PEEL STREET

Peel St. Re-opened

In March 1918, with the Peel St. Church buildings "thoroughly renovated", the Dawson Street officers, under Connor's inspiration, planned to resume evangelistic services there.¹ In late August the church reported that it hoped to be shortly re-opening the work in Peel St., Ballarat East.²

Overcoming early frustrations, Peel St. was re-opened in September with a fifteen-day mission conducted by Connor. The church had not had regular services for a decade. Despite the fact that the re-opening would stretch Dawson St.'s personnel and finances to the limit, they hoped to see "the best days of the Peel St. church of thirty odd years ago equalled". The Dawson St. congregation supported the effort by their attendance. The Peel St. Sunday School was also re-opened with 17 scholars.³ Wilkie filled in at Dawson St. in Connor's absence.⁴

Late in December it was reported that the new effort at Peel St. was "going on steadily". Connor was "in charge with Bro. Halbert as school secretary". The school, by then, had an enrolment of 34. Sunday evening services were being conducted by the Dawson St. "speaking brethren in turn". It was also indicated that those involved were planning a "strong forward move at Peel St. early in the New Year".⁵

Throughout 1920 the cause continued to develop, even if slowly.⁶ Early in the year Dawson St. approached the Victorian Home Mission Committee, which was prepared to subsidise a ministry at Peel St. £1 per week for 6 months. With this assurance, Dawson St. invited Bro. Carpenter to take up the work.⁷ Nothing came of this overture. Wilkie had been shouldering much of the preaching load at Peel St., and, in the absence of a full-time preacher, continued to do so.⁸ W. H. Benson also helped out.⁹

In July, 1921 it was decided that morning services would be commenced at Peel St. following a special effort.¹⁰ They began on September 4th.¹¹ In December, 1921 there were 44 attending Peel St. Sunday school.¹²

J. R. Combridge

J. R. Combridge visited Ballarat on March 12th, 1922. He addressed the Dawson St. congregation in the morning and accompanied Connor to the Peel St. Sunday School in the afternoon. There were 50 scholars present. He Preached at Peel St. in the evening. It had been planned that he would "take the services for a few weeks".¹³

Combridge commenced week-end work at Peel St. at the invitation of the Dawson St. congregation and with the assistance of the Home Missionary Committee.¹⁴ Combridge was called for an initial 6 months,¹⁵ for which Dawson St. received a subsidy of £1/7/- per week.¹⁶

By early April it was obvious that excitement was growing. It was reported that "The coming of Bro. J. R. Combridge to take the lead in the work at Ballarat East has given fresh hopes for the future in that populous centre. Connor had built up the Sunday School and Gospel Services were drawing increased attendances.¹⁷ Enthusiasm continued to mount. On June 18th, 3 young people confessed Christ under Combridge's preaching.¹⁸

The Hinrichsen-Brooker Mission

The most significant event on the Churches of Christ calendar in Ballarat in 1922 was the Hinrichsen-Brooker Mission, which opened early in August in a tent strategically pitched in Ballarat East, near the Peel St. Chapel.

The initiative originated with J. R. Combridge, who had been impressed by the Hinrichsen mission in Ararat.¹⁹ The young Hinrichsen, who was to gain the reputation of being one of the most consistently successful evangelists in the history of Churches of Christ in Australia, was engaged for the Ballarat campaign.²⁰ While there was insufficient time for the usual preparation preceding Hinrichsen missions, and while the church was £40 short of the £200 it was anticipated would be needed to finance the mission, the venture proceeded.²¹

On the first night of the mission Dawson St. closed its doors and members adjourned to the tent in support of Peel St.²² During the first week, despite wet evenings, attendances and interest grew and 7 made "decisions for Christ".²³

On the Wednesday of the second week, 7 were baptised. A second tent had been erected and it overflowed. The following Sunday the two tents could not accommodate the crowds. 80 stood outside. Those attending listened to Hinrichsen in "rapt attention". Brooker, the song leader, was also "winning many friends". By the time the mission had entered its third week, 23 had "confessed Christ".²⁴

As the mission proceeded, momentum increased. By late August 40 had "decided for Christ". A question box was in use and Hinrichsen's "fearless and able answers"

were "dispelling many doubts". Brooker and Jackel were assisting by visiting contacts in their homes during the week. At the night meetings the sides of the tents were let down so that more could be seated, but this measure was inadequate and many had to be turned away. A reporter commented that "Our plea has never been more forcibly presented nor more readily received in Ballarat than in this great effort".²⁵

The momentum continued unabated. By mid-September the number of decisions had reached 76.²⁶ By the time the mission concluded 120 had come forward and it was generally agreed that "the prospects of the new church at Ballarat East are very bright".²⁷ A thank offering, taken at the conclusion of the mission, brought the amount contributed up to £250.²⁸

