Wider Developments

During the mid-1930's strong voices within the church began to challenge the government over the way Aborigines were being mistreated under the law and neglected by health services.

Pacifism was also gaining strength, following the horrors of the First World War and against the backdrop of the ominous rise of Nazism in Germany. Bob Santamaria, a young Catholic law student at Melbourne University, roused to action by Republican atrocities in the Spanish Civil War, became the focus of opposition to Communism within Australia.

The Evangelical challenge to Liberalism surfaced again, this time in Sydney, with two Anglican appointments, those of H. W. K. Mowll, a missionary bishop in China, as Archbishop of Sydney, and of T. C. Hammond as principal of Moore College, and with heated debates over the theology of Samuel Angus, Professor of New Testament at St. Andrews College.

The Second World War was greeted by the Australian churches with resignation and sobriety. There was less rhetoric about the justice of the Allies' cause, a larger reservoir of pacifists and a concerted effort to support the troops with chaplains and comforts. The issue of venereal disease was also addressed.

It was also during the late twenties and mid-to-late 1930's that a number of women were ordained to ministry in the Congregational Church. Several women within the Anglican Church also began to press for the greater participation of women in the life of the church. Violet Callanan, the first woman to serve as a minister in Churches of Christ, was ordained in 1931.¹

Finding a Replacement

On the evening in June, 1933 that the board received Fitzgerald's resignation, they decided to write to A. W. Connor, as a former minister and chairman of the Advisory Board, to seek his opinion on a suitable replacement.² Connor suggested Jabez Wiltshire.³ Wiltshire, who warmed to the prospect of a ministry at Dawson St., was offered a three-year engagement at £6/6/- per week and £20 for removal expenses.⁴

JABEZ WILTSHIRE, 1934-1939

Wiltshire, a "gentle, lovable and quiet man,"⁵ began his ministry late in 1934.⁶ Early in 1934 he made contact with sister churches, speaking at York St.⁷ and Peel St.,⁸ both of which he sought to foster.⁹

Request from Peel St.

Peel St. was obviously being hard hit by the depression. On the 15th of January, 1934 Dawson St. board received a letter from Peel St. "requesting all the financial assistance possible." While Dawson St. expressed "deep interest" in the plight of the Peel St. church, they indicated that they were unable to help financially.¹⁰

Wedding Charges

In February, 1934 Dawson St. board set charges for the use of the buildings for weddings. The figures decided on were 7/6 for the chapel only and 12/6 extra for the school hall.¹¹ They may well have been trying to increase church finances to tide them over the Depression, or it could have been that the Depression had caused people to choose church buildings over formal reception centres as venues for wedding receptions, which necessitated the church's formulating appropriate charges.

Wilkie Still Active

Early in 1934 Wilkie was guest preacher at the New South Wales Conference in Sydney, where he preached the Conference Sermon.¹²

The December 6th edition of the Christian that same year contained an article by Wilkie on "Permanent Elements of the Plea." Warning against clericalism and modernism, Wilkie, after emphasising that the central plea of Churches of Christ was "The Restoration of Primitive Christianity", went on to comment:

We dare not be silent on these matters, but our approach and treatment must ever set forth the supreme fact of our position, namely, love for our Lord and Saviour and love for all who seek to follow him, no matter how mistaken we may think some of their views and practices.¹³

Wiltshire also in Demand

Wiltshire was also in demand, addressing the preachers' session of the 1934 Victorian Conference. His subject, "The Preacher's Primal and Final Quest," focussed on "The Kingdom of God and His Righteousness."¹⁴ Wiltshire was also guest speaker at the York St. Bible school anniversary services on the 6th May.¹⁵

Protestant Federation

In June, 1934 the board received a request from the Victorian Protestant Federation, urging the church to protest to the Melbourne City Council and the Premier against Catholics carrying "the host" during a proposed Roman Catholic procession that was part of the centenary celebrations. The church agreed to join the protest.¹⁶

Wiltshire under Strain

In the early part of 1934 Wiltshire's father, Joseph Wiltshire, who was resident in Portland and had been in Australia for 70 years, died at the age of 90.¹⁷ Around the time of his father's death, and while conducting a mission at Mt. Clear, Wiltshire was laid low with pleurisy.¹⁸

Bible Institute

In November, 1934 Wiltshire gave notice of the fact that he planned to hold a "Bible Institute",¹⁹ a three-day course of study.²⁰

50th Wedding Anniversary

On Feb 23, 1935 the church organised a surprise party for the Wiltshires to celebrate their silver wedding in "the prettily decorated school hall".

Under pretext of other business the guests were taken to the hall, and not until then were the plans of the kindly conspirators disclosed. Bro. E. H. Price made an ideal chairman, and a very entertaining programme was tendered. Bro. A. E. Bailey, church secretary, presented greetings from many friends, among whom was the officiating minister, Bro. J. E. Thomas. Cr. G. Wiltshire, of Portland, who was best man at the wedding, with Mrs. Wiltshire, was present.²¹

Back to Ballarat

In 1935 the City of Ballarat organised "Back to Ballarat" celebrations during March. The three Churches of Christ in the City planned "homecoming" services on the 9th and 10th to coincide with the celebrations.²² A. W. Connor, as former preacher at Dawson St., was invited as guest preacher for the occasion.²³ The programme was a great success. Members from all congregations offered hospitality to the visitors. At Dawson St. alone, 65 visitors representing 25 churches signed the attendance record. The descendants of Charles Morris and Charles Martin were there in force, testifying to a faith commitment spanning several generations. The Saturday evening programme began with a tea, catered for by the Dawson St. and Peel St. ladies. There followed 12 brief talks, many humorous recollections of the past. Connor was the 12th speaker and was not called on until 9:55pm!²⁴

Wiltshire preached at Kaniva the following weekend.

Anzac Day Conference

For the second time the Ballarat Churches of Christ spent Anzac Day in conference "upon the great truths of redemption".

T. H. Scambler, A. L. Gibson and D. C. Ritchie, by well-prepared expositions, led the meditations of the assembly from the trial of our Lord to the point where the sufferings were superseded by the following glory.²⁵

J. E. Thomas Mission

On April 28th Dawson St. commenced a mission with J. E. Thomas. Thomas, while minister at Balwyn, had been appointed State missioner by the Victorian Conference.²⁶ The mission began with 60 men and women gathered for prayer at 7:30am on the Sunday morning.²⁷ It continued till May 22. A feature of the mission was Thomas' Friday night lectures on the Holy Land.²⁸ There was no final report on the mission published in the Christian. The only extant evidence we have of the effect of the mission was a report in the May 16th Christian, which noted that 7, 5 of these from one family, had confessed Christ.²⁹

During the course of this mission, Thomas, grieving because of extended absence from the Balwyn congregation, concluded that, "while grateful to the Victorian conference for its confidence in inviting him to continue his work in holding missions", "for various reasons that seem imperative, he must go back to the work he loves so much at Balwyn."³⁰

Death of A. J. Williams

In July A. J. Williams, father of a future Principal of the College of the Bible, E. L. Williams, who had shifted from the Kaniva district to Ballarat and who had endeared himself to the congregation at Dawson St., was nearing the end of his life after a long and severe illness. He had been a Methodist before being baptised by the minister of the Kaniva Church of Christ, Henry Leng, in August, 1903. He had lived his faith faithfully and consistently. Three of his children were ministers.³¹ Several members of the family, from Kaniva and Camberwell, were present at the service on July 14th.³² A. J. Williams died two days later.

