PEEL ST.

Thomson Concludes

By January 1934 Peel St.'s financial position was precarious. They desperately appealed to Dawson St. for assistance, but to no avail. Dawson St. was unable to help.

Early in the year Thomson indicated that he was relinquishing the work at Peel St. around Easter and notified other churches that he was open for engagement.¹ His resignation may have been precipitated by the fact that the church could not pay him.

Church Carries On

In the absence of a full-time preacher the pulpit was filled by speakers from Dawson St. and York St. Among those who helped out were Lindsay Smith, W. Benson, W. Feary, and Jabez Wiltshire.²

DENZIL RITCHIE, 1934-1935

Denzil Ritchie was welcomed as preacher at Peel St. on December 9th, 1934. Ritchie, who was born in Penguin, Tasmania, entered the College of the Bible from Mile End in South Australia. This was his first ministry.³

James Wilkie presided at the service at which Ritchie was inducted. Wiltshire, the minister at Dawson St., chaired the welcome social.⁴

The church was encouraged by what they witnessed in the opening months of Ritchie ministry⁵ and he was unanimously invited to continue his ministry for a further 12 months.⁶ At the church annual meeting on July 11th, 1935 Ritchie accepted an indefinite engagement with the church, which involved an increase in salary. The Church was obviously happy with his performance.⁷

Young People Broadcast over 3BA

On Sept 7th the Peel St. and Dawson St. young people conducted a short broadcast from station 3BA, featuring vocal and instrumental items and choruses.⁸

South Western Districts Conference

In January 1936, keen to remain involved in the South Western District conference, Peel St. sent a delegation to Geelong, where the conference was being held.⁹

The Webb-Robbins Mission

In early February the church began gearing up for a mission with J. E. Webb and Harold Robbins.¹⁰ Six months in preparation, the mission opened on February 23rd. It was held in a tent that was brought from Hamilton by Norman Floate, a removalist who was a member of the church. It came complete with a bark flooring. In the evening 230 people crowded into the tent, when Webb preached on, "Christian Union: How?"¹¹ As the mission proceeded, average week-night attendance was 152. The mission was supported by Dawson and York St. congregations and by churches as far away as Stawell, Hamilton, Kaniva, Maryborough and Shepparton.

During the first week there was one confession and one restoration. During the second week there were 12 confessions. The mission closed on March 12th¹² when 260 were present. The two and a half weeks of the mission were described as "a time of fellowship, inspirational singing, and eloquent and forceful preaching, combined with warm hearted co-operation from many people, both in membership and out of membership with the church".¹³ Writing of Webb, Wiltshire commented:

It has been a very great pleasure to me to listen on several occasions to the preaching of Bro. Webb during the course of the tent mission in connection with the Peel St. mission. The least return I could make for the privilege is to express my very sincere appreciation not only of Bro. Webb as a preacher, but as a devout lovable brother. Bro. Webb's sustained earnestness on the platform and among the people is invincible; he is untiring and exceedingly patient in his efforts to lead men and women to Christ. Our brother is a Bible preacher; he studies his Bible, and his preaching makes it evident that the Bible is his first and final text book.¹⁴

Ritchie Resigns

Despite the success of the mission and the church's satisfaction with his ministry, Ritchie announced in September that he had accepted a ministry with the church at Port Pirie in South Australia.¹⁵ He was farewelled on October 17th and presented with "a travelling kit in a leather case" and an inkstand.¹⁶

Tennis Club

Earlier, in September, the young people of the church had "secured an ideal site for a tennis court from the City Council" and were hopeful that they would form a club

and have it in action during the current season.¹⁷

Doug Nicholls

In November, Doug Nicholls, Aboriginal athlete and preacher, who had been baptised by W. W. Saunders, preached to the church on the topic, "Christ Crucified".¹⁸

Church Burns to the Ground

In January 1937, when Dawson St. were grieving the loss of A. E. Bailey and his son in an accidental drowning, the Peel St. church building burned to the ground.

Not to be dismayed, the members gathered the following week for an inspirational service in a nearby hall, over which Albert Graham presided. His short talk was helpful. The members recognised that they were "without a preacher, without a church home, but not without God". Mathieson, a former minister, was present "and brought a most encouraging message of hope".¹⁹

Indicative of the mutual supportiveness of the Ballarat churches, the Fearys of York St., had, by May, commenced building the new chapel.²⁰ They were hoping it would be completed by June 26th.²¹ This was achieved and, to celebrate the achievement, the South Western District Conference held its annual gathering in the new building.²²

E. H. RANDALL, 1937-1941

On May 1st representatives of all the Ballarat churches gathered at Peel St. to welcome "evangelist and Mrs. E. H. Randall" to Ballarat. H. G. Feary from York St. presided at the meeting. The State Conference and the South Western District conferences were represented by Wilkie, who was president of the latter. Randall was to minister to the churches at Peel St. and York St.²³

Positive Indications

Attendances at Peel St. soon reflected a renewed impetus resulting from Randall's arrival and from his assiduous visiting.²⁴ In July, Randall was continuing to give "convincing messages".