At the conclusion of the mission, Hinrichsen and Brooker moved on to Ascot Vale²⁹ and then to Colac.³⁰

Dawson St., which had sponsored the mission, received 30 into membership. Another 40 of its members, who had been worshipping with the church for some time, transferred to Ballarat East.³¹

Combridge Full-Time

As a consequence of the mission J. R. Combridge was engaged as full-time evangelist.³²

In addition, A. P. A. Burdeu, who worked with the railways and laboured tirelessly for the advancement of the Aboriginal cause, was appointed secretary of the "new church at Ballarat East". His address was given as 416 Ripon St. South, Ballarat.³³ Burdeu had transferred from Maryborough to Dawson St. in May.³⁴ To help place the work at Peel St. on a secure footing, he transferred there from Dawson St. in March of the following year.³⁵ In September, 1930 Burdeu was appointed an honorary Life Member of the Victorian branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society.³⁶

Following the mission the church continued in good heart. All meetings were "nicely attended" and the church began planning for another mission the following year. A building fund was established to improve the now inadequate chapel and a Young People's League, emphasising loyalty to Christ and the church, was formed.³⁷ As the year proceeded, the church began to consolidate and to gain a sense of "family".³⁸ During December, attendances were in the high 80's.³⁹

Interest continued into 1923. After a lean start, with many away on holidays,⁴⁰ numbers picked up and, on the 11th of February, it was reported that 91 broke bread for the day.⁴¹ By April the 8th the number had risen to 96.⁴² By

mid-April 50 were attending week-night meetings and the number breaking bread was consistently over the hundred.⁴³

Like Dawson St., the Peel St. church eagerly awaited the Kellems-Richards Mission.⁴⁴ Numbers continued to grow. Despite the fact that 30 of the congregation travelled to Castlemaine to the Kellems-Richards Mission there, 108 broke bread at Ballarat East on 14th of September.⁴⁵ On October 28 a new record was set, with 117 communing.⁴⁶

Early in November Combridge departed for Queensland.⁴⁷ The church decided to "carry on" with local help while the preacher was away. Among those who helped out were W. Wilson, S. J. Southgate, A. W. Connor, J. A. Wilkie and Tucker.⁴⁸ Numbers kept up, with over 100 breaking bread each Lord's Day.⁴⁹

Early in January 1924, the church indicated that it was without a preacher, but hoped to appoint one shortly.⁵⁰ Over 100 were regularly attending the am service and the church was in good heart.⁵¹

Edwards

At the beginning of March, 1924 Bro. Edwards commenced as the new preacher at Peel St., which had been without a preacher for three months, during which time the visiting of members had been neglected. 117 broke bread on the day Edwards commenced⁵² The family were officially welcomed on the 12th.⁵³

The church at Ballarat East was aware that it was "located in a poor district". They recognised the need to establish "a substantial fund to give adequate help". They asked other Churches of Christ to help them with gifts of clothing or anything else", which could be sent to A. P. A. Burdeu, Ballarat Railway Station.⁵⁴

In May church members supported the mission at York St., which was sponsored by the Dawson St. church. That same month they commenced a Christian Endeavour Society.⁵⁵

The following month the chip heater flue pipe collapsed, allowing sparks to escape though the roof. The vestry caught fire, but little damage was done.⁵⁶

In July the church reported four confessions and indicated that Chas Carpenter had been appointed secretary.⁵⁷ The following month the average attendance at the prayer service was 40. Following one such service a presentation was made to Sr. Edwards "for her interest in church activities". She was obviously exercising considerable influence.⁵⁸

In late August numbers were down, due to illness, which also grounded the preacher. During this period Wilkie took responsibility for the evening services.⁵⁹ In November, Edwards, now obviously recovered, visited Naracoorte for that church's "Back to Naracoorte" celebrations.⁶⁰

In February, 1925 it was announced the Edwards had received a call to Balwyn. He preached his farewell sermon to a crowded congregation.⁶¹

A. W. Ladbrook

Following Edwards' departure, A. W. Ladbrook, a student at the College of the Bible, helped with services, preaching powerful sermons to a full house.⁶² This assistance continued until early May, when R. G. Cameron commenced as full-time preacher.⁶³

Home Missions Committee Takes Responsibility

In March, 1925 the Dawson St. officers were informed that the Victorian Home Missions committee was willing to take over major financial responsibility for Peel St. They asked Dawson St. to find 10/- per week for 6 months.⁶⁴

R. G. Cameron

Cameron was born in Ballarat on December, 1857. He was baptised at Cheltenham and commenced his first ministry at Berwick in 1885. He later ministered at Doncaster, Prahran, Collins St. Hobart, North Melbourne, Castlemaine, St. Kilda, and South Yarra. After leaving Peel St. he was to minister at Red Cliffs, Pyramid Hill and Boort, before retiring and taking up membership at the South Yarra church.

