tennessee. [78]

Our "Messenger" of 6th November, 1960 informed the membership thus:--

HOME CALL OF BRO. 'GIB' CHANDLER OF FLORIDA. U.S.A.

The Church extends its Christian love and sympathy to the Chandler family. Our brother was educated in U.S.A for the ministry and on his return to Australia in 1911 he served first at Colac and then Geelong. A fruitful mission partnership with Will H. Clay saw much travelling throughout N.S.W and Victoria.

Through the drive of our late Bro. Chandler the present building at Malvern was erected. (Maybe "Malvern" should read "Boronia"?)

37 years ago the family returned to U.S.A. Just earlier this year Mr Bert Chandler visited his brother. [79]

The name "Bro E Bird" is scattered throughout the written records of the Boronia Church of Christ. Eddie Bird was eighteen when he made his confession. He was Lyall Williams' first convert in 1927. Eddie made his confession on his birthday, and then was baptised. That his was a genuine conversion is evident in his Christian life and dedication to the church. One comment was that "he was one of God's choice souls, outstandingly friendly to all, and always available to help and to be tolerant of others' points of view."

He was a talented musician, and worked for Suttons. He was a piano tuner, and kept the organ and pianos at the church in good order.

He was also involved in any work associated with building or working bees at the church. He was called on many times to be of service, and was available at all times. He married Essie Maguire, and immediately had a common interest in their love of music.

Reference is made in Essie's profile about their house and how it had to be repaired because of white ants. Also his concern for her welfare before they were married, when he bought her a pony.

Below is a Tribute to Eddie, taken from "The Messenger" of 24th November, 1957.

'HONOUR TO WHOM HONOUR'

A tribute to E.W. Bird who was called from this life on Saturday, 16th November, 1957. Thirty years ago the writer, as a student preacher, took his first confession of Christ and conducted his first baptismal service. It was a true baptism, not merely immersion in water, but a burial in Christ, and a rising to walk in newness of life. The eighteenth anniversary of Eddie Bird's birthday was the day of his birth into the Kingdom of God. He would have been the last to claim any excellence above his fellows but others would not hesitate to recognise the excellence of his witness for Christ and the Church. By the grace of God the fruit of the Spirit was manifest in him.

The Church of Christ at Boronia has never been served by a more loyal son than he was. His practicality and diligence in the endeavour to have everything about the church such as to commend it were unsurpassed.

His warm friendliness and enlivening cheerfulness were a tonic to all who knew him and all who casually met him. He always had time to show an interest and exchange a confidence, or to give a jocular turn to a greeting. His daily work took him far afield and brought him into contact with many people and varied human situations. Sincere and frank friendliness won confidence and enabled him to help many people and win a wide circle of friends. He was truly disinterested in his interest in people and good causes.

In his church life he was ever seeking to serve the interests and needs of others. Unselfishness characterised his discipleship. Many will say in an individual and personal way, "I have lost my friend."

He held convictions with strength and candour but always with grace. There was a readiness to try to understand those who differed from him and a willingness to recognise the quality in others. He may disagree but never with disagreeableness. [80]

His contribution helped to make the Church of Christ in Boronia an attractive fellowship. Such was his life that "he being dead yet speaketh."

E. L. Williams.      

Eddie had once suggested to Perc Jordan that the words of the well known hymn "Worship The Lord In The Beauty of Holiness" could be sung to the old tune "Macushla". It was sung as a memorial to Eddie following his untimely death.

Essie (Esther) Bird, the daughter of John Maguire and Louisa (Chandler), made her contribution to the Boronia Church of Christ mainly through teaching Sunday School, in the Kindergarten and later in the older grades, and as a talented pianist and organist for the Sunday School, Church services, and weddings. At one time she played for all Ron Graham's weddings, and would take no payment so Ron presented her with a subscription to "Upper Room." Essie and Ivy Burden shared the playing of the organ and piano. They were 15 years old when they started playing together.

Essie walked long distances to the homes of her music pupils. Among her pupils was a family of four girls. Two of them had their lessons after school, and the other two after they returned from work. Between lessons, she had tea with the family.

Eddie Bird, her fiancé, was concerned because she had to walk so far. She was not keen to ride a bike, so he bought her a pony. One day, as she was riding along the rough, unmade Forest Road, the pony was in a temper and she fell off. She still rode her pony to the music lesson.

Mrs. Maguire, Essie's mother, had many visitors, and Essie loved to meet them. Homes on the apple orchards were isolated in those days, and visitors were very welcome. The College students who served the church were weekend guests in the home.

When Essie and Eddie were married, and moved into their home, they found white ants in the floorboards. The house had been built over a white ants' nest. The floor had to be pulled up, ants got rid of and the floor replaced. There were no plates on top of the stumps.

Essie made her formal commitment to Christ in response to preacher Gilbert Chandler in the old church when she was 13 years old. She was the first to do so.

She attended Christian Endeavour. They went hiking through the Dandenongs often. On Sunday afternoons they went on the long treks and hurried back for church at night.

Essie's music added a great deal to the worship of the church services. [81]

A tribute in "The Messenger":--

CATHERINE McLEOD JORDAN

Mrs. Jordan died 8th June, 1959. Kate was much loved. She lived a gracious Christian life. Kate leaves a place in the Church that will be hard to fill. She had a personality of such quality that we will only have to hear her name to have vividly in remembrance her eyes that sparkled with kindliness and understanding, her self-effacing concern for others, and the beautiful burr of her Scottish speech. Baptised at Gardiner in 1928, her ministries in the Church were the Women's Mission Band, her sharing in the founding of the Christian Women's Evening fellowship, for fifteen years a Sunday School teacher, Secretary of the Women's World Day of Prayer, President of the Eastern District Women's Conference on two occasions. Kate, we are proud to have known you.

Another "Messenger" tribute on 14th June 1959, written by Col Smith said:--

"Many who read this tribute to "Katy" Jordan will have counted her friendship to be one of the truly enriching things in their lives. The mystery of life is for us the deeper in that over recent years an insidious sickness slowly harried her into the life of an invalid. The true nature of that sickness was not diagnosed until quite recently, and the indecision was a great burden for her. The physical incapacity caused restless questioning and searching and, with that, an agony of mind and spirit such as few are called to endure.

But deeper than our grasp of God is His grasp of us, and Katy's life was "hid with Christ in God."

In 1928 at Gardiner she was baptised, where two strong influences on her were Miss D. Gibson and Mr R. Enniss. Later many more of her family followed her into that fellowship. In 1933 came her marriage to Perc Jordan and their setting up home at Stewart St., Boronia. It was the only home of their married life, and it became an integral part of the fellowship of the Boronia Church.

A recitation of some of her public offices and activities gives only a glimpse of the width of her sympathies and interests. At Boronia she was a constant worker in the Women's Mission Band, and in recent years shared in founding the Women's Evening Fellowship. For about 15 years she was a teacher in the Sunday School. She was the Secretary and moving spirit of the observance in Boronia of the Women's World Day of Prayer. Katy was president of the Eastern District Women's Conference on two occasions.

To her husband, the children Philip and Beverley, and the intimate family we offer our deeply felt sympathy in their loss, and pray that our Lord, who is master of life and death, will minister richly in faith and hope. His words are true, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:17)

The Official Minutes of the Church on 25nd June, 1959 contained these words of tribute:--"Because of her gracious Christian life, Kate Jordan leaves a place that will be very hard to fill in the life of the church at Boronia and the prayers of members will be for Bro. Jordan and the children Beverley and Phillip." [82]

Percy Jordan's association with the beginnings of the Church at Boronia began through the Montrose Church. As a boy he holidayed with his parents at Montrose and also in an area of Bayswater that later became part of Boronia. Later, a holiday home was built in Stewart Street, Boronia and on weekend visits he became part of those early tent meetings and part of the team involved in building the first chapel. Perc's home Church and that of his sister Linda was at Gardiner, but those occasional weekend visits to Boronia enabled him to assist Rowley Batterham with the singing for Sunday School Anniversaries.

The early Depression years saw him move to Boronia to live, running a poultry farm on his parents' property in Stewart Street. Gardiner Church of Christ thus lost its Sunday School Superintendent, its Junior Christian Endeavour Superintendent and one of its finest choristers and soloists in one hit. But he soon involved himself fully at Boronia, starting as a Sunday School teacher under H. R. Chandler. He served on the Church board. He was appointed Sunday School superintendent in 1941 and retired at the end of 1959, holding the position for over 19 years. Upon his retirement from that job, "The Messenger" of 11th November, 1960 reported:--

"During his time in this position Mr Jordan has seen the school grow from one comparatively small in size until it is now one of the six largest schools in our Brotherhood. Perhaps one of the most outstanding things we will remember will be the wonderful singing of our scholars both at Anniversary time and with the special youth choirs. So often someone is brought in to this kind of work but it has been a speciality of a very high order with Mr Jordan. We record our sincere appreciation of the wonderful service given by the retiring Supt and know that we shall still have his continuing active interest in all the work of our church."

Perc then became pianist for the Primary Department of the School, adding 16 years of service in the job he loved. And he continued to train young singers for the annual Sunday School Anniversaries up to about 1973. As first scholar and then staff member, Perc's involvement with Sunday School spanned 65 years, from 1911 to 1975.

He was also an Elder of the Church and became Elder Emeritus.

In his own words, Pere explained his interest in music thus:--

"When I was young in my early 20s I had no desire to sing or conduct. Although I was in the choir I did not believe I could sing. One night when I was at choir practice, I was asked to sing a solo. It horrified me, but eventually I did. After a while I learned singing. I had a good teacher, and my voice improved in every way. Then I got into choirs, singing The Messiah and like pieces. One day Miss Sheehan at Gardiner church gave me a sheet of music with instructions how to conduct. I laughed at her but eventually I was driven to conducting when I came to Boronia. I got very involved in the musical side of the church. One night Roy Wilson, the student minister, decided to have a song service, and asked me to conduct it. Later, I took up the instructions that Miss Sheehan had given me, and subsequently I conducted on several occasions."

At the suggestion of that other Church music-lover, Eddie Bird, Boronia was to be entered in the Choral Competitions run by the Churches of Christ Department of Christian Education. Perc quickly realised who would be responsible for this, and just as quickly accepted the responsibility. He selected a simple first piece for the competition which was held in the Melbourne Town Hall. The Boronia choir won the highest marks. [83]

Before long, Perc Jordan was known throughout the Brotherhood as "Mr Conductor" and was asked to conduct the choir at the 1952 World Convention of Churches of Christ in Melbourne, but the invitation was withdrawn when it was discovered that he had no formal music qualifications. Instead he conducted the Children's Choir for the event. The Children's Choir was made up of 90 children from four Sunday Schools. Aboriginal singer Harold Blair conducted the Youth Choir for the Convention.

In private life, Perc was a surveyor, articled to James George Gillespie at the age of 17 and obtained his Licence from the Surveyor's Board the day after his 21st birthday in 1928. As mentioned above, during the Depression years when work was hard to come by, he combined his survey skills with poultry farming. Later he worked for the old State Electricity Commission of Victoria, surveying for the extensive transmission lines throughout the State. Later still he became a partner with his old employer, Mr Gillespie. He retired from professional life in 1972.