Steady Progress

At the half-yearly meeting of the church, on July 17th, it was reported that, thus far that year, 27 added to the church. It was also reported that the church had raised £450 for all purposes.³³

Emphasis on Spiritual Life

In November Wiltshire commenced a series of addresses on the deepening of the spiritual life,³⁴ which proved uplifting and helpful.³⁵

A District Conference Mooted

Also in November, the board received word from Ces Jackel raising the possibility of District Conference involving the churches at Ballarat, Geelong, Colac and Meredith. He suggested that these churches co-operate for an initial trial period of 12 months and that they send as many delegates as possible to two meetings, one on Anzac Day and the other on the King's Birthday. Dawson St. favoured the proposal.³⁶ This conference became a permanent feature, becoming known as the South Western District Conference.³⁷

Christmas Visits

On Christmas morning 20 young people from the church sang for an hour at the Base Hospital. On Christmas Sunday a service was conducted at 9:30 at the gaol, "when one of the prisoners confessed the name of the Lord Jesus". Both activities were initiatives of the Ballarat C. E. Union.³⁸

Statistics

At the annual meeting on February 5th, 1936 22 baptisms were reported for the previous year.³⁹ Membership, at that stage, was 313.⁴⁰

The Wilkies to Scotland

In May, Wilkie resigned as superintendent of the Bible School. Described as "one of (Ballarat's) most highly esteemed and useful citizens", he sailed with his wife in the "Mongolia" for Scotland, his birthplace.⁴¹ They returned late November.⁴²

A Grade Cricket Premiership

Early in 1936 the senior cricket club won the local churches' association A Grade premiership.⁴³

Mid-Year Initiatives

In May, 1936 the board once again considered the possibility of commencing work at Sebastopol.⁴⁴ There is no evidence of their following through on this suggestion.

At the Half-Yearly meeting in 1936 the board recommended that Wiltshire be invited for a further two years.⁴⁵

In July the Bible school entered into a competition with the Neil St. Methodist Bible school, extending over three months, to determine which school could achieve the greatest increase in scholars.⁴⁶

On August 3rd a "Father and Son" banquet was held, promoted by the Trail Ranger Camp in conjunction with the Bible School, then under the leadership of Keith Price. Its aim was to contact the men of the city.

At the same time planning was underway for a two week's mission, that would begin on August 30th.⁴⁷

The Ballarat C. E. Union, in which Churches of Christ were involved, organised a series of after-church theatre services in September, in an attempt to reach young people outside the churches. Wiltshire addressed the first of these theatre ventures.⁴⁸

Two Tragedies

In November the church was saddened by the accidental death of a promising young man, A. R. Gladman.

Gladman, a school teacher, drowned while testing the safety of a dam for swimming lessons for his pupils⁴⁹ at the Karawinna East school.⁵⁰ E. H. Price, who had recently returned with his wife after 11 months abroad,⁵¹ drove the young man's father "700 miles to the scene of the fatality and back".⁵² Gladman had been a Christian 8 years, and, before leaving Ballarat, had been a Bible school teacher and leader of the Literary and Social Guild.⁵³

A further tragedy befell the church in January, 1937, when A. E. Bailey, the highly esteemed secretary of the church, along with his son Ross, "a devoted Christian and a young man of exceptional promise" were drowned near the mouth of the Barham River in Mount's Bay, near Apollo Bay. The father's body was washed up on the beach a considerable distance east of the Barham River.⁵⁴

The Baileys had motored to Apollo Bay for a camping holiday. Father and son left the camp for a swim. A little later their clothes were found on the beach, but there was no trace of the men, despite an all-night search, until the father's body was found. The son's body was never found.⁵⁵

The loss of the father and son evoked "a feeling of incurable loneliness" within the Dawson St. congregation when they met for worship the following Sunday.⁵⁶

A. E. Bailey, who worked for 25 years with the firm of Middleton and Morris, as long as he had been in Ballarat, was "most highly esteemed for his splendid personal qualities. Though not ambitious for public office, he was sought out "by multitudes

of men of the first rank" and "was the trusted friend of many of lowly station".

Dawson St. Church of Christ was the centre of his spiritual activities. From this, by a quiet, unassuming, sanctified life he irradiated the light of a faithful witness. His unfailing smile, his gentle voice, and his apt word will linger as long as the present generation of worshippers. He was beloved by little children, sought by men and women in the prime of life, and was the companion of those of old age. For about twenty years Mr. Bailey had been a deacon and the secretary of the church. These offices he adorned with grace. . . . He was quick to appreciate the best in others, kindly in his judgement of those who differed from him, and tender of mercy for those who tried but failed. But in the home, with his beloved wife and children, Mr. Bailey evinced his rarest qualities.⁵⁷

Wilkie Speaks at Burns Anniversary in Melbourne

In January, 1937 Wilkie, still in fine form, was speaker at the Burns anniversary commemoration service at Wirth's Olympia, Melbourne, addressing an audience of about 4000.

Statistics

At the annual meeting on February 10th it was reported that 22 members had been added since last year, "eleven by faith and obedience, one by statement, ten by letter".⁵⁸

Involvements Beyond Ballarat

In February a delegation from the Ballarat churches attended the Hinrichsen-Morris tent mission in Geelong, held under the auspices of the Geelong and Drumcondra churches.⁵⁹ 118 decisions resulted from this mission.⁶⁰

On February 28th, 1937 Dawson St. members, who were adept at preaching, "were responsible for the gospel services at Ararat, Maryborough, Peel St. and Mt. Clear".⁶¹

During late April and early May Wiltshire conducted a two-week mission at Box Hill, which was marked by "splendid attendances".⁶²

Church Dinners

Keith Price was the initiator and organiser of the first of a series of monthly church dinners, held on June 23rd, designed to help the members get to know each other better.⁶³

Visitors

On July 18th Will Clay, Director of the Social Service Department, visited the church to enlist members in the Christian Fellowship Association, an organisation

he established to offer financial assistance to indigent members in the churches who were suffering from the effects of the Depression.⁶⁴

On Protestant Sunday, in August, the Royal Orange Lodge was in attendance at the service.⁶⁵

Late in October Dr. Lindsay⁶⁶ Michael and Nurse Boston, who had been worshipping with the congregation for several months, were farewelled. After a three-week itinerary among Churches of Christ in Western Australia, they were to be married and thence sail to India as missionaries.⁶⁷

Hinrichsen-Morris Mission

1938 began auspiciously with the Ballarat churches combining for a Hinrichsen- Morris Mission, which was launched on January 23rd. A large marquee was erected in the Haymarket, in the centre of the city.