Early interest was shown in a series of addresses by Cameron on the Second Advent and a mission was planned, later in the year, with Connor as missioner.⁶⁵ Under Cameron, the work was consolidated and the cause began to progress.⁶⁶

In August it was decided to alter the buildings in order to accommodate the increasing kindergarten section of the Sunday School.⁶⁷ As the year progressed, attendances maintained and a boy's club was formed.⁶⁸

The Connor Mission

On September 7, Connor began a 14-day mission at Peel St., with Harold Feary, from York St., and Bro. Batch, from Peel St., as song leaders.⁶⁹ Harold Feary was later to lead the singing at a mission at Malvern-Caulfield.⁷⁰ Attendances during the last

week were marred by bad weather. The general opinion, however, was that "Connor preached earnestly and that the church was strengthened".⁷¹

Walter Chapman

During the course of the mission Walter Chapman died. He had had association with both Dawson St. and Peel St., after shifting his church home to Ballarat from Gordon, where he had established and nurtured an embryonic congregation.⁷²

Originally a Methodist, Walter Chapman had been associated with Churches of Christ for 37 years. He had been won over by reading the literature of the movement and had been baptised by J. T. T. Harding. The Chapmans set up the Lord's Table in their home at Gordon, where they also began conducting a Bible school. Walter and his wife, who was also committed to the cause, hired a local hall for gospel meetings. A Church was organised and a chapel erected. The church maintained itself in the community for a number of years before removals from the district led to the building being closed. The Chapman family transferred their membership to Dawson St., and, following the Hinrichsen-Brooker mission in Ballarat East, joined the Peel St. church.⁷³

Continuing Developments

The Peel St. church settled back into a regular pattern following the mission. Cameron continued "to give helpful exhortations" and peached "the gospel convincingly".⁷⁴

Early in 1926 the vestry of the church was enlarged, so that it was now "possible to hold all social functions in it".⁷⁵

The Home Mission Committee of the Victorian Conference, reporting to the 1926 Conference in April, mentioned that, since Cameron had been appointed to Peel St. in May, with partial Home Mission subsidy, the work had been consolidated and the church was assuming a larger share of financial responsibility.⁷⁶

That same month Cameron was hospitalised for an operation. A. W. Ladbrook, who helped fill in, was greatly appreciated.⁷⁷

Cameron remained at Peel St. for no more than 13 months. He preached his farewell sermon on the 27th of June, 1926⁷⁸ and moved on to become preacher at Red Cliffs.⁷⁹

A. W. Ladbrook

On July 3rd, A. W. Ladbrook, still a student,⁸⁰ was welcomed as the new minister. His earlier ministry at Peel St. had been appreciated and praise for the quality of his preaching was immediately evident.⁸¹ While attendances fell during the winter

months due to illness, enthusiasm and appreciation of Ladbrook's work were undiminished.⁸² By mid-September it was reported that "all branches of work are steadily progressing", and Ladbrook continued to receive high praise for his preaching.⁸³

Ladbrook was holidaying in New Zealand for the first six weeks of 1927, when the burden of the preaching was shouldered by A. P. A. Burdeu.⁸⁴ During February, Burdeu was reappointed secretary and G. Stodden, treasurer.⁸⁵

Ladbrook concluded his student ministry at Peel St. on February 18th, when the church presented him with a Rolex watch. The Young People's Society gave him a pair of hair brushes in a leather case. That same day the church welcomed George Mathieson, another student, who was to take over.⁸⁶

George Mathieson

With Mathieson's appointment, interest and attendances grew. 97 were present at the gospel service on the 27th of March.⁸⁷ The night service topped 100 early in January, 1929, when Mathieson "gave an excellent address".⁸⁸

As the year wore on, attendances continued to improve, with 150 present on February 3, though numbers may have been slightly inflated by the presence of the Loyal Orange Lodge.⁸⁹ In April, Mathieson lost the services of his loyal secretary, "Bro. Carpenter", who resigned because of ill-health. At that time the church was obviously still enthusing over the quality of his messages. That month the young people of the church began raising funds for a wayside pulpit,⁹⁰ which became a continuing financial commitment.⁹¹

The G. T. Fitzgerald Mission

A mission, with G. T. Fitzgerald from Dawson St. commenced on Sunday, May 12. Early in the mission it was being reported that a revival was being experienced. The only figure given was four confessions in the first week.⁹² Following the mission, interest continued, with evening attendances averaging 90.⁹³