Perc built his dream home near Airey's Inlet, but his house and all his possessions--including his treasured music--were lost in the Ash Wednesday bushfires of 1983.

Tributes on his death at Frankston on 22nd August, 1988 included this from a colleague in his former profession, who was well aware not just of Perc's professional ability, but also of his Christian witness:--

"He will be remembered by those who worked with him as a man who had an obsession with accuracy and a mathematical ability well above the average in his quest for perfection he was eager to use the latest equipment as it became available. As well as being deeply involved in his professional life, he was a devoted member of the Church of Christ, being particularly associated with youth activities including many years as Sunday School Superintendent and with a particular interest in conducting choral music. His many friends and associates over the years will remember him with affection and appreciation for his insistence on the highest standard of professional practice, while his many former pupils will agree that they were indeed fortunate to have been instructed by such a man .  . ."

[TRAVERSE (The Official Journal of the Institute of Surveyors, Victoria), November, 1988] [84]      

Franklin John Goodwin was born in Lillimur, near Kaniva, in the Victorian Wimmera in 1887.

He was one of the first students to train for ministry at the College of the Bible, Australia. H. G. Harward was the Principal of the College at that time. While a student, he had ministries at Shepparton and Wedderburn, and preached frequently at Montrose where he met and married Esther Chandler, daughter of William and Kate Chandler, in 1910.

Frank graduated from the College in 1910.

Frank also ministered for 18 months at Pahiatua in New Zealand, at Horsham in Victoria and at Mallala in South Australia, but he and Esther settled at The Basin about 1918. From there he led Churches at St Kilda, Box Hill, Newmarket and Hawthorn.

He was a foundation member of the Boronia Church of Christ and preached there often, especially in the earliest days. He was also a member of the Board of Officers. When the student ministry of E. Lyall Williams concluded in 1929, our Church Minutes record "an offer from Brother Goodwin to fill in until we can arrange for a successor to Brother Williams." He retired from active ministry in 1938, but continued to worship at Boronia up until the Sunday before his death.

He and Esther had a son Eric, who married Olive Dent. Eric was killed in World War Two. Other children were Ivy (Mrs Vic Burden), Winnie (Mrs F. Burden), Marjory (Mrs E. Fankhauser), Les, Wally, Bill and Thelma (Mrs L. Baynes).

Frank Goodwin collapsed in a Boronia street and died in August 1953.

Esther Goodwin was a daughter of William Chandler and a foundation member of our Church in 1921. She was baptised at Montrose in 1904. From 1910 she accompanied Frank on his ministries in Victoria, South Australia and New Zealand.

From their settlement at The Basin, Esther and Frank were loyal members at Boronia and Esther attended services up to a couple of years before her death on 24th March 1974.

E. L. Williams, who had known her for 47 years, commented about Esther:--"I was always impressed by her strength, brightness and practicality. She belonged to those people who are the salt of the earth. Her friendship was a blessing. We thank God with the family for a life well lived and enriching to all." [85]

Leaving her home and family in Warragul at the age of 15 years, Olive came to Boronia. Having grown up in a fine Christian home, it wasn't surprising that she joined the Church at Boronia shortly after her arrival. She attended the Sunday School and youth activities. It was at the Church she met and married Eric Goodwin--son of Frank Goodwin, a pioneer and first preacher of Boronia Church. They had one son, Roger. Eric was a loyal and dedicated member of the Church and his death attempting to rescue a wounded comrade in World War Two was felt by a grieving Church.

From the time of her affiliation with the Boronia Church, Olive has been involved with almost every area of Church life. Many folk, especially the youth enjoyed the warmth of her hospitality at home.

In 1954 she was elected President of the Women's Fellowship and Linda Jordan, who was chairing the elections, had this to say about Olive:--

"Olive has done so much for us, to spur us on to greater things, I'm sure that she takes as her text 'Be thou strong and very courageous'."

Olive has been involved in welfare and social work in the community for many years. (She retired in 1985 after many years service to the City of Knox Social Welfare program--to work voluntarily elsewhere.) She has been recognised for this by the Seventh Day Adventist community on June 15th, 1985 with a "Community Award For Service To The Handicapped", and by the City of Knox as a "Volunteer of the Year". Her ministry in this field has reached into many areas including the Church.

She was Superintendent of the Kindergarten section of the Sunday School for 25 years and "enjoyed every moment of it". Perc Jordan wrote of her:--"Olive was superintendent of the Kindergarten of the Sunday School, and was responsible for its growth. She worked at the Dairy office in Dorset Road and was engaged in receiving the payments for milk bills. The wives of all the new families coming to Boronia very soon had to visit the dairy, generally accompanied by their children. Olive quickly established a friendship with these children and invited them to come to the kindergarten at the church on the top of the hill. Thus the kindergarten grew and formed an excellent basis for a growing Sunday School."

And in her own words:--"Perc Jordan asked me to become Kinder superintendent in 1946. Kinder was a small group, with two teachers. One Sunday there were three teachers and two children. We met in the vestry, and were cautioned about being noisy and disturbing the rest of the school. In those days we did our own 'expression work' which made quite a deal of homework. After the erection of the hall we moved to the smaller room ("geographically" now part of the centre hall). We had greatly increased our numbers and now had five or six teachers (Thelma Goodwin, Loma Hamilton, Margaret Sommerville, Iris Page, Val Brown and Olive Goodwin). We were a very enthusiastic group and had our own teachers' meetings mostly in homes. We also attended the Bonnie Bates talks on how to teach, and also training courses in the city, going in and coming home by train. When we moved to the Kinder room after the extensions of the hall, we reached our [86] highest numbers, about 50 scholars including a Nursery group of three-year-olds run by Margaret Sommerville who was pianist for many years. Staff rose to ten faithful workers still doing their own "expression work". We continued departmental teachers' meetings as well as general Sunday School meetings.

Anniversaries were held with a special Sunday afternoon for the Kinders, which was always packed. Kinders were trained in their singing by the superintendent and the whole service arranged by their department. Prize-giving was an important part of this celebration for the Kinders (Big school had theirs on Tuesday). The other big day of the year was the Christmas party, held at my place if fine with all the parents as well. If it rained we used the big hall.

We later moved to the hall which is now the day kindergarten and is still used for Church Kinder. Our numbers decreased a little around this time. When Knoxfield started we supplied some of our best teachers to assist them for the first year. My turn to assist was 1968. I returned for a brief spell to Boronia when the next superintendent went to England.

I loved my 25 years with the children and it was a matter of great pride to see them in their tiered ranks on the stage and to know that the majority had come through the Kinder up to Bible Class. The other big thrill was when my Kinders brought their children to Church Kindergarten."

Olive joined Amy Sommerville as the first female deacons of the Church, and she later served as an Elder.

Having been involved in welfare and social work for many years, she was an instigator of the Church's Day Care ministry back in 1981 and continues that ministry at the time of writing. Her contacts with hospitals and community organisations where aged and disabled people were found, equipped her well for this task. She continues to co-ordinate all the activities of the Adult Day Care centre, as well as collecting and distributing groceries and other essential items to needy people in our community. [87]

In the 'twenties Vic Burden was a member of the Kappa Sigma Pi group for young men, and became a member of the Boronia Church in 1927 when he was baptised by student minister E. Lyall Williams.

Vic served on the Church board for years, commencing with his election as a deacon in 1931. He was Sunday School superintendent from 1935 to 1941 and Church secretary from 1941 to 1952.

Vic was always a "projects man," a "hands-on" Christian whose knowledge of building, and plumbing in particular, benefited Church growth at Boronia.

Perhaps his first project was in 1932 when, with Hugh Chandler, he was asked to install a heater for the baptistry water. (What a "Spartan" ordeal baptism must have been for candidates prior to that!) In 1934 the Board requested that he arrange for the timber to erect a tank stand and install a rainwater tank.

Records show him as the driving force behind the acquisition of an Army Hall from Park Orchards in 1946. His physical and financial assistance contributed to the purchase anal remodelling of this substantial building which was cut up and moved in six sections, to become our first Church Hall. Modified to local needs, it became "home" to part of the Sunday School, to Explorers and Good Companions, Phi Betas and Kappas and a host of other activities that enriched Church life, as well as serving for a time as an extension for the overcrowded Boronia State School and as a campus for the fledgling Boronia High School.

When the manse was built at 53 Boronia Road, and opened for minister Ron Graham and his family in October 1946, once again it was Vic who was a "prime mover" in the project. "The Messenger" of that year recorded:--

"It is not too soon to express to Brother Vic Burden our deep appreciation of the sacrificial work that he has put into both of these projects. As a consequence of his efforts, together with the help of others, a considerable saving in cost has been effected."

A brick toilet block with septic tank, was constructed in 1952, the arrangements being made by Vic and Perc Jordan.

A building committee including Vic Burden in 1956 proposed extensions and alterations to the hall. After much discussion and hard work, the remodelled hall complex was opened in 1959--just in time it seems, because by 1961 the average Sunday School attendance was 219, and the highest recorded attendance that year was 261!

1t seems from Church records that, whenever a working bee was needed, whenever extensions or modifications were required to Church buildings, Vic had a pivotal role to play. Sadly time and the "great fire" destroyed many of the projects with which Vic was associated. However the existing chapel could be considered a "bricks and mortar memorial" to the man. [88]

When the structural condition of the original chapel began to cause concern in the late 1960s, initial discussions began to consider its replacement. Many meetings later, in March 1975, tenders were received for the construction of the new chapel. Vic Burden and a team of others supervised the demolition of the old building and, following a mistake made by the chosen builder in his quote, Vic along with Laurie Maguire and Lyall Williams offered to supervise subcontractors and volunteers to erect the new chapel. Albert Thompson was shortly after added to the group and they worked in consultation with a wider Building Committee. The new chapel was officially opened on 8th October, 1977.

Vic Burden's practical Christianity was matched by his devotion in the worship of his Lord. He actively participated in all facets of Worship services, as did his wife Ivy, a pioneer member at Boronia.

Ivy was the oldest daughter of Frank Goodwin, the Boronia Church's first preacher. She was a loyal member of the Church and a very gifted musician who served as the Church organist for 70 years. For a long period she shared the playing with her cousin Essie Bird, for both Sunday School and Church.

In the earliest days of the Church a folding portable organ was taken from Ivy's mother's home and carried by truck to the Church, in the tent and later in the chapel, and returned after the evening service every Sunday. Sometimes the truck became bogged in the rough unmade roads. Soon after the chapel was built, a more permanent instrument was purchased.

Ivy Burden was also a supporter of Women's Ministry, financially assisting in the work of many groups that evolved over the years. And she was a willing "backstop" to her husband Vic, as the Boronia Church of Christ grew and expanded its ministry in the community.

Ivy died in 1998 and it can truly be said of her: Well-done, good and faithful servant! [89]

Laurie Maguire died in 1999, and much was written in the print media about his contribution to the Boronia community, especially with reference to his long service as a leader of the Fire Brigade. Perhaps less well-known is Laurie's long association with the Church of Christ at Boronia.

Our outreach at "Hillstop"--a recent innovation in the Church's mission--is based in the home of Laurie and Mabel Maguire, right next door to our chapel.