An extended report of the opening Sunday evening service appeared in The Ballarat Courier. As one local church reporter put it, "From the beginning God has given the missioners favour with the people.⁶⁸ Interest grew until 1000 crowded in and around the marquee on the Sunday night that began the third week. Wiltshire, commenting on the progress of the mission, wrote:

The teachings of the Lord Jesus and his apostles are being discussed by people everywhere in the city and district, and the prospects of a great victory for God are very bright. Sin and sectarianism are deeply entrenched, and they make it hard for men and women to break through. Bren, Hinrichsen and Morris are unwavering in their loyalty to the Word which they are speaking and singing with an irresistible passion and love.⁶⁹

Writing a week later, he further commented:

Almost every night the tent is full to capacity, and on Sunday nights hundreds are unable to gain entrance. A remarkable feature of the response so far is the high proportion of men.⁷⁰

The mission finally closed in early March with 132 decisions. On the Sunday of the final week, 350 broke bread at Dawson St. and 65 were welcomed into membership. Will Gale, commenting on the final service, described a scene in which hundreds of people were leaning forward as they listened in rapt attention to Hinrichsen.

At the conclusion of the mission a thank offering of £300 was received.⁷¹ This was a great result, and even more so, given three major disadvantages--a disorganised Bible school, a holiday season and very short notice. The church had been "praying God to send along one who would lead (them) in a soul-winning campaign".⁷² They

had not anticipated, however, that it would need to be organised so quickly.

Tribute to Mrs. Lucas

That Dawson St. continued to enjoy the advantage of having the Prices of Lucas and Co., centrally involved in its life. This was evident in the tributes paid to her memory, including a civic tribute, on March 13th, 1938. Lucas and Co. was the largest employer of labour in Ballarat and the Prices were highly respected for their product and the care they took of their employees.⁷³

The East Kew Mission

For two weeks, during late April and early May, Wiltshire conducted a brief mission at East Kew, Victoria.⁷⁴ In the early months of the year numbers in the Bible school had been down due to a polio epidemic. By the time Wiltshire returned the school was almost back to normal.⁷⁵

New Initiatives

Early in 1938 several new initiatives were planned. A joint youth rally was planned for May 11th,⁷⁶ an attempt was made to revive the Ballarat Churches of Christ Men's Quarterly Meeting, Wiltshire suggested to the church that they adopt a "Living Link" missionary⁷⁷ and the combined churches explored the possibility of establishing a Sunday School in Ballarat North.⁷⁸

Youth Happenings

Later in May the youth of the Ballarat Churches combined in a youth rally led by Keith Jones and a group of young people from the Melbourne churches. 200 were present.⁷⁹ On June 26th eleven young people from Gardiner were present at Dawson St. to help inaugurate a KSP, a uniquely Churches of Christ organisation for young men. A youth council was also established, which it was felt would be "of considerable help to the church in directing youth work. K. H. Price was elected president and H. Reed secretary.⁸⁰ Later, in March, 1939 a Phi Beta Pi society for young women, the equivalent of the KSP for young men, was inaugurated.⁸¹ In September the Youth Council of the Ballarat Churches of Christ were looking at renting a court from the YMCA for £12 a year.⁸² Debate over the acquisition of a court of their own pre-occupied the churches for some months. In February, 1939 Dawson St. asked the Peel St. officers to place a definite proposition before them, so that it could be referred on to the Dawson St. club.⁸³

Statistics

At the half-yearly meeting in July, 1938 it was indicated that in the past 6 months 79 had been added to the membership. Furthermore, £835 had been raised in the six months for all purposes, excluding the foreign mission offering of £120. It appeared that the church was beginning to pull out of the Depression.⁸⁴

Dr. Jesse M. Bader

On August 7th the church was visited by Dr. Jesse M. Bader, secretary of the newly formed World Convention of Churches of Christ. In the afternoon he addressed a united rally of Endeavourers in the Baptist church.⁸⁵

Wiltshire--A Personal Narrative

In August Wiltshire accepted a further two-year term with the church at Dawson St.⁸⁶

The January the 4th, 1939 edition of the Christian featured a leader by Wiltshire, probably a typical address. Entitled, "God's Challenging Grace", it contended that God generally worked with people of limited means, who, in their poverty, were willing to trust themselves to his grace.⁸⁷

In the same edition the church expressed its sympathy with the preacher at Dawson St. in the loss of his eldest brother, who had been living at Portland.⁸⁸

In February Wiltshire indicated to the church that he would be concluding in June, after more than five years with the church. They tried to encourage him to alter his decision, but were not able to persuade him to remain. His resignation was accepted reluctantly. The board expressed their

deep appreciation of his unsparing labours for the salvation of souls and the development of the Christian life in this city and district.⁸⁹

Wiltshire had accepted an invitation to the church at Lake St. Perth.⁹⁰

Helen Wiltshire to India

Also in February, it was announced that a niece, Miss Helen Wiltshire, who had been living with her uncle and aunt following the death of her missionary parents in China, was herself going as a missionary to India. She was a nurse who had also gained honours and credits in art at the Adelaide School of Arts.⁹¹ Helen had been a "very fine influence" both at the hospital and among the Dawson St. young people.⁹² On February 12th, when she gave a farewell greeting, four young people from the Bible school confessed Christ.

Christian Union

Wiltshire was responsible for another leader in the Christian, on April 12th, in which he broached the subject of "Christian Union". In a stance, characteristic of Churches of Christ, he argued that

When the church can forget her past misdeeds and discount her unscriptural inventions and return to the sublime simplicity of the faith as it was at the first revealed by the Spirit, the union for which Jesus prayed will be in sight.⁹³

Wiltshires Farewelled

The Wiltshires were formally farewelled at the monthly dinner of the church on May 31st. 150 sat down to a meal, after which the church expressed its gratitude to Jabez and Mrs. Wiltshire for their ministry. Representatives were present from York St. and Peel St. churches, the Council of Churches, the Local Option Alliance, the Christian Endeavour Union, the Sunday School Union, the Protestant Federation, the Base Hospital and the Bible Institute.⁹⁴ Farewell addresses were preached on June 4th, when 250 were present at the morning service.⁹⁵

A Replacement

In March, 1939 the board received a letter from Wallace Jackel, indicating that he was available for a ministry.⁹⁶ The church officers, however, were keen to spread their net wider and wrote to the advisory board to seek its opinion about the suitability of Hunting, Jackel, Barton, Manning, Saunders, Schwab and R. J. Williams.⁹⁷ That same month Wiltshire interviewed Hunting.⁹⁸ Following this interview, Hunting's name was dropped from the discussion.⁹⁹

The position was offered to Gale, as a 3-year term for £6/6/- a week.¹⁰⁰ Gale declined the invitation and the church then contacted W. W. Saunders, who was then at Hindmarsh. They offered him £6/-/- per week.¹⁰¹ Before making a decision, he requested further information, including the cost of rental accommodation, car expenses and Young People's clubs.¹⁰² Saunders salary was increased to £6/6/- from the 1st January, 1940.¹⁰³

Charles Young

Following Wiltshire's departure, Charles Young, minister at Preston, was invited to fill the pulpit in an interim capacity.¹⁰⁴ Young found himself "at home with the folk" and his messages were greatly appreciated.¹⁰⁵

In August Mrs. Young joined her husband "for the closing days of his ministry in Ballarat".¹⁰⁶ Young was farewelled on August 30th. Writing of his brief period at

Dawson St., Ferguson, the church secretary, commented:

I have seldom met a man with such capacity for contacting all classes and conditions of men. There is not a home in our membership where he is not welcome, and his coming has been a means of cheer and comfort for many--especially the lonely and aged. Our younger folk have felt him a big brother, and Bro. Young has been an inspiration in their lives.¹⁰⁷

W. W. SAUNDERS, 1939-1945

This same meeting welcomed the incoming minister, W. W. Saunders.