L. C. Viney

Like Fitzgerald of Dawson St., Mathieson became ill during the Christmas holidays, early in January, 1930.⁹⁴ That year, though records are scant, it would appear that L. C. Viney took over from Mathieson.⁹⁵ Viney must have concluded with the church in October. Over the following three months, the pulpit was filled by "Bren. Wilkie, Benson, Feary (3), Ramage and Burdeu".⁹⁶

J. C. Thomson

J. C. Thomson commenced a ministry with the church on March 1st, when attendances lifted. On March 29th, 70 were present for "breaking of bread" and 120 attended the gospel service. Auxiliaries, such as the Young People's Club, the Dorcas Society, the Christian Endeavour Society and the Bible School were in good heart, though attendances at the latter dropped from 101 to 70 due to a diphtheria outbreak in local schools.⁹⁷

The church continued to enthuse over Thomson's preaching. In July, 4 were baptised and received into membership.⁹⁸ Church anniversary services, held in September, were an occasion for reminiscing on the difficult beginnings of the church, and for comparisons with current prospects, which were positive. Ramage, who had nurtured the church through its difficult years, and who was now a member at Dawson St., detailed the early history.⁹⁹ Enthusiasm for Thomson's ministry maintained throughout the year.¹⁰⁰ A continuing feature of the C. E. programme, in conjunction with similar societies at Dawson St. and York St., were periodical visits to the local jail.¹⁰¹

At the annual meeting in February, 1932 the church, happy with Thomson's ministry, invited him to remain a further twelve months. It was also reported at that meeting that a Junior Christian Endeavour had been commenced under the leadership of Mrs. Thomson.¹⁰² During late July and early August the focus was on Overseas Missions, with a visit from Edna Vawser from India and a social held by Endeavourers to help raise money to help purchase a new motor launch for the New Hebrides.¹⁰³

Later in the year Peel St. had contact with several Baptist churches in the city. On September 18th Thomson exchanged with Mr. Leeder, of the Victoria St. Baptist Church, ¹⁰⁴ while on the afternoon of September 25th Mr. S. McKitterick, of the Pleasant St. Baptist church, spoke at the Bible School anniversary celebration.¹⁰⁵

In May, 1933 Thomson accepted a further term of service. The church was then heavily involved in the Dawson St. mission.¹⁰⁶ This was a trial run for their own nine-day mission with Fitzgerald in August.¹⁰⁷ In spite of "severely cold weather", there "were splendid attendances at every service" and there was general regret that the mission could not be continued. The result was "three definite decisions", one "restoration" and one young man asked to be baptised.¹⁰⁸

YORK STREET

The Ballarat Christian Mission

On Thursday, October 12th, 1893, Brethren Gray, Miles, Griffin, Burton, Gibson Sr. and Gibson Jr. met in Ballarat to establish a new Christian congregation. The meeting was chaired by Bro. L. Gibson. They called themselves the Ballarat Christian Mission and were connected with a similar group in Melbourne, to whom they looked for guidance.

At this meeting they decided to hire a side hall or library room in the South St. Debating Society's Hall for 3 months at 10/- per week. They would hire the larger hall, for an extra 2/6, if they were to be addressed by some visiting brother from Melbourne.

There was also some debate at this initial meeting over whether they should have a collection box or plate at the door. They couldn't reach a decision on this issue.¹⁰⁹ It wasn't until April of the following year that they agreed that a box would be passed around in the am. service and left at the door at the evening gospel meeting.¹¹⁰

It was also in April, 1894 that they decided to dispense with presidents at the fellowship meeting for a 4-week trial and to "throw the meeting entirely open acknowledging no-one at the head of the table but Jesus the Christ."¹¹¹

The handful of members that made up this church, who were generally from the poorer segment of the community, were concerned about the state of indigent members. In June, 1994 it was decided that the cash remaining over after expenses, such as the rental of the hall had been paid, should be divided between Bro. Tuck and Bro. Polack. It was also at that time that they decided to continue indefinitely with the practice of conducting their meetings without a presiding brother.¹¹²

The following month, though there were few members, they decided to open a work at Buninyong and to hire the Temperance Hall there on Tuesday night the 7th for 5/-. At this stage they were meeting in the A.N.A. Hall, for the use of which they had been offered a 2/6 reduction in rent.¹¹³

The following month numbers were down to 7, 4 men and 3 women. It was decided that absentees would be visited. However, with so few at services, collections were insufficient to meet the rental of the A.N.A Hall. They decided to shift to the Temperance Hall, which they could rent for 7/6 per week for two Sunday meetings and one week-night meeting.¹¹⁴

One brother, who was visited as a consequence of the July decision, said that he absented himself from meetings because he thought that his presence kept away blessing.¹¹⁵

By August the group had managed to secure a reduction in rent to 6/- per week.¹¹⁶