But Laurie Maguire's association with our Church goes right back to Day One, because he was a son of John and Louisa Maguire (nee Chandler), who were foundation members of the "Church on the Hill". John Maguire was the first Church secretary at the initial meeting in his own home on February 28th, 1921, to discuss the establishment of our Church, and he held that position for twenty years.

Young Laurie at 16 years of age, had a vital task in preparing the site for the erection of the tent for the very first Church service--he had to chop down an apricot tree that was "in the way." And in that tent Laurie made the first confession of faith in the fledgling Boronia Church. He was a scholar in the first Sunday School. He was also active in the construction of the chapel on that "Show Day" working bee on September 22nd, 1921. The original blackwood pulpit came from his Uncle Bert Chandler's property. According to our records, it was Laurie who cut up the tree and constructed the pulpit. And later he built 30 chairs for the kindergarten department of the Sunday School.

In those early years, Laurie featured prominently in the life of the Church and at annual meetings. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma Pi group, which had its beginnings at the Montrose Church. At the annual meeting in 1931, Minutes note the attendance of Mabel Dinsdale, who became Laurie's wife. Mabel and Laurie were involved as leaders with Sunday School and Christian Endeavour in the 1930s and Mabel played a role in the Phi Beta Pi organisation. Laurie and Mabel were also active in the promotion of the Church's sporting clubs--Laurie with cricket and Mabel with netball.

Although he is not prominent among the office-bearers of the Church throughout its history, it seems that, whenever manual skills were required, Laurie Maguire was involved. This was again evident in 1975, during the initial stages of the planning for the new chapel. Laurie and Vic Burden offered to supervise the erection work after significant flaws were discovered in the tender of the selected builder. Together with Albert Thompson and Lyall Williams, they made up an Operative Committee. As work progressed Peter Collyer, Lila Williams, Ruth Finger, Gerald McLeod, Arthur Taylor-Davis and Perc Jordan were added to the Building Committee, but Laurie's role became an "as required" one.

Laurie Maguire was there again on October 7th, 1977 when his Auntie Kit Chandler, as the oldest surviving foundation member, unveiled the plaque at the opening of the new Church complex.

He continued to support the work of his Church, and that support has made ours an effective means of outreach in the community, most recently through "Hillstop." Praise God for people like Laurie Maguire. [90]

Madge Stewart was an only child, whose parents came to Boronia from New South Wales in 1919 and had a dairy farm on the western side of Dorset Road, just beyond Woodmason Road.

The nearest school was at The Basin and because she lived more than the prescribed distance away, Madge didn't have to start school until she was seven years old--and she walked to and from school! Her secondary education continued at Box Hill Girls' Technical School and involved travel by steam train until the lines were electrified.

Her father came from a Roman Catholic background and her mother was an Anglican, but there were no places of worship in Boronia in those days. So when Boronia's first Church--the Church of Christ--was established in 1921, Madge was one of the original Sunday School scholars, in the "Primary Department." Sunday School took place in a tent. She was baptised at 14 by student minister E. Lyall Williams in 1928.

A typical Sunday for young Madge began with a walk to Sunday School after breakfast, followed by the morning Church service. After lunch at home, she would return to Church for Christian Endeavour group meetings (begun in 1926 under the leadership of Mr and Mrs Treharne). Then it was back to Church in the evening for the Gospel service.

For a time she served as a Sunday School teacher, and she was a member of the Phi Beta Pi Girls' Club, the Boronia Chapter of which commenced in 1927, under the Chaplaincy of Mrs H. R. Chandler. (Madge recalled Mrs Chandler delivering a stern lecture to her on one occasion, for attending a dance!) This group continued well into the 1930s and with the Kappa boys' group, attended Church every Sunday night, always occupying the first couple of rows in the chapel.

Madge also served as a Church organist and on the "flower roster," but much of her Christian witness occurred beyond the walls and property of the Boronia Church of Christ. She has been active for more than half a century in the William Angliss Hospital Auxiliary, and has had a long association with Red Cross. She was a committee member of a local Children's Blind Auxiliary, which raised money and arranged country picnics (to Boronia) for blind children. Madge also had a pivotal role to play in the establishment of a Baby Health Centre for Boronia, and in the commencement of Blood Bank collections in our town.

In later years Madge helped out at Day-Care, making soup and scones.

Among her memories over eighty years' association with Boronia Church of Christ are:--

• Sunday School Picnics to the beach at Seaford, travelling in Chandler's truck, seated on upside-down fruit cases (although she confesses that her excitement before the event sometimes brought on an asthma attack, and she missed out on the picnic.)
• Youth Choir and Choral Competitions under the baton of Perc Jordan, with Boronia Church earning First Prize at Melbourne Town Hall in about 1950. (New regulations, with restricted age limits, ended her participation.) [92]
• The hospitality of the Chandlers and Maguires towards any visitors to Boronia Church.
• The commitment and dedication of "Auntie Kit" Chandler to the Church.
• Ministers Lyall Williams (who baptised her), Roy Arnold (who married Madge and Len in 1936).
• Ron Graham, first full-time minister of our Church. Ron and Gwen Graham lived with Madge's parents while the original manse was being constructed at 53 Boronia Road. Madge remembers that Ron delivered his sermons without notes. He passed his notes over to Mrs Treharne before he spoke, as she was quite deaf, and was thus able to follow the sermon. Madge also credits Ron with broadening the "Plan" thereby helping to involve more people in the life and ministry of the Church.
• Church parades by the Hawthorn Football Club in 1929, when student minister and Hawthorn player E. Lyall Williams was at Boronia. (Madge recalls the night Lyall's sermon was interrupted by someone in the congregation talking. He stopped preaching, and told the assembly he would continue when the chatter ceased. It didn't take long!)
• Playing tennis for the Church team throughout the eastern suburbs.
• Assisting with fund-raising for the Church cricket team, in which her sons Stewart, Ian and Graham all played.

Madge Dobson is a pioneer of Boronia, with a rich memory of the district as it used to be. She is also a pioneer of Boronia Church of Christ as she is one of two people (the other being Gordon Chandler) with continuous membership of this Church Family. That's some record. [93]

John Maguire had very little formal education and started working at 12 years old on Dave Dobson's farm in The Basin, where he worked long hours picking fruit and vegetables. According to his son, the late Don Maguire, John lived at Ringwood at the time, and walked to and from The Basin until he had saved enough to buy a bicycle.

In 1904, during a mission conducted by the late H. Harwood, John Maguire made his confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God. After his confession he joined the Montrose Church of Christ where he served as a deacon until 1921. John had married Louisa Chandler and on February 28th, 1921 they hosted that first meeting that got the Boronia Church of Christ started.

From that meeting he became an active secretary, his position being confirmed at the first Boronia Church Annual Meeting. From that date he continued as secretary until 1941, and from then as "Officer Emeritus" up to the time of his death in 1953.

Beyond the Church, John, along with Louisa, had an interest in community affairs. John was a member of the first Boronia Progress Association, a member of the Committee of The Basin School, the Boronia Choral Society and the Boronia Horticultural Society. He held executive positions in many of these organisations, while at the same time serving as our Church secretary.

The hospitality of John and Louisa Maguire has been recalled by many older folk in our Church family. Visitors to the morning Church service would almost always be invited to lunch, and visiting ministers would have their hospitality planned in advance. Their house was also "home" to teachers at local schools who needed board and lodging.

For some years of his life, John was on crutches after being accidentally thrown from a jinker. Although specialists managed to restore much of his mobility around 1927, he remained bent over for the rest of his life.

In the late 1920s he discovered a red version of the Boronia flower, the sweet-smelling flower from which our town gets its name. With his careful nurturing, the plant thrived and became very popular in the cut flower business. John Chandler's family ("in-laws") referred to the flower as "Uncle Jack's Red", but it was eventually registered--years after his death--with the National Cultivar in Canberra as "John Maguire's Red Boronia".

On May 6th, 1953, while on a few days holiday at Apollo Bay, John Maguire passed away. He was buried two days later at Box Hill Cemetery.

In tribute to the man, E. Lyall Williams referred to these characteristics brought to mind:--"simple, humble, open, honest, sincere, unalloyed and unspoiled by artificiality". Lyall went on to say:--"He was a man of simple faith and life who delighted in the simple things of life. His style of life was not effusive but he would become enthusiastic about a flower, a simple wonder of nature in plant, or bird, or animal, a human achievement, a word of truth, a noble deed. He never boasted of himself but always honoured the merits of others. His honesty and sincerity were [94] transparent. There was nothing artificial about his life. He was a man who never intruded himself into others affairs, but was always ready to lend a helping hand. Though not demonstrative his friendship was strong and sure .  . . Life for him was a stewardship. As a son of the soil he regarded himself as a steward. He desired to be a husbandman, who was true to a trust, a producer who provided those things most needed by man. Living close to nature he lived close to God. As Christ was the centre of his life, the church was the centre of his social and public life."

Louisa was a great organiser and hosted Chandler family reunions every Christmas Day throughout the 'twenties. Along with her hospitality, she had a knack of caring for both sick people and sick animals.

After John's death, Louisa was joined in the old home (now the site of the Lutheran Homes) by her sister, Kitty, and continued in membership at Boronia until her death. [95]

Kitty Chandler, known to many older members of our congregation as "Auntie Kit", was the youngest child of William Chandler, and was born in 1887 at "Como", the family home in The Basin. She had eight brothers and two sisters, many of whom were prominent in the life of our Church.

She started school at less than three years of age, but revealed, "it wasn't that I was brilliant." Had she not kept the numbers up by being enrolled early by her parents, The Basin school would have closed. (After roll-call, she was permitted to play all day, her formal education not beginning until normal age.)

After her father's death, Kitty moved with her mother to Point Lonsdale. Kitty's brothers had been worried about the close proximity of their mother and sister to the defence batteries at Port Phillip Heads, so they built a house for them on Mount View Road, Boronia and they returned to this district during World War One.

Kitty was in that pioneer group which established the "Church on the Hill" in 1921, having previously worshipped--along with so many others--at Montrose.

Kitty was a great worker for the Church. For more than 25 years she cleaned the "old" chapel, arranged flowers and prepared the communion for Sunday worship. She also prepared the chapel for weddings. She was involved in community groups as well, among them The Basin Red Cross and The Basin Children's Hospital Auxiliary.

Church Minute books and Annual Reports are "littered" with references to "Auntie Kit," noting her involvement in the work of women's groups including the Sisters' Auxiliary and the Women's Mission Band (of which she became secretary in 1928).

Her memory of life in the "early days" was very acute when, on her ninetieth birthday, she was interviewed by a "Knox-Sherbrooke News" reporter. Her recollections are re-printed below:--

"I suppose the biggest change I have noticed is the street lighting. When I was young there was no lighting at all and I can well remember walking home from church at Boronia at night with only a hurricane lamp to light the way. Public transport was non-existent and we walked everywhere. The nearest shops were at Bayswater so we shopped for our supplies once a week and mother baked all our bread and made all kinds of jams and preserves.

I can still remember getting up in the middle of the night with my sisters to get breakfast for our father and brothers before they set off by horse and wagon to take the produce and flowers into the Melbourne market."

Among Kitty's other memories of her youth were the extension of the railway line from Ringwood to Upper Ferntree Gully and all the festivities that accompanied that event. [96]

After the death of her mother, Kitty moved in with her sister Louisa (Mrs John Maguire).