Saunders had been farewelled from Hindmarsh, South Australia, several nights earlier, where tributes were paid to his industry and the high standard he set himself by both local and conference departments. While in Adelaide Saunders had, among other things, been the untiring secretary of the Foreign Mission Committee of Churches of Christ in that State.¹⁰⁸ While at Dawson St. Saunders continued to be involved in the work of the Foreign Missions committee, occasionally deputising on their behalf.¹⁰⁹

The church soon discovered that Saunders was a marvellous pastor and a superb administrator. Wilkie was quoted as saying that Saunders was the best administrator he had come across. In a unique double entendre, Keith Price, at Saunders' farewell, commented that the church had had peace before his arrival and peace following his departure, but that they had had no peace while he was there!¹¹⁰ He kept up a cracking pace.

Saunders began his ministry on Sunday, September 3rd, 1939, the day on which Australians were urged to tune their radio sets to a special broadcast to be made by the Prime Minister, R. G. Menzies, at 9pm. Menzies informed them that Australia, along with other countries of the British Empire, had declared war on Germany. Ironically, Saunders was farewelled on August 15th, 1945, the day on which the Japanese peace ended the Second World War!¹¹¹

Living up to his reputation, Saunders' messages were of a consistently high standard. The church anticipated "a happy and successful ministry with" him.¹¹² The style of his sermons can be gauged from an article in the December 20th issue of the Christian, "Meanings of Christmas".¹¹³

Youth Work

The newly established men's and women's youth organisations were obviously taking up the challenge of fruitful involvement in the life of the church. On September the 7th the KSP conducted the service at Mt. Clear, while the PBP agreed to provide and arrange flowers for the church.¹¹⁴ Later in the year the KSP

entertained a number of boys from the orphanage.¹¹⁵ Building on this momentum Saunders was to energetically foster all facets of youth work at Dawson St. and generally among the Ballarat churches. Through most of his time at Dawson St. he was responsible for the C. E. column in the Christian.¹¹⁶

Ballarat North

An interesting suggestion, made at the half-yearly business meeting on July 26, was that a work be commenced in Ballarat North. The matter was referred to the board for consideration.¹¹⁷ The issue was taken up by the officers, the proposed commencement date being Nov 12th.¹¹⁸ The actual commencement date was brought forward to Sept 10th, the week following Saunder's first service at Dawson St.¹¹⁹

Early in November, 33 gathered for prayer in connection with the opening of this new work.¹²⁰ Lindsay Smith, a State school principal,¹²¹ gave both addresses at the opening service at Ballarat North on the 12th. J. A. Wilkie presided. 51 were present in the morning and 70 in the evening.¹²² The congregation met in a converted shop.¹²³ The first convert from Ballarat North, Fred Petchell, was baptised at Dawson St. on December 17th.¹²⁴

During 1940 the Ballarat North congregation was maintained and nurtured by Dawson St.¹²⁵ The relationship between the nucleus at Doveton St. and the Dawson St. officers, was, however, not always easily negotiated.

In February, 1940 three issues were decided by the Dawson St. board, with respect to Doveton St. Eric Steele was appointed Australian Christian representative for members attending Doveton St. An Advisory Board for local affairs, made up of five members, was decided upon. Names needed to be submitted to the Dawson St. officers for approval. The local secretary and treasurer were to be included in the five. If no local members of the Dawson St. officers board was elected to the Advisory Committee, the Dawson St. board was able to request the attendance of one of the committee at their meetings. The Advisory Board was also given permission to open a special building fund. However, if no building was erected in 5 years, with the sanction of the officers, the funds in this account would be automatically transferred to the General Building Account of the Dawson St. church.¹²⁶

Six days after the board had drawn up these guidelines Lindsay Smith resigned as leader of the "North Branch." He was waited on to "remove any false impression" and to see whether he could be persuaded to withdraw his resignation.¹²⁷ He was persuaded.

Those elected to the Advisory Board were L. Smith, E. Steele, Secretary and Treasurer, T. Maxwell, J. Phillips, W. W. Saunders and Sr. Mrs. Petchell. Smith was

invited to attend Dawson St. officers meetings during the ensuing six months.¹²⁸

In May the nucleus at Ballarat North suggested to the Dawson St. board that land on the corner of Brougham and Armstrong Streets be purchased for £4 per foot. The board argued that this was not the best site.¹²⁹

Unhappy with the result, the Ballarat North leaders called a meeting between the Advisory Board and the Dawson St. officers, where Smith asked the board to reconsider the purchase, to look at the possibility of a circuit in which Ballarat North was partially separate, yet where it also worked in conjunction with Dawson St. and to indicate the attitude of the Dawson St. officers to the work in the North.¹³⁰ He was not getting his way, nor were Dawson St. willing to budge.

The Dawson St. officers met separately that same evening to consider the issues raised. They were not willing to change their minds about the land and they deferred discussion of their attitude to the work until their July meeting.¹³¹

In July Dawson St. requested the appointment of three additional members to the Advisory Board and asked the board to hold regularly monthly meetings. Those appointed were J. A. Wilkie, W. Benson and W. Brown.¹³² It would appear that Dawson St. was attempting to rein Smith in and to bring the Advisory Board more directly under their control.

In August, however, it was decided to defer the decisions made at the previous meeting for three months.¹³³ Negotiations were obviously delicate. Managing volunteers has never been easy.

In December, 1940 the Smiths celebrated their Golden Anniversary.¹³⁴ In January, 1941 Lindsay Smith indicated that he would not be available for any appointments during the next 4 months.¹³⁵

In February, 1941 a letter was received from Ballarat North asking for the work to be carried on under the authority and jurisdiction of Dawson St. as previously. Dawson St. agreed, provided there was a greater financial response from the North.¹³⁶

In March the Advisory Board was reconstituted. It was now to comprise 5 appointed by Doveton St., two from the Board of Officers and the Dawson St. preacher ex officio.¹³⁷ Lindsay Smith was one of those appointed.¹³⁸

Cracking Pace

During 1940 the Australian Christian published a number of articles by W. W. Saunders.¹³⁹ He was also elected President of the Western District Conference.¹⁴⁰

Church auxiliaries caught a new enthusiasm under W. W. Saunders and the church was in good heart. On February 18th, the number of communicants at "Dawson St. and branches" was listed as 181. In the evening, at a youth rally in which church auxiliaries were involved, Saunders preached to a congregation of 220.¹⁴¹ On February 20th the Endeavourers sang at the Base Hospital, while on the 3rd of March Juniors and Intermediate C. E. societies broadcast a hymn session over 3BA.¹⁴² Adding a touch of the romantic to the year, the tennis club conducted a moonlight concert on Lake Wendouree on February 20th.¹⁴³

E. Gullock Honoured

At the annual business meeting on February 7th the church honoured E. Gullock by conferring on him life-membership of the Board of Deacons.