This reduction was of assistance. The October meeting registered a continuing poor attendance but was able to boast a credit balance.¹¹⁷ During this period surpluses were either distributed to needy members¹¹⁸ or used in some way in the Sunday School.¹¹⁹

By this stage the unstructured nature of the am fellowship service was not working out and it was decided to organise a plan for morning services.¹²⁰ In March, 1895 the church decided that each of the brothers would preside in turn at Sunday morning meetings.¹²¹

In June, 1895 the congregation concerned itself with Mr. Gray, a former member, who wanted to know if the church still recognised him as a brother. The church members, however, registered "strong disapproval of some of the doctrines held by the brother" and wanted to talk with him further before re-admitting him.¹²²

In July, 1895 Bro. and Sr. Gibson were presented with a case of kerosene. They had provided a kerosene lamp for meetings since the church began and it was recognised that this should not be their sole responsibility.¹²³

By February, 1896 punctuality at meetings was a problem. It was agreed that more regard should be paid to starting and finishing meetings on time.¹²⁴ This continued to be a problem.¹²⁵

In April, 1896 it was decided to hold testimony meetings on the last Sunday of every month. At this time the group was meeting in the York St. Mission Hall, though there was some debate at the April meeting over the continued use of the hall.¹²⁶

In July, when attendance was again low, the congregation decided to support the publication of a proposed journal by the sister congregation in Melbourne.¹²⁷

In October 10/- was given to the Sisters for a fund they administered in connection with their sewing work. The church also decided to purchase 5/- worth of tracts.¹²⁸

There is a gap in the minutes from October, 1896 to September, 1897, at which time the church agreed to offer the trustees of the York St. Mission 3/- for the use of the hall on Sunday mornings, evenings and Tuesday evenings.¹²⁹

In April, 1898 the small congregation canvassed the possibility of uniting with "brothers and sisters which meet at Barkley St." Whether this referred to the Methodists, or another small group, is difficult to determine. In any case, it was

decided "unanimously that we remain as we are till we hear more of their views."¹³⁰

Life in Christ and Second Advent Association

Between July and August, 1898, the congregation, obviously looking for a closer association with other Christian groups, debated whether or not they would unite with the Life in Christ and Second Advent Association in Melbourne.¹³¹ A conference between the two groups was held on August 2nd¹³² and on the 21st the group was visited by brethren Broadbent, a herbalist from the Eastern Market,¹³³ and Hopkins from the Melbourne Life in Christ and Second Advent Association, when 16 names were placed on the roll of the Ballarat Association.¹³⁴

It would be interesting to know whether the Melbourne Christian mission became the Life in Christ and Second Advent Association. If this was so, it could help explain why the York St. group contemplated uniting with the church in Barkley St., as it would have isolated them. In any event, by the turn of the century, the York St. congregation was known as the Ballarat branch of the Life in Christ and Second Advent Association and there were only two such congregations in Victoria, the Ballarat branch and the Melbourne Association, to which the Ballarat branch reported.¹³⁵

In 1902 they bought the York St. hall in which they met for £75¹³⁶ and a Sunday School was re-established in April, 1903.¹³⁷ Baptisms were conducted in the City Baths¹³⁸ and open-air meetings were held in Main St.¹³⁹ in the China Camp near the Red Lion Hotel.¹⁴⁰

In March, 1902 the secretary reported that "there was a good opening for work in Main Road. A shop on the corner of Main and Bridge Streets was available for a small rental.¹⁴¹ The venture was proceeded with and the cause there commenced on April 6th. An open-air meeting outside the shop was followed by a more formal meeting inside, attended by seven people.¹⁴²

At the inaugural service at Main Rd there was no seating. This was soon rectified, however. As the secretary reported:

We brought two forms and one of our brothers made three trestles with a plank. We made two more seats. We have sitting accommodation for about twenty-five souls.¹⁴³

The women of the church were no less active than the men. As the secretary explained, in July, 1902:

The sisters held a meeting at Bro. Cornish house early in June for the purpose to form a sewing meeting and they decided to have a meeting once a month.¹⁴⁴

In 1903 the building in York St. was altered to accommodate the growing congregation and Sunday school. Bro. Feary superintended the renovations.¹⁴⁵ The Sunday school grew by leaps and bounds. A Sunday school picnic, at the Eureka Stockade, drew 200 in 1907.¹⁴⁶

In 1907 W. G. Feary became chairman of the decision-making body.¹⁴⁷

There was considerable energy within this small immersionist congregation. This is suggested by a comment in the April, 1909, minutes, which read:

Our meetings have taken a great change there is unity and love and harmony existing in the body and we are having a blessed time.¹⁴⁸

In March, 1920 "The male members of the church were elected members of the committee."¹⁴⁹ Whether this had been the case previously, or whether they were referring to a newly instituted committee of management, is impossible to determine.