After Louisa's death, Kitty's home became the Lutheran Homes, built on former Maguire land in Mount View Road, and it was while there that she had the honour of unveiling the plaque outside our new chapel in October, 1977. She was, after all, the oldest of the pioneer members at ninety. "Auntie Kit" died on Sunday, 1st November, 1981, aged 94. [97]

Harry and Ada Chandler were great workers for the Boronia Church of Christ and their son Gordon, whose "Profile" appears elsewhere, still worships with us.

Harry was one of William Chandler's sons, and was born at Malvern in 1871. He married Ada Jessie Gilmour in 1902. (Ada was a daughter of Hugh and Christina Gilmour, who had been largely instrumental in the Chandler family's introduction into Churches of Christ.)

Harry was baptised at the Lygon Street Church of Christ in 1902 and later transferred his membership to the Montrose Church of Christ where he served for many years as a deacon and Sunday School teacher until 1921. On March 8th of that year he chaired the meeting at John Maguire's house which led to the foundation of our Boronia Church. Once the new Church was organised, he was elected its treasurer and served in that role until 1928. He continued to serve as a deacon and, after a short break, was elected as a "Deacon Emeritus" in 1948. He was also the Sunday School superintendent from 1923 until 1935.

Many Kappa and Phi Beta social events terminated at "Uncle Harry's" home. One of the attractions for the young people was the ten-foot water wheel that Harry had installed on Dandenong Creek at the rear of the property. It was first erected in 1913 and for 27 years gave trouble-free service to the house and barn. He also had one of the first billiard tables.

Harry Chandler died on 21st September, 1951 and was buried a few days later at Box Hill Cemetery. In a "Messenger" obituary, E. Lyall Williams wrote:--"Probably the outstanding impression he made was through his friendliness which reached out to young and old, and to the known and unknown. He contributed greatly to the reputation of our Church for friendliness and hospitality. With the hearty co-operation of his good wife and family, his home was as open as his heart. He was interested in nature and people, but through it all there was a dominant interest in the Kingdom of God."

Ada, daughter of Hugh and Christina (Milne) Gilmour, was born in 1881. She was also a very faithful member of the Boronia Church from its very beginning until her death in August, 1967 at Emmaus Guest Home. Her home was always open, and her suppers for the young people of the Church were enjoyed. She was an active member of women's groups and worked hard for Brotherhood Departments as well as for her own Church. [98]

No history of the Boronia Church of Christ would be complete without mention of "E. L." and his lovely wife.

Born at Kaniva in Victoria's Wimmera, he entered the College of the Bible from Ballarat in 1925, along with his brother Dick. The boys' older brother had entered the College two years earlier. Lyall reminisced in 1988, in the last College Magazine before the move to Mulgrave C.C.T.C:--

"Because we wore boots as against the new fashion of shoes we were known as 'Williams the Shoemen."

Lyall played football for Camberwell and was soon after picked to play for Hawthorn in the Victorian Football League, during which period he ministered at Boronia.

He acknowledged that his student ministry at the Boronia Church in the late 'twenties "made it a vital part of my training for ministry," and time and time again he would return to Boronia as guest preacher or interim minister.

A tribute to Lyall, written by Alf White in "The Australian Christian" in December 1973, when Lyall retired as Principal of the College of the Bible, detailed his long and distinguished involvement in Churches of Christ and beyond. He had been Federal Conference President; Victorian Conference President; Chairman of the Federal Conference Executive and a member of that executive since 1948; Chairman of the Department of Christian Union from 1944 to 1972, and then its treasurer; member of the Advisory Board (for the placement of ministers in our Churches); member of the Department of Home Missions and Evangelism; Chairman of the Victorian Council of Churches; Churches of Christ representative on the Australian Council of Churches; first Chairman of the Australian Division of Inter-Church Aid, Refugee and World Service; Deputy-chairman of Victorian Inter-Church Aid (later World Christian Action). He also represented our Churches at World Council Assemblies overseas.

At the end of January, 1976 Lyall and Lila concluded a two-year "part-time" ministry at Boronia during arguably the most interesting period in our Church's history--the time of rebuilding. As our "Messenger" at the time stated:--

"From Mr Williams' first board meeting with us we realised that here was a man totally committed to Christ and His Church, who believed in it and to whom it was central in his life. He visited his people, often in the evenings, and whenever needed. He sorrowed with some, rejoiced with some he was always available.

Then just look at the physical or practical aspect of his work--the day kinder built and moved, the temporary chapel prepared, the old chapel demolished, the site of the new one got ready, the trauma of resigned tenders, building difficulties overcome, the manse re-blocked. In all of these activities E. L. Williams was a driving force but not only did he organise, [99] coerce, persuade, but he worked long hours of hard physical work at working bees and alone. Always we will think of him in old clothes and gumboots working in the mud!

Then in addition he inspired us to make a magnificent contribution to the Building Fund, raising it to $70,200. During all this time his salary was, by his own instructions, being credited to the Building Fund."

During the time he was Principal of the College of the Bible, his advice was sought by successive Boronia Church Ministry Committees. His service record at Boronia was as follows:--

Lyall died at Betheden Nursing Home on 2nd October, 1994, and a Thanksgiving Service was held at the Blackburn Church of Christ on the following Sunday, 9th October. An estimated 400 people attended the service. "E. L." and Lila retained their membership with Boronia from 1927 to the middle 1960s when they transferred to Knoxfield where he undertook a ministry.

Our own Peter Collyer paid this tribute in "The Messenger":--

"How fortunate we were to have E. L. as interim minister when it was decided to pull down and rebuild the Chapel. He spurred us on to raise approximately $85,000 in no time at all. As Chairman of the Building Committee, on which Mrs Williams also served, he involved the whole church in the idea of rebuilding, from fund raising--while still maintaining our giving to the running of the church and giving to others--to the actual pulling down of the old and the digging of trenches for the raising of the new.

He was always there with his overalls on and his sleeves rolled up. Lyall and Lila Williams were also very generous with their personal giving of finance to the Boronia Church. Lyall never accepted a salary for his ministries with us, but insisted the salary be allowed for in the Church budget to be used for the Church. Mrs Williams also gave generously financially."

Lila's contribution at Boronia over this period should not be underestimated. In addition to supporting her husband, she used her long experience in Christian Women's Fellowship to revitalise our women's groups. She encouraged both afternoon and evening groups, a Prayer and Share Group, a catering committee, a sewing group, a ladies' choir and a hospital visitation group. She also arranged and had printed a complete Directory of our Church's women.

Lila spent countess hours helping to refurbish the altered Church kitchen, and made a great contribution to its alterations.

Lila Williams died in the late 'nineties.

Theirs was, in the words of Alf White again, "a rich partnership in faith ministry, mission, home and family.  . ." [100]

Gordon was born on 13th January, 1907 at the family home, "Trenwell", in The Basin. His parents were Harry Chandler and Ada (nee Gilmour).

[Ada's parents, Hugh and Christina Gilmour, were an influence on the spiritual life of the Chandler family, convincing them to become associated with Churches of Christ.]

Although he remembers little of his Grandfather Gilmour, he credits his Grandmother with being a major influence on his Christian life. He also remembers that a pulpit in the Montrose Church commemorates his Grandfather.

Gordon's first remembered contact with Church was at Montrose, where he was in the kindergarten class of the Sunday School, taught by Elsie Langley. The Chandler family would travel from The Basin to Montrose on Sundays in a covered wagon drawn by two horses. The wagon had room for 3 or 4 across the front, and benches down each side allowed another ten on board. Access was gained by a ladder at the back. Stops were made along the way to collect other Church folk. Sunday School started at 10.00 a.m. and ended at about 10.50. Morning Worship commenced at 11.00 and usually finished between noon and 12.15 p.m.

He recalls the first meetings to establish the Church at Boronia, and the first Sunday services there in a tent loaned by North Fitzroy Church of Christ. Gordon's uncle, Gilbert Chandler, was a regular preacher, and it was following one of his sermons that Gordon made the "good confession" in 1921. Boronia Church building was then just a vestry, with no baptistry, so Gordon's baptism took place at Montrose.

Gilbert Chandler was a recognised "Church-grower" according to Gordon, and an exceptionally good speaker.

With 80 years continuous membership in the Boronia Church family (a unique achievement), Gordon Chandler has many memories to share. He recalls the night the evening service was cancelled when only the minister and the two Misses Ellis turned up for worship. Everyone else was out fighting bushfires!

The only "difficult" time he recalls in the Church history was when some "semi-Pentecostal folk" tried to run the Church in a way contrary to Churches of Christ practices. Among the highlights he recalls are firstly the golden days of Sunday School here when several hundred children attended, and secondly the ministry of Col Smith in the 'fifties when Boronia was changing from a little country town into a suburb. And Gordon's message to the Boronia Church of the future? "Try to live the teachings of Christ and do good to others."

(The previous notes are a summary of a tape-recorded interview made by Danny McDowell at the end of 1999.)

A student first at The Basin Primary School, and then at Lilydale High School (to which he travelled by horse and jinker from The Basin), Gordon is a treasure-trove of information when it comes to the district's history. Names and events roll off his tongue as if it were only yesterday. [101]

And as he was here at the beginning, he has a wealth of information to share about the history of our Church. He helped to get the site ready for the tent, then the vestry, and then for the chapel. He helped to build the first chapel, with the volunteers from here and all over Melbourne on Show Day 1921 and the days that followed.

He served on the Church Board for many years, helping to steer the path of Boronia Church of Christ through most of the twentieth century. He was an active participant in the Kappa Sigma Pi boys' club and Christian Endeavour as a youth, and was a Sunday School teacher for a number of years. In his later years, he became a keen member of the Koinonia group, and many functions took place at his former home, "Calanthe", in Liverpool Road, The Basin.

Gordon's first wife, Hilda, whom he wed in June 1939, was a partner in Church life too. She was a member of women's groups and an organist on Sundays for many years. Some years after Hilda died, Gordon married Alice, whom more of us remember. He and Alice moved to Salford Park Village in Wantirna a few years ago, but Alice died after a short while.

While the view of the Dandenongs from Salford Park is a little further away, it is a view that Gordon has had for his whole life (so far!)--more than nine decades.

Are we not truly blessed to have this fine and gracious man--a "living link" with those pioneers who established the Boronia Church of Christ--worshipping with us? [102]

Amy Sommerville moved to Boronia in 1945 with her daughters Joan and Margaret, and from that year began an active association with the Church of Christ, Boronia, which was to last until 1972.

The second of four children, Amy was born in 1907 and lived in the Caulfield area during her early childhood. When her widowed mother remarried, the family moved to Mount Macedon. Amy was by then thirteen, and worked for the next four years "in service" in one of the large houses on the mountain. She joined the Presbyterian Church and her potential soon became obvious to an influential church family, who assisted her to train for nursing. As a result of that help, Amy graduated at twenty as a nursing sister at the Austin Hospital.

The following year, she married Andrew Sommerville, who was a hospital orderly at the Austin. The Great Depression which began in 1929 saw Andrew unemployed and unable to find a suitable job. Amy was baptised at the Oakleigh Church of Christ in 1932 and she was an active member there until moving to Boronia in 1945. Two daughters, Joan and Margaret, were born to the Sommervilles during those difficult years.