Doug Nicholls

In February, 1940 the church was addressed by Doug Nicholls of Northcote, athlete, preacher and energetic advocate for Aboriginal advancement, on the subject, "Why Bother About the Aborigines?"¹⁴⁴ Nicholls, who was to become Governor of South Australia, had been baptised by W. W. Saunders. Nicholls was again at Dawson St. on September 15, preaching on the subject, "Responsibility of Service to Christ and His Church".¹⁴⁵

The War

That the war was in progress was reflected in developments in the life of the Dawson St. congregation during 1940 and 1941.

The first of these was that H. Reed, a deacon and Sunday school secretary, was called up for three months military service.¹⁴⁶ The second was a church parade in October of men from the anti-aircraft gunners' camp on the Ballarat Showgrounds.¹⁴⁷ In December, "Sister M. Methven, who [was] taking up Air Force nursing, was farewelled".¹⁴⁸ In March 1941, a South Australian preacher, a chaplain at the Ballarat camp, addressed the church.¹⁴⁹ On September 1, 1941, the secretary of the church, W. J. Brown tendered his resignation as a result of being called up.¹⁵⁰ Later that month a group of women from the church visited the "military camp at [the] showgrounds to dispense supper to the men".¹⁵¹ In October, a group of trainees from the military camp paraded at the evening service and were entertained at the conclusion of the meeting.¹⁵²

Ballarat during this time was alive with service personnel. There was an Australian Army Camp, an American Camp, and RAAF Training School and an Australian General Hospital.¹⁵³

For his part in offering hospitality to service personnel- the manse being open house every Sunday evening¹⁵⁴--Saunders was occasionally offered out of pocket expenses by the church.¹⁵⁵

Opposition to Sunday Sports

In August the church sent letters to the Prime Minister and the local member opposing Sunday sports. They also wrote to the Ballarat Council of Churches to request a special meeting on the issue.¹⁵⁶

Evangelistic Mission at Ballarat North

From the 18th to the 25th of August Saunders conducted a brief evangelistic mission at Ballarat North.¹⁵⁷

Ecumenical Involvements

Saunders spoke at a united dawn carol service on Sovereign Hill on Christmas Day.¹⁵⁸ He was involved in July of the following year in the establishment of combined monthly prayer meetings of the city churches.¹⁵⁹ A united churches' prayer service was held in the Dawson St. chapel in December to celebrate the year's conclusion, at which Saunders was assisted by A. N. Kemp, a Methodist minister. G. P. Campbell, a Presbyterian minister, gave the address on that occasion.¹⁶⁰ The congregation was also well represented at a watch night service at the Lydiard St. Methodist church on New Year's eve,¹⁶¹ and was also involved in an Easter service at Lydiard St. later in 1942. Christian Union Sunday, June 1, 1941,¹⁶² saw W. W. Saunders exchange pulpits with L. G. Bond, minister of the Dawson St. Baptist Church.¹⁶³

Drop in Membership

During the first year of Saunders' ministry the Dawson St. church lost 130 members, largely because of the war and the development of Ballarat North. This confronted the new minister with an enormous challenge.¹⁶⁴

82nd Anniversary

A. R. Main, who retired in 1941 from editorship of the Christian,¹⁶⁵ was guest preacher at anniversary services held on March 2nd that year, which celebrated the church's 82nd birthday.¹⁶⁶

Victorian C. E. Convention

At the Victorian C. E. Convention held in Ballarat from June 14-16, 1941, Saunders led the group conference on "The Holy Spirit in the Experience of Paul".¹⁶⁷ On Sunday 15th, one of the participants at the Convention, Miss Marj Buckingham, whose father was a tramways employee in membership with the Bambra Rd., Caulfield congregation in Melbourne, and who was to write many Christian novels, with the help of other Endeavourers, conducted the morning service at Doveton St.¹⁶⁸

Co-operation

During 1941 the Ballarat Churches of Christ continued to co-operate in joint projects. In July they indicated that they were hopeful of raising £140 to support their Foreign Mission living link, "Sister Helen Wiltshire".¹⁶⁹

Systematic Giving

During 1941 the Dawson St. church responded to a request from the Victorian Conference Executive to local churches "suggesting a more systematic arrangement for collection of the various annual appeals so that overdrafts might be reduced and interest minimised". Dawson St. appointed a committee to formulate a scheme, which decided on a regular weekly collection, aiming at £6 per week from 120 members, where the money was divided on a % basis between State and Federal committees. They were happy with the success of the scheme and recommended it to other churches. They sensed they were leading the way.¹⁷⁰ In January of the following year the church published the results of its giving to conference agencies, which, for the October-December quarter amounted to £72/ 7/ 10.¹⁷¹ The church was also proud of the fact that money raised for all purposes over the year was over £1000.¹⁷²

Death of A. C. Rankine

On November 28 A. C. Rankine, who was born at Sebastopol in 1865 and who spent most of his life as a preacher in South Australia, died. Physically a big man, Rankine was described as "one of the most successful evangelists" that Churches of Christ produced.¹⁷³

Smiths Farewelled from Ballarat North

The Smiths, who were at the forefront of the pioneering work at Doveton St., were farewelled before leaving for Swan Hill in November, 1941.¹⁷⁴

J. A. Wilkie

During 1941, J. A. Wilkie, appearing as vigorous as ever, continued preaching in the churches. In the September, College issue of the Christian he wrote the lead article, "How God Made a Preacher".¹⁷⁵ He had earlier written a letter to "Open Forum",

supporting Principal T. H. Scambler's suggestion of an ordination service, arguing that "it was the general practice of our churches in Scotland to ordain by fasting, prayer and the laying on of hands our evangelists, elders and missionaries". He commented:

It is indeed true that no church or ordination service can really make an elder or pastor; if he is a man of the shepherd-heart he will be doing the work whether he is in office or not, so that an ordination service is actually the church solemnly recognising that which the Holy Spirit has already supplied, in the ministry of this servant of Christ.¹⁷⁶

Application for Car Allowance

The previous minister, Jabez Wiltshire, had visited by pushbike. In wet weather he would often be seen as he "pedalled around on his visitation calls with his umbrella opened and held aloft above his head."¹⁷⁷ Saunders also used a bike early in his ministry at Dawson St. However, in time, he decided to purchase a second hand car, which he felt he needed for the busy programme in which he was involved.¹⁷⁸

In January, 1942 Saunders asked the board to consider paying him a car allowance. They asked him to let them know what special class of work he would need the car for and to estimate weekly mileage.¹⁷⁹ Some ministers were beginning to use cars at this time, though many Dawson St. Board members had not themselves progressed beyond the pushbike, and thus demurred at Saunder's suggestion.¹⁸⁰

At the board meeting on the 28th of January Saunders indicated that he had travelled 165 miles in three and a half weeks on Dawson St. church business. He commented that he did not intend using his car for local visiting, for which he would use his bicycle. But some visits did entail considerable travelling. The more he was able to use his car the more visits he would be able to pay and he would have more time for church engagements and study. He was not asking for financial assistance for work unconnected to Dawson St., or in connection with private use of the car. "From a national point of view", that is, in view of war-time economies, he was committed to not using any more petrol than was necessary.