First Contact with Churches of Christ

The first contact between the Life in Christ and Second Advent Association and the Dawson St. Church of Christ occurred in 1923, when Connor commented that he had made contact with "a little meeting of baptised believers" "to the extreme east of the city". He explained that they had "a very fine little Sunday School, and some earnest workers".

Connor and Wilkie had met Mr. Barrett and W. G. Feary, from the York St. congregation, at temperance gatherings in Ballarat. Connor began attending their prayer meetings. He would find out where the Fearys were working in the city and return to the building site about 4:30, throw his bike onto the back of their cart and travel home with them and would eat with them before the evening meeting. After the meeting he would ride home. At that time he was living opposite the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.¹⁵⁰

The preaching brethren of the Ballarat Churches of Christ were helping them out. On May 6th Connor preached in the afternoon and Burdeu at night.¹⁵¹

In December, 1923 Morris, Connor and Wilkie were deputed by Dawson St. to interview the brethren at York St. to offer to assist with their services.¹⁵² Reporting on the meeting, Wilkie commented that the York St. Brethren "would be grateful for our help."¹⁵³ During 1924 Dawson St. members frequently preached at York St.

A. W. Connor Mission

Hoping to give a fillip to the work, the church at Dawson St. organised a mission at York St., which opened on May the 18th. Connor was the principal preacher.¹⁵⁴

Wilkie preached at the opening service of the ten-day mission, which was continued by Connor.¹⁵⁵ These meetings, conducted in support of "the York St. Christian Mission", showed early success and were extended.¹⁵⁶ The mission closed, four days after originally intended, with 15 decisions.¹⁵⁷

Enthusiasm at York St. continued into 1925. Another mission with Connor was planned for May, and commenced on the 10th.¹⁵⁸

The York St. Church of Christ

The association between the two groups led to the Life in Christ and Second Advent Association becoming, on the 11th of March, 1925, the York St. Church of Christ.¹⁵⁹

The Second Connor Mission

The mission that began on May 10th proved a great success in this little church of 25, in a sparsely populated locality on the extreme Eastern sector of Ballarat. The Peel St. and Dawson St. churches loyally supported the venture, from which there were 12 decisions. The singing, was led by Harold Feary, "one of the local young men", who was proving" a born leader".¹⁶⁰ The following year Feary, whose ability was becoming more widely known, was involved in a tent mission at Pimpinio, Victoria.¹⁶¹

Gathering Momentum

Following the York St. mission, the church continued in good heart. The Bible School boasted 91 children and a young people's society was formed to bridge the gap between school and church.¹⁶²

Later in the year, Cameron, of Peel St., conducted a series of mid-week lectures over six weeks.¹⁶³

Quarterly Inter-Church Men's Fraternals

In March, 1926, the men's quarterly fraternal of the three Ballarat churches was held in the York St. chapel, at which "Bro. Feary " presided. It was decided to organise a "six months' course of instruction for young men desiring to fit themselves for service in the church".¹⁶⁴

Remarkable Energy

York St. continued in a healthy state through 1926, with Dawson St. members taking responsibility for a large share of the preaching. The Young People's Society continued to flourish.¹⁶⁵ The church held its first annual banquet on July 31, when 71 members and friends sat down to "a splendidly prepared table".¹⁶⁶

The young Harold Feary began taking his place alongside the seasoned Dawson St. lay preachers. During January he preached at both Dawson St. and Mt. Clear.¹⁶⁷

In the early months of 1927 it was evident that York St. was holding its own, in spite of "removals". The church was hoping for an increase in membership "with the aid of a mission". The church also planned to commence a kindergarten class as part of its Sunday school programme.¹⁶⁸ By June 5th the kindergarten had 25 scholars.¹⁶⁹

Sunday School anniversary services, held on May 1st and featuring Fitzgerald and Wilkie from Dawson St., were crowded.

The Fitzgerald Mission

The anticipated fortnight's mission was opened on May 8th, with Wilkie preaching. Fitzgerald took over the following evening.¹⁷⁰ Harold Feary was song leader for the mission, which was supported by Dawson St. and Peel St. Attendances were described as "wonderful", and on several week nights, as well as Sundays, the ushers had difficulty accommodating people. Fitzgerald "gave of his best in the addresses, and attracted much interest by his wise answering of the many questions handed in". During the mission 21 "made decision for Christ", most being between 16 and 22. In addition, "a few of mature years (also) received further light on the Lord's will".¹⁷¹

The church described the mission as "wonderfully successful" and felt that they were "unable to adequately repay Bro. Fitzgerald for his delightful messages and his untiring energy."¹⁷²

The mission left the church in good heart. By the end of July there were 102 scholars and teachers in the Bible School, the Young People's Society was increasing in membership and "a splendid spirit of optimism" prevailed.¹⁷³