Early in World War Two Andrew joined the Australian Army and saw service first in the Middle East and then in South-East Asia. He was taken prisoner on Java by the Japanese and died at the Sandakan prisoner-of-war camp.

Widowed with two teenage girls, Amy needed a home and managed to buy a "weekender" shack on the corner of Forest and Hansen Roads, Boronia. Her daughter Joan Pye remembers:--

"Shattered by the loss of her husband she was determined to keep to herself and live a very private life. This proved impossible. At the Boronia church she experienced hospitality she had not known before and responded by becoming a loyal worker."

Together with Olive Goodwin, Amy joined the recently formed War Widows' Guild which, along with the church, remained a strong personal interest.

Before long, Amy Sommerville was President of the Women's Mission Band of the Church. She served as a Sunday School teacher, and also became President of the Eastern District Women's Conference of Churches of Christ. Again with Olive, Amy was one of the first female deacons of our Church (called "deaconesses" in those days). She resigned from that position in March 1971.

During those post-war years, as the Boronia community and our Church grew rapidly, Amy assisted in pastoral work, visiting women on their own and young couples. This ministry was taken on foot as she had no transport, and she walked countless miles as a pastoral carer.

Beyond the local Church, Amy was a strong supporter of the Bible Society and for years collected money for the Indian Bible women. [103]

Amy was thrice baptised! First she was baptised as an infant, then as a woman in her twenties. The third time was when she inadvertently fell into the Boronia Church of Christ baptistry! She commented, "If they had more baptisms, I would have known there was a baptistry there." And as those baptisms did increase, Amy was there, assisting the candidates.

Up until the time she moved to Hawthorn in 1972, her attendance at both morning and evening Church services at Boronia was unfailing.

At Hawthorn she linked up with the local Church of Christ and during this period she learnt Braille and typed books for the Christian Blind Mission International. When the Hawthorn Church closed, she transferred her membership to Camberwell where she expanded her involvement in Church activities and programs, in particular in worship services where she frequently presided at Communion.

When it became clear that age was making living alone difficult, Amy moved to an Aged Hostel at Brighton, and joined the Brighton Church of Christ. It was at Brighton that she died in 1998.

Amy's legacy at Boronia is found in the many lives she has touched through her faithful ministry in the name of her Lord--the scores of children she taught in Sunday School, the families with which she maintained regular contact, and the many people still in our Church family who, through her quiet influence, also came to know her Lord a little better. We thank God that Amy Sommerville chose not to keep to herself back in 1945 when she came to Boronia. [104]

In writing this "bio-pic" of Gordon and Lesley, I am grateful to "Tertius", who kindly--if unwittingly--provided much of the information contained in this Chapter.

Gordon was born on 11th October, 1914 at West Leederville, Western Australia, the son of Dan and Alice Stirling. Gordon's father became a minister, so Gordon grew up in manses. He started school at West Guildford, W.A. A typical Sunday saw Gordon attending Junior Endeavour in the morning, followed by the morning Worship Service. There was Sunday School in the afternoon, and then the Gospel Service at night. He was baptised at the Maylands (W.A.) Church of Christ. As the son of a minister, he moved about with his family to Fremantle, and then to Bundaberg in Queensland by which time he had matriculated. That was the time of the Depression of the 1930s and, like thousands of others; Gordon found it difficult to find regular work. He found short-term jobs and spent a time as a "Susso" worker on relief. He also got a job for a while on a mixed farm.

His experience in Church was growing too, reading, praying, presiding and even preaching several sermons (the "gift" must have been obvious early!). Gordon credits Christian Endeavour as being very important in developing his skills in Church leadership.

He entered the College of the Bible at Glen Iris when A. R. Main was Principal and while there undertook two student ministries--one at the very small Noble Park Church and the other with the much larger congregation at St Kilda. He was even Guest Preacher at the Victorian Centennial Conference at Melbourne Town Hall in the 'thirties. However "Tertius" claims Gordon was "not so much remembered for his preaching or administrative skills as he is for his pastoral calls".

In his final College year, Gordon met Lesley Carnaby, who had entered College that year to undertake a two-year course in missionary work. They were engaged before year's end, but for 1936, twenty-one-year-old Gordon was called to ministry at Lower Hutt, New Zealand, and Lesley had to finish her College course.

After eleven months in New Zealand, Gordon was joined by Lesley on 4th December, 1936, and they were married the very next day. Their honeymoon had to be postponed because their wedding coincided with a Thomas Haggar Mission at Lower Hutt. The Haggars stayed at the manse. Some weeks after the completion of the Mission, the newly-weds found time for a honeymoon in the mountains.

Gordon's "Church-growing" skills, involving many hours of visitation, had the congregation at Lower Hutt expand in three years from 64 members to 140. Traditionally three years was the maximum term of a ministry in N.Z., and Gordon was invited by the Church Board to apply elsewhere, but membership "pressure" on the Board saw his ministry extended.

Two daughters, Jeanette and Beth (our Beth Butler), were born at Lower Hutt. The Stirlings then moved to Palmerston North which, with 300 members, was the largest Church of Christ in New Zealand. It was at Palmerston North that Heather was born. [105]

Gordon started up a Boys' Brigade there, and Lesley got the Girls' Brigade established. Lesley was also greatly involved in women's ecumenical work. One of the original boys in Gordon's B. B. group was Fred Hollows, who much later became Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of New South Wales, was made Australian of the Year in 1991, and who remained a lifelong friend of his Boys' Brigade mentor from Palmerston North.

When World War Two broke out, Gordon was writing for "The New Zealand Christian", and at 26 he was invited to become the Dominion Youth Director for New Zealand Churches of Christ. The Stirlings moved to Island Bay, near Wellington, and their home became the virtual headquarters of the N.Z. Youth Department. He edited "The Quest", a youth paper and "The Religious Education Quarterly," a leaders' journal.

In 1945, the South Australian Churches invited Gordon to become their Youth Director. Travel was difficult because of wartime restrictions, but Lesley and the girls managed to secure a berth on a vessel to Sydney where they stayed with relatives. Gordon followed them to Australia at the completion of his last three months of his New Zealand contract.

Reaching South Australia, they quickly became involved in youth work, establishing new camps and expanding the camping program with a new emphasis on leadership training. Lesley continued her involvement with Girls' brigade, becoming State President and eventually National President of the movement.

The next move for Gordon and family was to Canberra in February 1954, to establish the first Church of Christ in the national capital. The Canberra Church had seventeen members in 1954, and the Stirlings expanded that figure to twenty-two. There were two dozen children in Sunday School but numbers soon reached 150. And Lesley soon had a Girls' Brigade with eighty members. A rarity in our Australian Churches in the 1950s were women readers and helpers, but Canberra had many of them. Lesley saw Christian Women's Fellowship as an opportunity for outreach and, discarding more traditional models, very soon had fifty or sixty women involved in CWF. Within six years, Church membership had risen to 180.

Gordon's philosophy in planting and growing churches is summarised in his own words:--

"In these days when denominational loyalties are no longer strong, it is up to every local congregation to be as open, friendly, acceptive, supportive and alive as possible, for it is these things that attract new-comers, rather than dogmas and traditions."

Gordon presented Christian radio programs on Canberra radio station 2CA, and extended a Christian media presence when television came to Canberra by hosting "Just A Minute" spots on T. V.

After fifteen years in Canberra, at the end of 1968 Gordon and Lesley set off for Melbourne, where Gordon was to take up the new position of Vice Principal of the College of the Bible. They resided at the College, and the job description involved being secretary of the College Board, being College administrator, being in charge of public relations and recruiting, and keeping the College financial. He also taught practicum (i.e. practical church work) and homiletics (i.e. preaching). Over thirteen years he and the faculty staff developed courses in preaching, evangelism, worship, pastoral care and counselling, church administration, and speech training. [106]

Although due to retire from his College position in 1979, Gordon stayed on as acting Principal in the absence of Keith Bowes. By 1981 he was teaching part-time at the College and working part-time as editor of "The Australian Christian", succeeding Alf White. He worked closely with Chris Ambrose at "The Christian", and retired from that role in 1987 after nine years.

He served a part-time ministry at Boronia with Iris Lawson during which time Lesley wrote her detailed "History of the Church of Christ, Boronia" in time for our Church's 65th Anniversary. There followed an 18 month period at Launceston after the death there of Wally Harford. Berwick Church in Victoria called him next and in 1991 he and Lesley were journeying to Ocean Grove at weekends for an interim ministry there.

On March 6th, 1993 the Boronia Church hosted a Tribute Night for the Stirlings which was not just attended by his Boronia Church family of a quarter of a century, but by "personalities" and ordinary folk from many Churches who have come to know and love Lesley and Gordon.

His partner of 60-odd years, Lesley went to her Lord in 1997, leaving a record of devotion and service that is truly inspirational. Gordon had celebrated 50 years of continuous ministry in 1986 and although at the time of writing this, he is "officially" retired, he is really still in continuous ministry, and has racked up 64 years on the job.

Thanks, "Tertius"! [107]

Now don't rush me--all in good time. It's the social event of the year; namely the church and Sunday school picnic. We combine with the Presbyterians of Boronia, and possibly The Basin, for a grand outing.

When? Saturday, Feb. 18 (all day).

Where? Seaford Beach, right opposite the end of Seaford Road, which is about a mile towards Frankston from the Seaford Pier and Railway Station.

How do we get there? By buses leaving Boronia crossing at 9 a.m. (we hope) and returning at 8 p.m. (ditto)

All Sunday school scholars travel free and their meals are provided. For adults, the fare is 4/- return, and we depend on the attendance of a large number of adults to help meet the high cost of the buses. It is to be a basket picnic for adults and hot water can be purchased at an adjoining café. If you cannot come by bus then come by car or train--but be sure to be there. Make it a day of social fellowship--be in the swim. A large hall has been booked just in case the weather decides to be unkind. N.B. Donations towards picnic costs are never refused.

March 26, 1950. 29th Church and Sunday School Anniversary. Scholars will commence anniversary practices shortly and would be grateful for the help of some adult singers. Two of the anniversary hymns will also be used in an inter-Sunday school choral competition, in which our school has entered. Preliminary heats will be decided in March, while the grand final will be decided from the eight choirs singing in the Melbourne Town Hall, on Wednesday, April 12. That will be the Sunday school demonstration in connection with our Victorian Easter Conference. The month of March will decide whether or not we wilt be singing in the Town Hall.--P. A. J.

A.B.C. Radio, 3L0, 23.
Adelaide, South Australia, 30, 56.
Adult Day Care Centre, 45, 46, 49, 52, 53, 54, 87, 92.
Adult Ministries Mission Group, 58.
"Age, The" (newspaper), 13.
Airey's Inlet, Victoria, 84.
Alexander Hymn Books, 9.
Alexander, Mr, 9.
Allandale Kids Korner, 52, 53, 54, 55.
Allandale Kindergarten, 31, 33, 34, 36, 53, 57, 59, 67-74.
Allandale Road, Boronia, 9, 14, 16, 18, 19, 35, 40, 53.
Allans, 11.
Allen, David, 45.
Allen, Joan, 56.
Allsop, Ian, 73.
Ambrose, Chris, 107.
Ann Street, Brisbane, Church of Christ, 19.
Anniversary, Sunday School, 8, 83, 87.
Apollo Bay, Victoria, 94.
"Argus, The" (newspaper), 13, 60-61.
"Armstrong" ("Argus" cartoonist), 61.
Arnold, Elliott, 3.
Arnold, Roy, 7, 93.
Ashburton Church of Christ, 52.
Ash Wednesday, 84.
Austin Hospital, 103.
Austral Printing Company, 22.
Avery, Alan, 32.
Avonsleigh Church of Christ, 35.