The church voted him 5/- per week, "allowing for evacuations and war conditions."¹⁸¹ At 20 pence per gallon, this provided him with "2 1/2 gallons of the precious fluid."¹⁸²

Invitation for a Further Term

At the annual meeting of the church on February 18th, 1942, W. W. Saunders was invited to spend a further two years with the church as minister.¹⁸³

K. A. MacNaughtan

K. A. MacNaughtan, from Geelong, was guest speaker on March 8 at the 83rd anniversary services of the church.¹⁸⁴

Letters and Gifts for Soldiers

In May, 1942 Saunders asked permission of the church to ask the congregation for funds to send letters and small gifts to soldier members of the church.¹⁸⁵

Dancing Opposed

At the June, 1942 meeting of the Dawson St. board Wilkie raised the issue of dancing at the Inter-Church Services Club, on whose committee he served. The officers unanimously directed him to vote against the proposal.¹⁸⁶

Agitation for Increasing the Minister's Salary

Several of the congregations had been canvassing board members, suggesting that Saunders be given an increase in salary. The board agreed that they would like to be able to do this and suggested that those suggesting the increase be urged to make it possible by increased financial support.¹⁸⁷

In January, 1943 Saunders salary was increased from £6/15/- to £7/-/-.¹⁸⁸

A. G. Elliott

A. G. Elliott, M.A., B.Sc., Dip.Ed, a prominent member from Western Australia serving in the RAAF, was among the servicemen visiting the church during 1942.¹⁸⁹ Pilot Officer Elliott, who was stationed at the Ballarat camp and gave a "splendid address" on "The Greatest Dictator",¹⁹⁰ continued to be invited to preach at Dawson St.¹⁹¹ He was also used by other of the Ballarat Churches of Christ.¹⁹²

Later, in November, 1945, it was announced that Allen Elliott, who had frequently preached at Dawson St. and other Ballarat churches during war-time service with the Air Force, had resigned from the Western Australian Education Department to become Western Australian Conference secretary, minister of the Victoria Park Church and that he had taken responsibility for a college extension programme in the West.¹⁹³ He was later to become the fourth principal of the Churches of Christ [NSW] Bible College, which was established at Woolwich in Sydney in 1942.¹⁹⁴

Youth Focus

During 1942 Saunders maintained a vigorous interest in the work of the young people. He invited delegates from the Victorian Young People's Department to visit

the church. He was also involved with the Sunday School, as general superintendent,¹⁹⁵ and with Christian Endeavour. In August Saunders formed a Junior Bible Class.¹⁹⁶ Both groups, the Endeavourers and the Sunday School, took their turn broadcasting over 3BA. Saunders also encouraged the young people to visit the hospital and the Gaol.¹⁹⁷ During the year he also established a Young Men's Training Class and was elected president of the Ballarat C. E. Union.¹⁹⁸

The War Continues

The war continued to impact upon the lives of members. In May the church was involved in the formation of an inter-church club designed to "meet needs of defence forces on leave".¹⁹⁹ The club early proved popular.²⁰⁰ The church also contributed, from members, £100 towards a prisoners of war appeal.²⁰¹ In August, when Lloyd Morris was called up for service in the Air Force, Saunders took over the superintendency of the Intermediate Christian Endeavour.²⁰² Mervyn Thomas, another member, was also called up for service in the RAAF.²⁰³ Others were called up later in the year, including two women.²⁰⁴

An Unsolicited Tribute to Saunders

Thomas Hagger, a well-known preacher-evangelist within Churches of Christ, visiting Ballarat, commented on the healthy state of the Ballarat Churches of Christ. Of Saunders, who during 1942 served as president of the Ballarat Council of Churches,²⁰⁵ he wrote:

W. W. Saunders labours with the Dawson St. church, and with the many capable men of that church, helps some of the others. He is prominent in the religious and moral life of the community.²⁰⁶

Evangelistic Missions

During March the church began preparing for an evangelistic mission with G. T. Fitzgerald, scheduled for April.²⁰⁷ As there is no record of the mission having taken place, it must have been abandoned.

However, a "recruiting and renewal crusade", with E. P. C. Hollard of Maryborough, commenced on November 8th.²⁰⁸ Supported by H. G. Feary as song leader, Hollard preached "forceful and fearless" messages. Between 8th and 15th of November 13 "decisions for Christ" were registered.²⁰⁹ By the second week the number of "decisions" had risen to 25.²¹⁰ The eventual total was 28.²¹¹

Evangelistic contact with the community was also afforded by the large number of marriages Saunders conducted during his time at Dawson St., 105 in all! These

contacts, however, were not always as productive as he could have wished.²¹²

Continuing Ecumenical Co-operation

The 1942 Christmas season saw W. W. Saunders and the Dawson St. Church involved as participants in united carol services at Sovereign Hill and Lake Wendouree, at a United Christmas Day service held in the Dawson St. Chapel and at a United Watch Night service at the Baptist Church, all under the auspices of the Ballarat Council of Churches.²¹³ During his time in Ballarat Saunders served terms as secretary and president of the Council of Churches, which involved conducting a weekly intercessory service throughout the war.²¹⁴

Statistics

Average attendance at morning worship during December had been 144. When branch churches were included, the number was 175.²¹⁵ During 1943, numbers began to creep up,²¹⁶ though there was some fluctuation.²¹⁷ At the annual business meeting, held on February 10th, 1943, it was reported that 40 had been added to the church over the previous year and that "over £1300 was handled by church and auxiliaries".

It was also mentioned at the A. G. M. that the preacher's salary had been increased to keep pace with the cost of living.²¹⁸

The War

The war continued to make itself felt locally during 1943. In January, during W. W. Saunders' absence, the pulpit was filled by Chaplain G. Tease and Pilot Officer Elliott, among others.²¹⁹ Elliott addressed the church again in March,²²⁰ and later in May.²²¹ In February, it was reported that "a number of brethren from U.S.A. attend services".

Saunders Appreciated

In May the officers expressed to Saunders their appreciation of him, assuring him of their "brotherly love towards him."²²²

3BA

Saunders, who in April preached at Northcote,²²³ was, in June, appointed "Big Brother", ie presenter of the Sunday School of the Air over 3BA, a weekly session under the auspices of the Ballarat Sunday School Union.²²⁴ Saunders also conducted the daily devotional segment over 3BA each Thursday during August.²²⁵

Relationships with the Baptists

During 1943 relationships with the Baptists were deliberately fostered. This was partially a result of the initiative of a state committee, appointed by both bodies to foster a working together at a practical level on issues of "Life and Work". Divisive issues of "Faith and Order", or doctrine and polity, were avoided.

The committee sought to arrange united worship services and occasional joint meetings of church organisations, to facilitate transfer of membership between the two bodies, to confer before commencing work in new areas, to support weak churches associated with either body and to organise conferences for the two state youth departments.²²⁶

The men of the Ballarat Churches of Christ invited officers of the Baptist churches to their half-yearly meeting, which was addressed by L. G. Bond, minister of the city Baptist Church. Bond spoke of points of agreement and the possibility of co- operating on practical service issues.²²⁷ Another Baptist, M. Kingdom, preached at Dawson St. during September. Saunders was also busy during this period conducting services for Baptist and Methodist churches.²²⁸

Combined Communion Service

At the meeting of the board in October, 1943 the suggestion was made of a yearly combined communion service involving all the Ballarat Churches of Christ. The board endorsed the idea, but recognised that the other churches would need to agree.²²⁹

Doveton St.