During that month working bees were held to erect a front fence and the church received the gift of four platform chairs from T. R. Morris and his wife.²⁵

The first baptisms, four in all, in the new chapel, were conducted by Randall on August 1st. At the conclusion of Randall's address on that occasion "four young ladies" came forward.²⁶

Riding a wave of new enthusiasm it was decided to have a "Back to Peel St." focus during centenary celebrations in March, 1938. These services, held the following year, were highly successful, George Mathieson being the featured speaker.²⁷

The church also decided to opt for "straight-giving" to the building fund rather than to take up evening offerings for the purpose.²⁸

The Hinrichsen-Morris Mission

The Hinrichsen-Morris Mission, early in 1938, netted the Peel St. church 30 new members. During the year Albert Graham continued to supplement Randall's preaching.²⁹

Randall Full-Time at Peel St.

Finding it difficult to divide himself between Peel St. and York St., and with Peel St. more financial than it had been, Randall commenced full-time with Peel St. on July 3rd, 1938.³⁰

Continuing Momentum

The new spirit of enthusiasm was reflected in the Bible school, which, during September, boasted an attendance of 120.³¹ That the church was happy with Randall was evident in the fact that the half-yearly business meeting on November 14th unanimously voted him an increase in salary.³²

Albert Graham Married

On May 13th Albert Graham, who was assisting Randall with the preaching, and who was to play a leading role in the church for the next five decades, was married to Miss E. Jenkins.³³ It was, perhaps, symbolic that in that same year Ramage, who had been the mainstay of the church in previous decades, died³⁴ at the age of 79.³⁵ The mantle had been passed on.

1939-1940

During 1939 Randall's preaching continued to be appreciated.³⁶ The Bible school was also healthy, with numbers in the 90's.³⁷ By February, 1940, numbers in the school were up to 102.³⁸ Randall continued his "faithful ministry" through 1940. During June of that year, three Peel St. officers, McLeod, Rickard and Theobald, enlisted in the AIF.³⁹ During 1940 Randall was President of the Sunday School Union.⁴⁰

Resignation

Late in 1941 Randall announced to the church that he was resigning to take up the ministry at Stawell. He was farewelled in August, when it was emphasised that his

four-year ministry had greatly benefited the church. Following his departure, services became the responsibility of "Bren. A. Graham and Maxwell".⁴¹ During succeeding decades, responsibility for services in the absence of full-time ministers continued to fall back onto Albert Graham.

Death of A. P. A. Burdeu

It was during 1941 that A. P. A. Burdeu, who had given much to Peel St., and to all the Ballarat Churches, died at Frankston hospital. He was, in his latter years, in membership with the church at North Essendon.⁴²

Burdeu, who joined the church at Ascot Vale and worked for the Victorian Railways at Stawell, Maryborough and Ballarat, in which churches he had served as church secretary, had also been actively involved in the Mt. Clear Sunday school.⁴³ Burdeu was best remembered, however, for involving "himself in work among the Australian Aborigines. By his untiring efforts he did much to secure better conditions for the dark-skinned brethren he loved to help".⁴⁴ His brother, C. R. Burdeu, wrote of him:

A. P. A. Burdeu literally poured his Aborigine propaganda and representations, both personal and written, into every channel, political, official and private, until he gained for the native the advantage of legislation such as child endowment, invalid, old age and widow's pensions, and maternity allowances. People helped him, but his was the plan and driving force.⁴⁵

1942

During 1942, in the absence of a preacher, the work at Peel St. was maintained by T. Maxwell and A. Graham. The church continued to sustain losses through the calling up of members for military service and transfers to Melbourne.⁴⁶ The church secretary, P. Graham, was called up for military service in September.⁴⁷ The congregation, however, was not in the doldrums. Young people continued to swell the numbers at evening services and occasional "confessions" were registered.⁴⁸ In June, when services during the winter were brought forward from 7pm to 4pm, the church congratulated itself on an evening attendance of 40.⁴⁹ At the same time the men of the church asphalted around the chapel.⁵⁰

G. M. Mathieson Revival Campaign

In August-September, a former preacher, G. M. Mathieson, now minister at Black Rock in Melbourne, conducted a six-day's revival campaign, which was generously supported by York and Dawson St. churches.⁵¹

1943

Little was reported in the Christian of life at Peel St. during 1943. In May, however, Miss Alice Hosking was presented with a medal for 10 years unbroken attendance.⁵²