"Back To Boronia"--("1956"), 24; ("1985"), 47.
Bacon, Len, 23.
Badger, Mrs, 1, 2, 6.
Bagley, Bro. (Conference Sec., 1921), 2, 6.
Baker, A. O., 11.
Baker, Bro. (of North Fitzroy?), 2.
Ball, Graham, 52, 54, 69.
Ball, Margaret, 52, 56.
Ballarat Victoria, 99.
Balwyn Church of Christ, 5, 12.
Barber, I., 15.
Bate, Tom, 13.
Bates, Bonnie, 86.
Batterham, E. R. "Rowley", 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 11, 13, 14, 15, 20.
Batterham, Emily, 6, 8, 50.
Batterham, Gwen, 19, 20, 21.
Batterham, J. J., 6.
Batterham, Mrs J. J., 6.
Baynes, Thelma (see also Goodwin, Thelma), 85.
Bayswater, Victoria, 1, 2, 4, 60, 83.
Bayswater Church of Christ, 1, 5, 34, 47, 58.
Bayswater Railway Station, 5.
Belgrave, Victoria, 9.
Berri Church of Christ, 25.
Berwick Church of Christ, 39, 107.
Betheden Nursing Home, 55, 100.
Bible School (see Sunday School),
Billing, Graham, 55.
Billy Graham Crusade, 26, 36.
Bird, Cherry, 46, 50, 52, 55, 56.
Bird, Eddie, 11, 13, 15, 19, 22, 23, 25, 80-81, 83.
Bird, Essie (see also Maguire, Essie), 7, 13, 15, 56-57, 80-81, 89.
Bird, John E., 26, 27.
Bird, John, 46, 50, 55, 56.
Birdsey, Mrs, 9.
Bishop, Ronald, 60.
Blackburn Church of Christ, 41, 100.
Blair, Harold, 84.
Blakemore, Bro., 6, 8.
Blood Bank, 92.
Bordertown Church of Christ, 56.
Boronia Baby Health Centre, 92.
Boronia Choral Society, 94.
"Boronia Crusade", 30.
Boronia CWA, 14.
Boronia Guide Hall, 53.
Boronia High School, 24, 35, 88.
Boronia Horticultural Society, 94.
Boronia Methodist Church, 35.
Boronia Presbyterian Church, 26.
Boronia Pre-School, 34.
Boronia Primary School, 20, 29, 88.
Boronia Progress Association, 94.
Boronia Progress Hall, 12, 14.
Boronia Railway Station, 4, 6, 13.
Boronia railway crossing accident, 21, 60-61.
Boronia Road, Boronia, 4, 9, 14, 16, 18, 19, 35, 57, 66, 75, 88.
Boronia Road Uniting Church, Boronia, 53, 66-67,, 73.
Boronia Rotary Club, 47.
Boucher, Barbara, 34, 40.
Boucher, Loma, 57.
Boucher, Robert "Bob", 34, 40.
Bowes, Keith, 39, 107.
Boys' Brigade, 106.
Box Hill Girls' Technical School, 92.
Box Hill, Victoria, 31, 40, 68, 94, 98.
Bright, Victoria, 31.
Brighton Church of Christ, 104.
Brooke, Lucy, 56, 66.
Brough, Andrew "Pug", 45.
Brough, Bev, 45.
Brown, David, 39, 41.
Brown, Les, 26.
Brown, Val, 86.
Bruce, Mary Grant, 15.
Building Committees, 37, 38, 40, 41, 43, 44, 52, 68-75,, 88-89, 90, 100.
Building Fund, 13, 25, 40, 100.
Bundaberg, Queensland, 105.
Burden, Ivy, 9, 13, 15, 56, 58, 81, 85, 89.
Burden, Vic, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 41, 42, 43, 44, 88-89, 90.
Burden, Winnie (see also Goodwin, Winnie), 85.
Burnham, Frank, 51, 54.
Burnham, Pris, 46, 55.
Burton, Arthur, 54.
Bush, Graeme, 50-51.
bushfires, 13, 14, 15, 32, 57, 84, 101.
Bushfire Relief Appeal, 14, 15.
Butler, Beth (see also Stirling, Beth), 105.

"Calanthe", The Basin, 102.
Callahan, Kennon, 75.
Camberwell Church of Christ, 104.
Camberwell Football Club, 99.
Campbell Edwards Trust, 31.
Camp Waterman, Monbulk, 19, 30, 31, 32, 61.
Canberra Church of Christ, 20, 106.
Cantlay, Betty, 60.
Capital Works Program, 44, 45.
Carnaby, Lesley (see also Stirling, Lesley), 105.
"Carols on the Lawn", 56, 58.
Carroll, Mrs, 27.
Carslake, Graham, 30.
Carter, Sister, 60.
Cartmel, Ian, 37.
casserole bank, 45, 56, 57.
Caulfield Church of Christ, 21, 60.
Caulfield, Victoria, 103.
Chandler, Ada Jean, 3.
Chandler, Ada Jessie, 1, 6, 8, 27, 35, 41, 92, 98, 101.
Chandler, Alice, 102.
Chandler, Allan, 3.
Chandler, Arthur, 3.
Chandler, Bert, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 15, 37, 78, 79, 90.
Chandler, Mrs Bert, 1, 2, 6, 8.
Chandler, Beryl, 39.
Chandler, C., 6.
Chandler, Colin, 31.
Chandler, Ellen, 31.
Chandler, Esther (see also Goodwin, Esther), 1, 85.
Chandler, Ethel, 3.
Chandler, E. W. (Wref), 3, 4.
Chandler, Mrs E. W., 3.
Chandler, Geoff, 3.
Chandler, Gilbert, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 15, 78-79, 81, 101.
Chandler, Mrs Gilbert, 6.
Chandler, Gordon, 3, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 35, 38, 42, 46, 78, 93, 98, 101-102.
Chandler, Hazel, 3.
Chandler, "Harry" Henry Rupert, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 15, 19, 20, 41, 83, 98, 101.
Chandler, Henry, 26, 27, 31, 39.
Chandler, Hilda (see also Christie, Hilda), 14, 102.
Chandler, Howard, 27.
Chandler, Mrs H. R. (see Chandler, Ada Jessie),
Chandler, Jessie, 4.
Chandler, Kate, 1, 3, 6, 78, 85.
Chandler, Keith, 3.
Chandler, Kitty ("Auntie Kit"), 1, 6, 8, 28, 38, 42, 90, 92, 95, 96-97.
Chandler, Lal, 6, 8.
Chandler, Louisa (see also Maguire, Louisa), 1, 94.
Chandler, Mary, 3.
Chandler Park, 19.
Chandler, R. Hugh, 3, 6, 15, 30, 88.
Chandler, W., 6.
Chandler, William, 1, 78, 85, 96, 98.
Channel 10 T. V., 73.
Chaplains' Committee, 14.
Cheal, Eddie, 34.
Cheal, Norma, 27.
Children's Blind Auxiliary, 92.
Children's Hospital Auxiliary, 96.
Children's / Youth Ministries Mission Group, 58.
Choral Competitions, 83, 92.
Christian Blind Mission International, 104.
Christian Education Committee, 35.
Christian Endeavour, 9, 15, 20, 23, 31, 81, 83, 90, 92, 102, 105.
"Christian Life Curriculum", 36, 37.
"Christian, The Australian", 3, 4, 5, 6, 13, 48, 49, 52, 60-61, 74-75, 99, 107.
Christian Women's Afternoon Fellowship, 29, 56, 86, 100, 106.
Christian Women's Evening Fellowship, 25, 29, 56, 82.
Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF), 26, 27, 29, 33, 35, 46, 48.
"Christians in Fellowship", 33, 35, 38, 42.
Christie, Hilda (see also Chandler, Hilda), 14.
"Church and Life Movement", 34.
"Church Expo", 54.
Church extensions and re-building, 26, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 52.
Church fire, 52, 66-76.
Church Men's Society, 16, 27, 29.
Church School (sec Sunday School),
Churches of Christ Theological College, Mulgrave, 51, 57, 99.
City of Knox, 86.
Clark, Owen, 25, 26.
Clay, Will H., 12, 14, 61, 78, 79.
Clissild, Phyllis, 3.
Colac, Victoria, 1.
Colac Church of Christ, 78, 79.
College of the Bible, Glen Iris, 3, 11, 13, 19, 25, 30, 32, 37, 39, 43, 45, 47, 51, 85, 99, 100, 105-107.
Collins Street Uniting Church, 49.
Collyer, Max, 30, 33, 36, 44, 45, 50.
Collyer, Peter, 23, 29, 33, 43, 45, 52, 90, 100.
Collyer, Phyl, 52.
Comer, Bert, 59.
"Comforts Officer", 15.
Commonwealth Bank, 2.
Community Care and Concern Mission Group, 58.
"Como", The Basin, 96.
Condron, Kris, 52, 56, 57, 68-72, 75.
Condron, Graham, 46.
Constitution (Boronia Church of Christ), 23, 30, 33, 38, 42, 43.
Cook, Ron, 35, 36.
Coolstore, 58.
Co-ordination Committee (for Youth Groups), 33.
Country Fire Brigade, 55, 90.
Cowandilla Church of Christ, 22.
Craft Exhibition, 48.
crèche, 23.
Cree, Rosalie, 51.
cricket club, 20, 25, 29, 55, 90, 93.
Croker, Russell, 69-71.
Croydon, Victoria, 1.
Croydon Church of Christ, 11, 78.
Cup Day, 12.
cypress hedge, 9, 19, 33.

Dale, Bro., 8.
Dall (or Gall?), Mr, 5.
Dandenong Creek, 1, 98.
Dawes, Mr, 4.
debentures, 2, 3, 4.
Deith, Jo, 52.
Dent, Olive (see also Goodwin, Olive), 12, 14, 85, 86-87.
Depression, 11, 12, 83, 84, 103, 105.
Deuchar, Robert C. & Assoc. Ply. Ltd., 68-69.
Dhond, India, 19.
"Dinghy Fund", 25.
Dinsdale, Mabel (see also Maguire, Mabel), 90.
Dobson, David, 94.
Dobson, Graham, 93.
Dobson, Ian, 93.
Dobson, Ken, 58.
Dobson, Len, 93.
Dobson, Madge (see also Stewart, Madge), 13, 18, 21, 92-93.
Dobson, Stewart, 21, 93.
Donahue, Jim, 68-69.
Donnelly, Michael, 68.
Dorcas, 25, 29.
Dorset Road, Boronia, 20, 86, 92.
Dow, Betty, 56.
Dow, John, 50, 52, 53, 69, 75.
Dow, Trevor, 43, 50, 52, 54.
Doyle, John, 48.
Doyle, Joy, 48.
Dramatic club, 22.
Dredge, Colin, 32, 33, 34.
duplex envelopes, 2, 3.