During 1943, Doveton St., Ballarat North, continued to prosper, with the formation of a Junior Bible Class and the siting, at Doveton St., of a united Churches of Christ fellowship and inspirational meeting.²³⁰

1944 Statistics

At the annual meeting on February 16th, 1944, it was reported that, following 16 gains and 14 losses, church membership stood at 284, which included 43 on the isolated roll. The average number breaking bread at the three centres, Dawson St., Doveton St. and Mt. Clear, was 156.

Saunders Invited to Continue

The annual meeting also referred to "the faithful and extended work and oversight of W. W. Saunders", who was invited to remain for a further three years. The church received his acceptance four days later.²³¹

The following Easter the Christian published an article by Saunders on "The Risen Christ".²³² At the annual meeting in March, 1945 Saunders was commended for his assiduous visiting and for his attention to detail in other areas of ministry.²³³

Between the two annual meetings, W. W. Saunders, who had been responsible for the monthly C. E. notes in the Christian, asked to be relieved of this task. Roy Greenhalgh, the new Youth Director in New South Wales, took over from him.²³⁴

Members in the Forces

In March, 1944 it was reported that £15 had been disbursed in gifts to members in the forces. There were 6 active members camped in Victoria and 13 overseas. 7 inactive members and 16 relations of church members were also on active duty. This made a total of 42.²³⁵ Gifts sent to solders were made up of a quarterly digest of church affairs, written by W. W. Saunders, canteen orders and other gifts and copies of the Christian and other suitable literature.²³⁶

Adjoining Property

At their August meeting the Dawson St. officers considered the possibility of purchasing an adjoining property. The owners were not ready to sell, however, but promised to give the church first option if such an eventuality arose in the future.²³⁷

Vintage Wilkie

In the August 23rd, 1944 edition of the Christian, J. A. Wilkie wrote glowingly of the 13-year ministry of Dr. W. Graham Scroggie at the Baptist Charlotte Square Chapel in Edinburgh. Scroggie had visited Australia nine years previously. When visiting Ballarat, with his wife, he had stayed with Wilkie.²³⁸

Following the death, in October, of T. H. Scambler, who had taken over the principalship of the College of the Bible from A. R. Main in February, 1939,²³⁹ Wilkie wrote to A. W.Stephenson, editor of the Christian:

The appointment of a new principal of the Federal College of the Bible is a matter that concerns every member in all our churches. Whoever occupies this position has tremendous responsibility in the training of these men, who will largely shape the future course of the Restoration Movement in Australia. May I therefore urge that personal and corporate prayer be regularly offered, asking that the college board be divinely guided to appoint the right man.²⁴⁰

On Monday the 25th February, 1946 Wilkie addressed the inauguration session of the College of the Bible in the Lygon St. Chapel.²⁴¹

Explorers Club

In March, 1945 it was decided to form a Boy's Explorers Club at Dawson St.²⁴²

MacNaughtan-Saunders Evangelistic Mission

Half way through 1945 K. A. MacNaughtan and W. W. Saunders conducted a six- week evangelistic campaign, resulting in 31 decisions and 2 reconsecrations. All save three of those making decisions--these three being associated with York St.--became members at Dawson St.²⁴³

Saunders Appointed to State Evangelistic Team

The success of this effort prompted the Victorian Home Mission Committee, at the request of K. A. MacNaughtan, to appoint W. W. Saunders as co-worker in the State evangelistic team. In this "new type of evangelism", Saunders was to be responsible for daily after-school programmes for children, visitation and song-leading.²⁴⁴

Saunders lay the invitation before the Dawson St. officers and sought their guidance. He pointed out that, for his part, the immense possibilities of the work appealed, "though it meant something of a sacrifice in regard to home, and religious work in this city, and severance of a most happy relationship with Dawson St." The officers argued that, while they did not want him to go, they felt that the invitation was expressive of God's will.²⁴⁵

At the June 4th meeting Saunders was released from his engagement "with great regret".²⁴⁶ Five days later, however, the board rescinded its motion releasing him and substituted a new motion that stipulated that, provided a suitable interim pastor could be found to carry the church through to March, 1946, and provided that such arrangements could be made within 10 days, the church agreed to release him provided he hold back any formal resignation until the middle of December, 1945.²⁴⁷

At the July meeting Saunders' resignation was received and accepted "with profound regret" and the church wished him well in his future ministry.²⁴⁸

The first venture undertaken by the new team was planned for Swan Hill on August 19th.²⁴⁹ In gathering together the necessary equipment for this new venture, Saunders appealed for a movie camera.²⁵⁰

Without a Full-Time Minister

By the July board meeting the church had arranged for Dr. A. J. Saunders to minister part-time from the 19th of August.²⁵¹ A. J. Saunders, who spoke to the

church of his experience in India, filled in for the first two months and it was hoped that he would be able to continue until a successor to Saunders had been appointed.²⁵² This, however, was not possible, and, later in the year, the preacher at Castlemaine, J. Methven, who, as chaplain, had been mentioned in dispatches from the South West Pacific area,²⁵³ helped the church out.²⁵⁴ In February he was thanked for his assistance with a cheque for £4/4/-. Methven was later asked to act as official visitor and overseer of the work at Doveton St.²⁵⁵ He was to conduct evening meetings and spend one day a week visiting and was to be paid 30/- weekly.²⁵⁶

Land at Ballarat North

In September it was intimated that a Mrs. Harvey offered to sell the church at Ballarat North a block of land for £4/-/- per foot.²⁵⁷ The board consulted the Doveton St. members,²⁵⁸ and, at their November meeting, decided to purchase the property.²⁵⁹ The land was at the corner of Brougham and Clyde Sts.²⁶⁰

G. J.ANDREWS, 1946-1948

On the 4th December, 1945 the board decided to recommend to the church that an offer be made to G. J. Andrews to minister to the church for three years at a salary of £7/10/- per week.²⁶¹ In January G. J. Andrews accepted the church's invitation to succeed W. W. Saunders as minister at Dawson St. He commenced in February.²⁶²

Andrews did not enjoy robust health. He suffered from diabetes and needed insulin before meals. His health may have had something to do with his short stay at Dawson St.²⁶³

The first indication of the church's response to the new ministry was the comment that Andrews gave "appropriate addresses" at the 81st Anniversary services in March.²⁶⁴

Building Needing Attention

The officers became aware in February, 1946 that the front of the chapel was in a dangerous condition and needed considerable attention.²⁶⁵

Colac

Dawson St. had a continuing paternal interest in the struggling cause at Colac. After negotiating with the Home mission Committee, the church decided, in March 1946, that

If the Home Missions Committee is prepared to place a preacher at Colac and to hold a mission we are prepared to recommend to the church that they guarantee our share of the difference in salary between a student preacher and a full-time preacher.²⁶⁶

Articles

During the year Andrews, who was on the Victorian Conference Literature Committee,²⁶⁷ wrote a series of articles for the Christian on worship services and related issues.²⁶⁸