R. G. Cameron

During January, 1928, R. G. Cameron, who was currently without a church and living at 66 Riddels Pde., Elsternwick,¹⁷⁴ was invited to deliver a series of addresses on "The Second Coming", which the church enjoyed.¹⁷⁵

Pentecostal Aims

In August, 1928 the church formulated, as their Pentecostal Aims, a membership of 70 by 1930, which meant 20 added by faith and baptism. By 1930 they also planned to establish a Junior Christian Endeavour and a Mission Band and to have 25 at their mid-week meeting.¹⁷⁶ By August of the following year a Ladies Guild had been formed, which realised one of their aims,¹⁷⁷ and there were 53 on the roll.¹⁷⁸ The Christian Endeavour Society was formed in September, 1931.¹⁷⁹

A Circuit?

In September, 1928 the church looked at the possibility of a circuit with Peel St., but decided that it was inadvisable at present.¹⁸⁰

Sunday School Attendance

During 1929 the Sunday School continued to flourish. On May 7th it was reported that the average attendance for the year had been 93. At the school anniversary that year, one scholar, Miss Edith Bathurst, was awarded with a presentation for having been present every Sunday for the previous ten years.¹⁸¹ By August average attendance was 114.¹⁸²

Another Fitzgerald Mission

A mission with Fitzgerald was planned for September.¹⁸³ This mission resulted in 8 additions. This was his eighth mission in little more than two years.¹⁸⁴

Continuing Growth

During 1930 services were maintained at York St. by W. Feary and G. T. Fitzgerald, from Dawson St.¹⁸⁵ Despite the absence of a permanent preacher, York St. continued to thrive. Gospel services continued to be well attended, the Young People's Society was vigorous and numbers in the Sunday School were in excess of 100.¹⁸⁶

Local members, in particular the Fearys, continued to maintain the work during 1931. There were nearly 120 in the school. In April a Young People's Senior Christian Endeavour was formed.¹⁸⁷ The church was also strong in its support of the Scambler-Feary Mission at Dawson St. in Nov-Dec.¹⁸⁸ It is hard to determine numbers, but it was indicated that, on December 20th, 42 "broke bread".¹⁸⁹

The Depression Begins to Bite

In March, 1931 it was reported that many members were suffering the effects of the continued depression, though none appeared to be suffering acutely at the time. A

Benevolent Committee, in conjunction with the Ladies Guild, "lent assistance where necessary."¹⁹⁰

A New Building

In June, 1932 the York St. church, having decided to commence building a new church home, organised a series of working bees to accomplish the project. On June 4th and 6th, 30 men, many of them not church members, prepared the ground and laid the concrete foundations.¹⁹¹ Under the guidance of the Fearys, who were master builders, the work proceeded and arrangements were made for the building to be opened on September 3rd.¹⁹²

G. T. Fitzgerald Mission

A mission was planned with G. T. Fitzgerald to coincide with the opening of the building. Lal Feary was to be song leader. In the first fortnight of the mission 18 decisions were recorded. Fitzgerald was "delighting all with beautiful messages and untiring labor". The meetings were to continue until September 25th.¹⁹³ In the following week 16 decisions were registered, making 34 for the mission. Fitzgerald's persuasive preaching and assiduous visiting paid off.

Enthusiasm maintained, which was reflected in good numbers at services. During November average attendances at the Bible School were 121 and a Junior CE was also formed.¹⁹⁴ By December, numbers in attendance at the School had been pushed to 133. On December 18th 62 "broke bread".¹⁹⁵ Regarded as an index of future growth, Sunday School attendance reached 141 on June 11th the following year, 1933.¹⁹⁶ Throughout this period the Fearys continued to be responsible for the bulk of the preaching.¹⁹⁷

MT. CLEAR

Little Detail

Not a great deal was reported during the period about the church at Mt. Clear.

In August 1920, it was mentioned that "Sister Waysoman, of Mount Clear", whose "influence in that district had been very great", had died.¹⁹⁸ Connor conducted a memorial service for "Sister Wainman", presumably the same lady. This was the first such service conducted in the chapel for some years.¹⁹⁹

Preaching Supplies

Late in 1923 mention was made of the fact that, for the month of November, evening services had been conducted every Sunday night by members from Ballarat, namely Wilkie, Lyall Williams, James Morrison and A. Tucker. The organist accompanying them was "Bro. Batch.²⁰⁰

During 1924 Dawson St. and Peel St. continued to supply preachers for Mt. Clear.²⁰¹ On September 15th the newly-formed Ballarat East Christian Endeavourers conducted the service, attracting a full house.²⁰²