Earle, Les, 23, 27.
Eastern District Conference (of Churches of Christ), 11, 29, 31, 82, 103.
Ede, Tom, 52.
Edmonds, Coral, 3.
Edmonds, Myrtle, 3.
Education Department of Victoria, 20, 24.
"Electra" Theatre, Boronia, 14, 16.
Elliott, John, 46, 47, 56.
Ellis, Misses, 101.
Elks, N, 8, 101.
"E. L. Williams Room", 51.
Emmaus Guest Home, 98.
Emmett, Allan, 52, 68-73.
Ennis, Mr R., 82.
E. S. and A. Bank, 12, 34.
Eureka College, USA, 78.
Evans, Gill, 57.
Evans, Margaret, 60.
Ewart, Anne, 46, 47.
Ewart, Neil, 46, 47.
Explorers Boys' Club, 20, 23, 25, 26, 29, 32, 34, 35, 36, 39, 43, 45, 50-51, 52, 54, 88.

Falconer, Dr. Ian, 60.
Fankhauser, Marjory (see also Goodwin, Marjory), 85.
Fawkner Crematorium, 61.
Ferntree Gully, Victoria, 20, 60.
Ferntree Gully Aid Society, 12.
"Ferntree Gully News" (newspaper), 18.
Ferny Creek, Victoria, 57.
Finance and Properties Committee,
Finger, Cyril, 14, 15, 41, 42.
Finger, Glenda, 38.
Finger, Herb, 13, 15, 16, 28, 34.
Finger, Mrs Herb, 15, 34.
Finger, Robyn, 38.
Finger, Ruth, 43, 90.
Finger, Wendy, 43.
Fisher, Enid, 46.
Fisher, Lance, 46.
Flinders Street Railway Station, 5.
Floriston Road, Boronia, 16, 59.
Folland, Mike, 50, 51.
Folland, Ruth, 51.
"Food For Britain" campaign, 19.
Fordham, "Titch", 5.
Forest Road, Boronia, 103.
Frankston, Victoria, 9, 37, 51, 84.
Fremantle, Western Australia, 105.
Funston, Ron, 60.
Funston, Ruth, 60.
Fyfe, Russell, 49.

Gall (or Dall'?), Mr, 5.
Garage Sale, 58.
Gardiner Church of Christ, 11, 82, 83.
Geelong, Victoria, 1, 78, 79.
Georgia, USA, 78.
Gerrand, Mr, 5.
Gibson, Miss D., 82.
Gilbert, Erroll, 40, 42, 49.
Gilbert, Margaret, 49.
Giles, Trevor, 42.
Gillespie, Jame George, Surveyors, 84.
Gilmour, Ada, 3, 6, 8.
Gilmour, Ada Jessie (see also Chandler, Ada Jessie), 98, 101.
Gilmour, Christina, 1, 6, 98, 101.
Gilmour, Hugh, 1, 98, 101.
Girls' Club, 20.
Girls' Life Brigade, 30, 106.
Girwin, Jean, 3.
Glengollan Village, 66.
Good Companions Girls' Club, 25, 26, 29, 30, 47, 53, 58, 88.
Goods and Services Tax (G.S.T), 59.
Goodwin, Bill, 85.
Goodwin, Eric, 3, 14, 15, 85, 86.
Goodwin, Esther (Mrs Frank), 3, 4, 6, 38.
Goodwin, Franklin "Frank" John, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 22, 78, 85, 86, 89.
Goodwin, Ivy (see also Burden, Ivy), 3, 9, 13, 85, 89.
Goodwin, Les, 11, 85.
Goodwin, Marjory, 3, 85.
Goodwin, Olive (see also Dent, Olive), 12, 14, 15, 24, 31, 34, 35, 43, 45, 52, 54, 56, 68-69, 75, 85, 86-87. 103.
Goodwin, Patsy, 34, 35.
Goodwin, Roger, 34, 35, 86.
Goodwin, Thelma, 85, 86.
Goodwin, Wally, 85.
Goodwin, Winnie, 3.
Gospel Committee, 27.
Gould, Pauline, 56, 57.
Graham, Gwen, 93.
Graham, Ron, 16, 18, 19, 81, 88, 93.
Gray, Malcolm, 34.
Green, Carolyn, 40.
Green, Roland, 40.
Gunn, Edna, 40.

Haggar, Thomas, 105.
halls, 16, 25, 26, 27, 33, 35, 54, 70, 86-87, 88.
Hamilton, Beryl (see also Chandler, Beryl), 27.
Hamilton, Lorna, 27, 86.
Hand, Connie, 3.
Hand, Millie, 3.
Hand, Minnie, 3.
Hand, Nellie, 3.
Handasyde, Geraldine, 52.
Handasyde, Kerry, 51, 52.
Handasyde, Russell, 52.
Hansen Road, Boronia, 103.
Hanson, Ashley, 70.
Happy Valley, South Australia, 55.
Harford, Wally, 107.
Hargrave, Laurie, 53.
Harkness, Mrs, 23.
Harling, June, 52.
Hartshorn, Richard, 27.
Harvest Festival, 20.
Harward, H. G., 1, 85, 94.
Hatton, J. J., 33.
Hawthorn Church of Christ, 85, 104.
Hawthorn Football Club 9, 10, 93, 99.
Henley, Andrew, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 66-69, 73, 75-76.
Henley, Leanne, 51, 55.
Henry, Colin, 46, 50, 52, 57, 59, 72.
Henry, Irene, 46, 52, 57, 59.
Hickling, Anita, 55, 56.
Hickling, Darryn, 55, 56.
Higham, Desmond, 60.
Higham, Richard, 60.
Hillbrick Joy, 60.
"Hillstop", 4, 57, 58, 90.
Hollows, Fred, 106.
Holocaust Foundation, 55.
Hoffman, Thelma, 57.
Horsham Church of Christ, 85.
House Fellowships, 32, 37.
Hurren, A. E., 9.

Illinois, USA, 78.
Island Bay, New Zealand, 106.

Jamaica, 46.
Java (Indonesia), 103.
Jeffrey, Bev, 46, 47, 66.
Johns & Lyng, 68-70.
Johnson Bible College (USA), 1.
Jones, Lloyd, 30.
Jones, Mrs, 4, 5, 8, 9.
Jones, Sister (of Malvern), 6.
Jordan, Beverley, 82.
Jordan, Kate, 13, 27, 82-83.
Jordan, Linda, 86.
Jordan, Percy, 11, 13, 14, 15, 22, 26, 27, 30, 31, 38, 43, 51, 81, 82-84, 86, 88, 90, 92.
Jordan, Philip, 82.
Junior football club, 36, 38.

"Kairos", 47.
Kaniva, Victoria, 85, 99.
Kappa Sigma Pi (KSP) Group, 9, 12, 13, 15, 25, 26, 29, 88, 90, 92, 98, 102.
Kay, Arthur, 41.
Keeler, Geoff, 47.
Keeler, Kate, 47.
Keilor, Victoria, 61.
Kentucky, USA, 78.
Kew, Victoria, 50.
Kids' Connection (see Sunday School),
Kilner, Mr, 8.
Knoxfield (Scoresby Road) Church of Christ, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 40, 45, 55, 56, 87, 100.
Knox Junior Football Association, 38.
"Knox News" (newspaper), 67.
"Knox-Sherbrooke News", 96.
Koinonia, 43, 102.
Koo-Wee-Rup, Victoria, 39.

land purchases, 4, 5, 9, 16, 18, 31.
Langley, Elsie, 101.
Langley, Roy, 5.
Launceston Church of Christ, 49, 107.
Lawson, Iris, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 52, 107.
Lawson, Neil, 44, 45, 52.
Lee, Carl, 54.
Leeder, Dorothy, 55.
Leeder, Vince, 55.
Leeman, Les, 3.
Leichardt, Queensland, 40.
Lillimur, Victoria, 85.
Lilydale High School, 101.
Lindroth, Graham, 57.
Lindroth, Lyn, 57.
Liverpool Road, The Basin, 102.
Lloyd, A, Ross, 36.
L.O.L.L.S., 56.
Lower Ferntree Gully, Victoria, 4.
Lower Hutt, New Zealand, 105.
Lutheran Homes, 95, 96.
Lygon Street Church of Christ, 1, 6, 78, 98.

"Macushla", 81.
Maguire, Don, 11, 13-14, 47, 54, 94.
Maguire, Esther (Essie) (see also Bird, Essie), 3, 7, 13, 80, 81.
Maguire, Heather, 26.
Maguire, John, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 22, 41, 81, 90, 94-95, 98.
Maguire, Laurie, 3, 4, 5, 6, 13-14, 16, 38, 41, 42, 43, 44, 89, 90-91.
Maguire, Louisa (see also Chandler, Louisa), 3, 6, 8, 9, 38, 41, 81, 90, 94-95, 96.
Maguire, Mabel (see also Dinsdale, Mabel), 90.
Maguire, Mardi, 55.
Mahony, Bro, (of Surrey Hills), 6, 8.
Mahony, Sis, (of Surrey Hills), 6.
Main, A. R., 13, 105.
Maintenance Committee, 50.
Mallala Church of Christ, 85.
Malvern, Victoria, 98.
Malvern Church of Christ, 79.
Manallack Jack, 23, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35.
Manallack Jean, 30.
Manallack Wendy, 26.
manse, 16, 18, 19, 26, 88.
Marchant, Daryl, 54.
Marion Church of Christ, 56.
Maryville, Tennessee, USA, 78.
Mason, Jenny, 56, 57.
Masterton, John, 49, 52, 53, 68-72, 74-75.
Masterton, Joyce, 49, 53.
Maylands, Western Australia, 105.
McAllister, Sheila, 57.
McDowell, Danny, 17, 48, 52, 54, 56, 58, 101.
"McDowell Magic", 54.
McDowell, Pam, 17, 54, 57.
McGreggor, J., 15.
McIntosh, Bruce, 40, 46.
McLeod, Elaine, 47, 48, 49-50, 55, 75, 90.
McLeod, Gerald, 33, 37, 43, 49.
McMillan, Alan, 47.
McMillan, Sally, 47.
Melbourne City Mission, 10, 12.
Melbourne Town Hall, 83, 92, 105.
Men's Ministry, 54.
Merry, Dr John, 60.
Mierisch, Maisie, 59.
Miller, Harvey, 43, 44, 45, 49, 52, 53.
Miller, Lynette, 44, 49, 52.
Milne, Keith, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 59, 66-73, 75-76.
Milne, Laurel, 48, 56, 59.
Milne, Merle, 60.
"Mingles", 45.
Ministry Committee, 50, 52, 100.
Mission Band, 20, 24, 25, 82, 96, 103.
Monbulk, Victoria, 19, 30, 31, 32, 61.
Montrose, Victoria, 4, 83, 101.
Montrose Church of Christ, 1, 3, 5, 11, 58, 83, 85, 90, 94, 96, 98, 101.
Moore, Bruce, 57, 59.
Mooroolbark, Victoria, 1.
Morgan, Lil, 35.
Mount Dandenong, 1.
Morris, T. R., 8.
Mount Macedon, Victoria, 103.
Mount View Road, Boronia, 96, 97.
Moyes, Gordon, 56.
Moysey, Bro., 6.
M.U.C.K.Y group, 57.
Mulgrave, Victoria, 51, 99.
Mullen, George, 57.
Mullen, Jean, 57.
Myerscough, Tom, 41.