ALBERT GRAHAM, 1943-1947

Of greater long term significance was the fact that Albert Graham, who had given leadership to the church for some time, entered the College of the Bible to train for ministry and was officially appointed to a weekend student ministry to the congregation, which commenced on September 26th.⁵³ In November it was reported that "Mr. Graham's messages and ministry are helpful and appreciated".⁵⁴ During 1944 Albert Graham's student ministry continued to be appreciated.⁵⁵ In March it was noted that 7 young people had recently been added to the church through faith and baptism.⁵⁶ Decisions for Christ continued to be reported. In October seven confessed Christ.⁵⁷

Aboriginal Focus

A significant feature of 1944 was Doug Nicholls' address to the church in September at the 75th Anniversary celebrations.⁵⁸ On February, 4th, 1945, at the morning service, Albert Graham, who was giving "splendid and helpful messages".⁵⁹ spoke of 'the native people". In the evening he introduced an Aboriginal speaker, who spoke of "the difficulties and trials" of his race.⁶⁰

1946

During 1946 Albert Graham's leadership continued to be appreciated.⁶¹ Early that year the debt to the Properties Corporation on the building was cleared, largely through the hard work of the Ladies Guild.⁶² The Fellowship Club, in recess during the war, was recommenced in February.⁶³ During June Graham was ill with a germ in the mouth.⁶⁴ He was back on deck in July, when five were added to the church.⁶⁵ In the space of the next few weeks 7 others joined them. During the same period it was commented that, through the preaching of Albert Graham and the effectiveness of the mid-week prayer meeting, "a fine experience of holiness" was enjoyed by the church.⁶⁶ Adding to this momentum was the formation of an Explorers Club, a Churches of Christ club for boys, under the leadership of J. Turner.⁶⁷

Youth Activities

In January, 1947 the church officers challenged the boys cricket team to a game of cricket and came off second best. They also challenged the girls to a soft-ball match and, after a close game, gained the decision. The young people obviously

appreciated the interest of the officers in their activities.⁶⁸

Renovation of the School Hall

With a thriving youth work, the officers decided to renovate the school hall and launched an appeal for £250.⁶⁹

Graham Concludes Student Ministry

At a social gathering on April 11th Albert Graham concluded his ministry with the church and was thanked for his vigorous leadership. However, while relinquishing his student ministry, Albert Graham remained active in the church. In July he was elected President of the South Western District Conference⁷⁰ and, in August, he was co-opted to the board.⁷¹

W. W. SAUNDERS, 1947

At the same time opportunity was taken to welcome W. W. Saunders to an interim ministry with the church.

The commencement of Saunders work with the church coincided with increased attendances at all meetings, a consequence, no doubt, not only of the presence of a new minister, but also of Saunders' successful ministry with the Dawson St. church.⁷²

It was not long before the church reported morning attendances of between 60 and 70 and evening attendances of approximately 100. Saunders visited every member and many had been encouraged to once again attend worship services. At the time Bible school attendance averaged 87, with 27 kinders.⁷³ It would be surprising if Saunders didn't also pick up a few from Dawson St.

Throughout June, enthusiasm continued, with Saunders addressing the combined board of the Ballarat Churches of Christ on "methods of evangelism for youth and adults".⁷⁴ Saunders' organising ability and capacity for enthusing others was evident in the re-commencement of a prayer group after evening services and the re-introduction of the monthly "Friendly Helper".

In August the church learned that Saunders had accepted a call to Bambra Rd. in Melbourne and would commence there on September 7th.⁷⁵ It deeply regretted his departure. It was reported that "his helpful addresses and teaching during past four months have been of great benefit and uplift".⁷⁶ During Saunders' time with the Peel St., church attendances maintained, finances increased and 10 baptisms took place.⁷⁷

A. JOHN MACKENZIE, 1948-1949

While the church deeply regretted losing Saunders, by December they were looking forward to the advent of A. J. Mackenzie⁷⁸ at the end of January 1948.⁷⁹

John MacKenzie was inducted as minister of the Peel St. church on February 1st by Albert Graham. The church was anticipating a new momentum, having been for many years without a full-time preacher.⁸⁰

In March the church reported that MacKenzie continued "to give inspiring addresses" and that he had "already increased the spiritual tone" of the church and created "a spirit of co-operation and helpfulness". An early morning prayer meeting had been commenced on Sundays, which drew encouraging attendances. Mrs. MacKenzie had established a Good Companions Club for girls. A Boys Explorers Club was re-established.⁸¹ The renovation of the School Hall remained on the drawing board.⁸² By May, Bible school attendances had reached the century. On May 2nd, when 90 broke bread, MacKenzie "gave heart-searching addresses." The evening attendance that day was over 100.⁸³ As the year progressed the work continued "in good heart" under the MacKenzies.⁸⁴

YORK ST.