Youth Activities

In April 59 people were involved in a youth camp, organised by the Ballarat Churches of Christ, that was held at Daylesford.²⁶⁹ Excitement was also generated, later in 1946, by the visit of 70 young people from the Ballarat churches to Maryborough, where they met up with 100 young people from Bendigo, Castlemaine and Harcourt.²⁷⁰ The 1946 Daylesford youth camp proved so successful that another was organised for 1947. 70 attended, the daily study sessions being led by A. B. Withers, minister at West Preston, who was also speaker at the 88th anniversary services of the church.²⁷¹

The Wilkies

On May 5th the church congratulated Mrs. Wilkie, J. A. Wilkie's mother, on her 93rd birthday.²⁷²

At the district conference of the Ballarat and Geelong Churches of Christ, J. A. Wilkie, whose vigour continued unabated, was elected President, Roy McLeod, from Peel St., being elected secretary.²⁷³

In May of the following year, Wilkie confronted the issue of a declining State membership. The war had obviously affected membership of the churches. Over the past 10 years the Victorian membership had decreased by 1400. The absence of members during the war, the blunting of sensitivities and disillusionment occasioned by the war obviously played their part in this decline. Wilkie, in a leader in the May 7th Christian challenged members of the Victorian Churches of Christ to "Stop the Drift!" He argued that prayer groups were the remedy.²⁷⁴

The March 9th, 1948 edition of the Christian also contained an article by Wilkie on the importance of preaching, and on the need for preachers to personally visit the homes of those to whom they are preaching. Wilkie continued to be concerned about the fall-off in attendance at churches and an increasing disinterest in issues of faith by the unchurched.²⁷⁵

Wilkie later addressed himself to the suggestion some were making that the State Conference, held at Easter time, had become a convention. He opposed the

suggestion, arguing that at the recent conference he suffered "mental and spiritual indigestion" from the "surfeit of prepared addresses". He argued for the maintaining of a balance between business and addresses, contending that presidents should take greater control of business sessions, encouraging discussion where it was needed and axing it where it was superfluous.²⁷⁶

W. H. Benson honoured

In June, 1946 the church honoured W. H. Benson, a member for 46 years, who had been church treasurer for 21 years.²⁷⁷

The Aftermath of the War

That same month the church collected £10 for the Food for Britain appeal and put on a social evening to welcome home returned service personnel.²⁷⁸ In late January, 1947, Max Peacock, the last of the service personnel from the church to be discharged from the army, returned home.²⁷⁹

Innovations

Two innovations, that helped enhance worship and arouse interest during 1946 were the installation of an electric blower, which was fitted to the church organ to relieve organists of the strain of pumping the instrument manually²⁸⁰ and the presentation by G. J. Andrews of "picture sermons in colour".²⁸¹

Andrews Ill

During part of November, 1946 Andrews was ill and J. Methven took over his pulpit responsibilities.²⁸²

Death of E. H. Price

In January, 1946 it was reported that E. H. Price was also critically ill.²⁸³ It was not until mid-March that he returned home from hospital.²⁸⁴ While he continued to improve, Price was confined to his home during April.²⁸⁵ He died on the 29th January the following year, after a protracted illness.

E. H. Price had been a member for over 50 years, a church officer for 40 years and a bible school teacher for 30 years.²⁸⁶ He was 68 when he died and was currently president of the Red Cross Society and managing director of E. Lucas and Co, one of the largest employers of labour in Ballarat. "Widely known and highly regarded for his unselfish and outstanding citizenship over many years", Price was honoured by a cortege over a mile long, that was made up of people of many walks of life, including members from both houses of the Victorian parliament and

representatives from various churches, municipal bodies, the Red Cross Society, the Youth Centre and the business community.²⁸⁷

Minister's Salary

In February, 1947 it was decided to automatically pass on all basic wage rises in calculating the minister's salary.²⁸⁸

W. W. Saunders

Early in May, 1947 W. W. Saunders was back in the Dawson St. pulpit. He brought with him a group of young people from Peel St., where he was ministering.²⁸⁹ He returned again on June 1st.²⁹⁰

Central Board of Control

In July the combined officers board of the Ballarat Churches of Christ raised the question of the "desirability and advisability of one Central Board of Control." Dawson St. was not in favour of the idea.²⁹¹

Young Married Women's Club

In June, a young married women's club was formed with Mrs. J. Price as president and Mrs. H. Smith as secretary.²⁹²

Youth Work

That the youth work was in good heart was evident in a number of developments in 1947 and 1948. In late July a bus load of young people went to Maryborough for a youth rally.²⁹³ In September, the Bible school, in an innovative mood, organised a kite competition in an attempt to gain new members.²⁹⁴

Ede McGibbony to COB

In November, 1947 the board wrote a letter of recommendation to the College of the Bible, endorsing the application of Miss Ede McGibbony.²⁹⁵ Circumstances forced Ede to leave school when she was 14. She had worked in two mills until she was 22, when she felt the call to study for ministry.²⁹⁶ Early in 1948 the church learned that Edith had been accepted as a student for the College of the Bible.

Hyman-Appleman Mission

Early in 1948 the church was looking forward to the Hyman Appleman mission,²⁹⁷ a joint campaign involving the evangelical churches of Melbourne.²⁹⁸ Campaigns were also planned for other states.²⁹⁹

Visitation and Evangelism

Early in 1948 Dawson St. shared in a religious census organised by the churches of Ballarat. They used this list in a week of visitation evangelism, introduced to Australian Churches of Christ via the 1947 World Convention in Buffalo, USA,³⁰⁰ in which a dozen Dawson St. members participated.

This was followed by a week of evangelistic services with the veteran Thomas Hagger, preacher at Frankston and Moorooduc. 6 young people decided for Christ and two others reconsecrated their lives. Hagger's addresses, a progressive series of "Answers to Life's Great Questions", "were delivered in the power of the Spirit". The reporter suggested that "it was a tonic to hear him".³⁰¹

The impetus of the renewed emphasis on evangelism, which was being promoted throughout the Australian Churches of Christ, was again evident on September 9th, when a "school" for Visitation Evangelism was organised by the Home Mission Committee for the preachers of Western Victoria. A. W.Stephenson, a lecturer at the college and editor of the Christian, was present on behalf of the committee to outline the approach.³⁰²

Andrews Resigns

In July, 1948 Andrews was invited to remain for a further 12 months.³⁰³ However, he indicated the following month that he would not be available for a further term.³⁰⁴

Hunting Invited

In November the board wrote to Frank Hunting, minister of Ann St. church in Brisbane, to invite him to fill the vacancy.³⁰⁵ Hunting had been approached previously, but had been unavailable. In December the church received a positive response. During the negotiations, the church offered a car allowance of £1/5/- .³⁰⁶

Peel St. and York St. Offer to Help with Doveton St.

In December, 1948 the Dawson St. board wrote to the Doveton St. leaders to inform them that the churches at Peel St. and York St. were offering to help with work in Ballarat North, and seeking their reaction.³⁰⁷

In February, 1949 the Dawson St. board formulated the configuration of the new Advisory Board for Doveton St., which was to consist of 2 from Dawson St., 2 from Doveton St., 1 from York St. and 1 from Peel St.³⁰⁸ In May it was decided to arrange each week for a carload of members from each of the churches in rotation to attend the Doveton St. gospel service, which, during June, was conducted by Albert Graham.³⁰⁹

[BCOC 268-296]