Apprentice Preachers

It would appear that Mt. Clear was the place where apprentice preachers learned their trade. During November young men from Dawson preached at the evening services. One of these was E. L. Williams, who was "leaving for two months up on the farm at Kaniva prior to entering college in February". The comment was made that "He will be greatly missed, and all will follow his career with prayerful interest".²⁰³

Miss Gowan

Meetings continued to be conducted at Mt. Clear throughout 1925, with preachers from Dawson St. and Peel St.²⁰⁴ While this help was important, it was Miss Gowan who held the church together. The esteem in which she was held in the local community was evident from an article in the local Ballarat press of a social, tendered by the residents of Mt. Clear to Miss Gowan, on the occasion of her retirement. It read:

The little Church of Christ was crowded on Tuesday night, when the residents of Mt. Clear gathered to bid farewell to Miss. E. Gowan, postmistress and ex-teacher. While in the service of the Education Department as a teacher Miss Gowan taught in the Rushworth, Urquhart-st, Macarthur-st, and Mt. Clear schools. She resigned at Mt. Clear to take over the duties of postmistress. During her long residence at Mt. Clear Miss Gowan has been actively identified with Sunday school work, both here and at Magpie. Not seeking the limelight, Miss Gowan has laboured long and continuously among the children, sacrificing herself in the work, which to her was a labor of love till impaired health has demanded a change of residence.²⁰⁵

A. P. A. Burdeu

Burdeu, from Peel St. took temporary charge of the Mt. Clear Sunday school in 1925.²⁰⁶ Burdeu was still managing the school in December, when a record attendance of 45 was registered.²⁰⁷

It was indicated, early in 1926, that the Sunday school was continuing to grow and that fortnightly evening services were drawing encouraging attendances.²⁰⁸ By March, 1927 there were 53 on the roll of the Sunday School. There were four

teachers, one from the local area and three from Ballarat.²⁰⁹ Several of the scholars attended with great regularity. One, May Geddes, had not missed a session since commencing 8 years ago.²¹⁰ Several years later May was presented with a silver medal for 10 years' [excepting for one Sunday] unbroken attendance.²¹¹

Fitzgerald Mission

Fitzgerald conducted a mission at Mount Clear, which commenced on the 27th May, 1928.²¹²

Services Commenced

Following the mission services were commenced in the morning and evening. Dawson St. wrote to Peel St. and York St. to seek their assistance with sustaining these. While awaiting replies, Dawson St. accepted full responsibility.²¹³ It was later suggested that the District Plan Committee could organise a regular supply of speakers.²¹⁴

Early in 1929 it was reported that both church and Sunday school attendances were encouraging.²¹⁵ Fitzgerald was involved in visiting in the area.²¹⁶

Another Fitzgerald Mission

In April, 1929 G. T. Fitzgerald, from Dawson St., conducted a Mission at Mt. Clear, with Harold Feary as his song leader.²¹⁷ The mission obviously benefited the church and raised morale.²¹⁸

During 1930, Keith Price and other young men from Dawson St. helped maintain the work at Mt. Clear.²¹⁹ The Christmas service that year was conducted by Harold Reed and Miss Franklin. At that time the work was described as "coming on nicely".²²⁰

Fitzgerald Mission

Fitzgerald conducted a further mission at Mt. Clear in March, 1931, at which "four made the good confession".²²¹

Lindsay Smith New SS Superintendent

In February, 1932 Lindsay Smith was asked and expressed his willingness to organise the Sunday School at Mt. Clear. He did indicate, however, that he did not see himself being there permanently.²²²

MEREDITH

During the period the Meredith church continued in existence, being serviced by the Ballarat churches.²²³ The church wrote to Dawson St. in 1918, asking them to supply a preacher once a month. The fares of visiting preachers would be paid by Meredith.²²⁴ Meredith was visited by Charles Morris on May 6th, 1923, when attendance was small. The afternoon Sunday School, however, was healthy.²²⁵ A Church of Christ Tennis Club was active in Meredith in 1931.²²⁶

BUNINYONG

In May, 1921, Bro. E. Gullock, the only remaining male member at Buninyong,²²⁷ asked for Dawson St.'s assistance in maintaining the work at Buninyong.²²⁸ However, with Gullock's decision to move to Melbourne at the end of the year, the work was unsustainable.²²⁹ Gullock sold his property and moved to Mentone" early in 1922.²³⁰ Buninyong members transferred to Dawson St. in March, 1922 and Morris, Price and Wilkie were charged with disposing of the land at Buninyong.²³¹ It was purchased by a Mr. W. E. Pyke for £30.²³²

LISMORE

Late in October, 1920, a Lismore (Vic) resident was baptised at Dawson Street. His wife and mother were also members of Churches of Christ. The church reporter indicated to readers of the Christian that " Bro. Connor would be glad to hear of members in that town or district".²³³

[BCOC 245-263]