Neal, Denise, 49.
netball club, 20, 21, 22, 25, 29, 90.
Newham, Will, 23, 30.
New Hebrides (later Vanuatu), 25.
Newmarket Church of Christ, 85.
New Zealand, 47, 54, 60, 85, 105-106.
nightman, 20.
Niven, Miss P., 8, 13, 15.
Noble Park Church of Christ, 105.
North Essendon Church of Christ, 21, 60-61.
North Fitzroy Church of Christ, 3, 4, 5, 101.
Northcote, Victoria, 2, 4.

Oakleigh Church of Christ, 103.
Oakleigh, Victoria, 39, 49, 59.
Ocean Grove, Victoria, 107.
Oklahoma, USA, 78.
Olafsen, Deane, 36, 37, 38.
Olafsen, Julia, 37.
Oliver, Milton, 74.
Onslow, Western Australia, 47.
"Operation Increase", 25.
Opie, Meredith, 57.
Outreach and Evangelism Mission Group, 57, 58, 59.

Padey, Mr., 26.
Page, Alan, 27, 30, 32.
Page, Cynthia, 45.
Page, Iris, 27, 32, 86.
Page, Marjory, 3.
Page, Vere, 7, 16.
Pahiatua, New Zealand, 85.
Palmerston North, New Zealand, 105-106.
Park Crescent, Boronia, 35.
Park Orchards, Victoria, 16, 88.
Parker, Anthea, 52, 56, 57, 58.
Parker, Betty, 56.
Parker, George, 59.
Parker, Ian, 46, 58.
Pastoral Mission Group, 56, 58.
Pastoral Nurse Teem, 59.
Paterson, Lois, 37, 38.
P. E. N. C. I. L. S, 56.
Peterson, Joan, 26, 27.
Peterson, Stan, 27.
Pfeiffer, Robert, 35.
Phi Beta Pi (PBP) Group, 9, 13, 25, 29, 88, 90, 92, 98.
Phillips' "Letters To Young Churches", 20.
Phillips University, Oklahoma, USA, 78.
Pine Crescent, Boronia, 53.
Pineville, Kentucky, USA, 78.
Play Group, 46, 53.
Point Lonsdale, Victoria, 96.
Port Phillip Heads, 96.
Potts, Mildred, 60.
Povey, David, 34.
Prayer and Share group, 100.
Properties Corporation, 15, 16.
Publicity Committee, 27.
Pugsley, Tony, 60.
Pye, Jack, 30, 34.

Ratcliff, Adam, 54, 55.
Ratcliff, Andrew, 54, 55.
Ratcliff, Daniel, 54, 55.
Ratcliff, Matthew, 54, 55.
Ratcliff, Raelene, 54, 55.
Ratcliff, Rebecca, 54, 55.
Red Cross, 92, 96.
Reid, K. A., 69-71.
Retchford, Peter, 30.
Riches, Catherine, 55, 57.
Riches, Mark, 55, 57, 58.
Ricketts, Brian, 58.
Ricketts, Jenny, 58.
Ringwood, Victoria, 12, 96.
Ringwood Church of Christ, 1, 4, 5, 11, 34, 46, 78.
Risson, Simon, 57.
Robins, M.B.S. (Vic. Pty. Ltd), 68.
Robinson, Trevor, 22.
Rohan, Mr, 27.
Rosebud, Victoria, 42.
Rosner, Leo, 55.
Rowville Church of Christ, 52.
RSL, 55.
Russell, Alan, 27.

Sale Technical School, 38.
Salford Park Village, 102.
Salisbury, Peter, 36, 37.
Salmon, Wally, 2, 3, 6, 38.
Salmon, Mrs W., 38.
Salvation Army, 11, 53.
Sandakan (Indonesia), 103.
Sanders, E. C. "Ted", 25, 26.
Sanders, Neville, 47.
Sankey's Hymn Books, 3.
Saunders, Brian, 60.
Saunders, Valerie, 60.
Scambler, Bro., 13.
"Schindler's Ark", 55.
"Schindler's List", 55.
Schulter, Neil, 70.
Scott, Ruby, 46.
Seaford, Victoria, 92.
Sercombe, Margherita, 29.
Sercombe, Neil, 29.
Seventh Day Adventists, 49, 57.
Sheehan, Miss, 83.
Shepparton, Victoria, 85.
Shields, H. C. "Curley", 40.
Shields, Miss, 27.
Shiloh Ranch, 47, 48.
Shire of Ferntree Gully, 12, 14, 19, 20.
Shire of Knox, 34.
Show Day, 1921, working-bee, 5, 90, 102.
Sidebottom, Mr, 20.
Sisters' Auxiliary, 8, 13, 96.
Smith, Alan, 11.
Smith, Don, 32.
Smith, Col, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 43, 47, 101.
Smith, Kevin, 25, 38.
Smith, Lynette, 60.
Snodgrass-Pollard Mission, 21.
Social Action Committee, 32.
Sommerville, Amy, 24, 87, 103-104.
Sommerville, Andrew, 103.
Sommerville, Joan, 103.
Sommerville, Margaret, 27, 86, 87, 103.
sound system, 59.
South Australia, 106.
South Melbourne, Victoria, 68.
South Melbourne Church of Christ, 19.
Spring Festival, 53.
Springvale, Victoria, 55.
St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Boronia, 53.
St. Joseph's Parish School, Boronia, 53, 66, 73-74.
St. Kilda Church of Christ, 85, 105.
St. Paul's Anglican Church, Boronia, 53, 73.
State Electricity Commission of Victoria, 19, 84.
Stawell Church of Christ, 47.
Stevens, Dare, 38.
Stevens, Major (Salvation Army), 11.
Stewart, Danny, 23.
Stewart, Madge (see also Dobson, Madge), 3, 13, 92-93.
Stewart, Mr and Mrs, 18, 92, 93.
Stewart Street, Boronia, 82, 83.
Stirling, Alice, 105.
Stirling, Beth (see also Butler, Beth), 105.
Stirling, Dan, 105.
Stirling, Gordon, 38, 43-44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 54, 55, 57, 105-107.
Stirling, Heather, 105.
Stirling, Jeanette, 105.
Stirling, Lesley (see also Carnaby, Lesley), 34, 46, 48, 49, 54, 57, 105-107.
Stone, Judy, 43.
Studfield Junior Football Club, 38, 42.
Sunburn Church of Christ, 74.
"Sun Travel Boy", 21.
Sunday School, 2, 3, 5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 40, 42, 48-49, 50, 52, 53, 57, 66, 78, 81, 82-84, 86-87, 88, 90, 92, 98, 102, 103-104, 105.
Sunday School picnic, 11, 12, 26, 92.
Sunday sport, 12, 38.
Surrey Hills Church of Christ, 6, 30.
"Susso", 105.
Sutton, John, 52.
Suttons, 11, 80.
Swanston Street Church of Christ, 6.
Sydney, NSW, 1, 26, 78, 106.
Sydney Wesley Mission, 56.
Sykes, Lynne, 55, 56.
"Symbolic Artifacts", 42, 44.

Table tennis club, 16.
"Talents 2000", 39.
Tassell, Fay, 60.
Tathra, NSW, 48.
Taylor-Davis, Arthur, 40, 41, 43, 44, 90.
Taylor-Davis, Merilyn, 41, 42, 44.
Teaching Mission Committee, 32.
"temporary chapel", 41.
Tennessee, USA, 78.
tennis club, 9, 14, 16, 18, 20, 25, 29, 93.
tent church, 2, 3, 4, 5, 83, 90, 101, 101-102.
"Tertius", 105, 107.
The Basin, Victoria, 1, 12, 55, 60, 78, 85, 92, 94, 96, 101.
"The Basin Centre", 59.
The Basin Primary School, 1, 94, 101.
The Blue Mountains, Tennessee, USA, 78.
"The Messenger", 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, 30, 32, 35, 41, 50, 55, 61, 66-67, 78, 79, 80, 82, 83, 99, 100.
"The New Zealand Christian", 106.
"The Old Rugged Cross", 60.
The Patch, Church of Christ, 51.
"The Quest", 106.
"The Religious Education Journal", 106.
Thomas, James E., 6, 8.
Thompson, Albert, 29, 31, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 89, 90.
Thompson, Jean, 27.
Thompson, W. A. "Bill", 25, 27, 29, 36.
Timms, Bro. (of Northcote), 2, 4.
Tippett, Ian, 73.
"Total Church Program", 32.
Treharne, Mrs E., 6, 13, 31, 92, 93.
Treharne, Mr. W. R., 6, 31, 92.
"Trenwell", The Basin, 101.
Tresize, Laurie, 61.
Tutton, Dick, 53, 67.
Tutton, Hazel, 53, 58, 67.
"Twelve Keys To An Effective Church", 75.

University of New South Wales, 106.
Upper Beaconsfield, Victoria, 59.
Upper Ferntree Gully, Victoria, 1, 96.

"Vacation Bible School", 31.
Vanuatu (formerly New Hebrides), 25, 59.
Victorian Football League, 99.
Vietnam War, 37.
Visitation and Evangelism Committee, 35.
V. P. (Victory in the Pacific) Day, 16.
Wantirna, Victoria, 102.
War Widows' Guild, 103.
Warden, Mr, 3, 4, 6.
Warden, Mrs, 6, 9.
Wardle, Lola, 52, 56, 75.
Wardle, Royce, 54, 55.
Warragul, Victoria, 86.
Watson, Mrs, 6.
W.B.C.M. Engineering Consultants, 68-71.
Wedderburn, Victoria, 85.
Welfare Fund, 36.
Wellington, New Zealand, 106.
West Guildford, Western Australia, 105.
West Leederville, Western Australia, 105.
White, A. E. "Alf", 24, 25, 99, 100, 107.
White, Brian, 51, 73.
William Angliss Hospital Auxiliary, 92.
Williams, B. Lila, 43, 90, 99-100.
Williams, Dick, 99.
Williams, E. L., 9, 10, 11, 15, 25, 32, 35, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 51, 55, 80, 81, 85, 88-89, 90, 92, 93, 94, 98, 99-100.
Williams, Graeme, 34, 36.
Williams, Kaye, 34, 40.
"Williams The Shoeman", 99.
Will H. Clay Nursing Home, 31.
Wilson, Adrian, 54, 57.
Wilson, Roy, 83.
Women's Auxiliary, 20.
Women's World Day of Prayer, 82.
Woodbridge, Mr., 5.
Woodmason Road, Boronia, 92.
Woodward, Anthea (see also Parker, Anthea), 39, 42.
Woodward, Grant, 39.
World Conventions of Churches of Christ, 46, 84.
World War One, 96.
World War Two, 14, 15, 16, 18, 55, 85, 86, 103, 106.
Worship Mission Group, 57, 58.
"Worship The Lord In The Beauty Of Holiness", 81.
Wright, Mary, 3.

Young Adult Fellowship, 32, 33, 34, 42.
Young Marrieds Group, 44.
Young Worshippers' League, 11.
Youth Alpha, 58.
Youth Club, 49, 51.
Youth Council, 19, 20, 27.