Back to Ballarat

Like Dawson St., the church at York St. was caught up with the "Back to Ballarat" festivities scheduled for March 9 and 10, 1935. 50 were present for a tea on the Saturday evening, when A. L. Gibson traced the history of the church from 1894. Gibson gave "a splendid message from Jude" on the Sunday.⁸⁵

Weekly Offering

The weekly offering of the York St. congregation in February, 1936 was £2/6/11.⁸⁶

Statistics

During 1936 the Fearys continued to carry the bulk of the preaching. Numbers in the morning were between 40 and 50 and in the evening between 60 and 70.⁸⁷

The Fitzgerald Mission

In October the church was involved in a mission with Fitzgerald. At the end of the first week there were 6 confessions.⁸⁸ The final tally was 31. During the mission

Fitzgerald "delivered powerful and convincing messages".⁸⁹

Sharing Randall with Peel St.

Towards the close of 1936 the York St. and Peel St. boards met and agreed to engage a preacher between them. Harold Feary was appointed chairman of the circuit and Arnold Sheppard permanent secretary. The Ballarat Courier, in which this move was publicly announced, indicated that this would allow Mr. W. Feary Sr., who had done the bulk of the preaching over the past 25 years, assisted in later years by his sons and members from Dawson and Peel St. churches, to enjoy a well-earned respite.⁹⁰ Randall, who was being shared with Peel St., commenced his ministry with the York St. church on May 9th.

The Fearys continued to supplement Randall's ministry. On Nov 7th, W. Feary preached to the evening congregation on "The Aeroplane in Prophesy".⁹¹

Randall relinquished his commitment to York St. in July, 1938, when he went full-time with Peel St. York St. had been unhappy with the arrangement⁹² and there is some suggestion that doctrinal issues could also have been involved, as the minutes report that Wilkie, of Dawson St. and Feary were invited "to discuss some doctrinal truths upon which there is not a unanimity of opinion at the present time."⁹³

DENZIL C. RITCHIE, 1939-1941

In November, 1938 the officers recommended to the church "that Bro. Denzil Ritchie of Port Pirie, South Australia be invited to labour with the church for a period of two years."⁹⁴ They church offered to pay his removal expenses and to "offer any help re the selection of a suitable house."⁹⁵ Early in 1939 York St. eagerly awaited the arrival of Ritchie, who planned to begin on March 12th. In the meantime, the Fearys, with some help from Dawson St., continued to "hold the fort".⁹⁶

The church officers and their wives met the Ritchies at the home of H. G. Feary on March 4th, when "free discussion plans for the future were considered" and the Ritchies were "assured of the wholehearted support of church and auxiliaries".⁹⁷ They met the York St. auxiliaries and representatives from Dawson St. and Mt. Clear on the 8th.⁹⁸

New Building for Sunday School and Kindergarten

In May, 1937, with an average of 117 in the Bible school, it was decided to build a new kindergarten hall.⁹⁹ It was not, however until March 18th that the decision to

proceed with the erection of a building to house the Sunday School and kindergarten was made. It was estimated that the building would cost £600 and the Fearys were to build it.¹⁰⁰ It was expected that the building would be opened in the second week in June.¹⁰¹ Working bees were organised and a nearby hall was loaned to accommodate the kindergarten.¹⁰²

While working on the new buildings, the church decided to discard their gas lights in favour of electric lights, at a cost of £20.¹⁰³ The new buildings were opened, as scheduled, on June 10th.¹⁰⁴ A picture of the chapel and new hall appeared in the June 28th edition of the Christian. The accompanying report read:

The newer structure on the left is modern in design, 60ft. x 30ft. in dimension, complete with kitchen, guild rooms and class rooms. A folding partition, extending from floor to ceiling, divides the kindergarten and primary divisions from the main hall, whilst various other sections of the assembled school are provided for by folding partitions, which when not in use are folded into recesses in the panelled walls. The cost of the new hall is approximately £700.¹⁰⁵

Ritchies Appreciated

From the beginning Ritchie's addresses were appreciated and found to be "increasingly appealing to district people attending".¹⁰⁶ Ritchie was described at the time as preaching "elevating sermons".¹⁰⁷ It was commented that he "never fails to interest".¹⁰⁸ Average am. attendance in October was 45.¹⁰⁹ By December it was 50.¹¹⁰ A further indication of the buoyancy of the congregation was the record Sunday school enrolment of 136.¹¹¹

On May 21st Ritchie exchanged with the Victoria St. Baptist church minister, W. Marshall.¹¹²

Tennis Court

In August 1939 plans were in hand for the construction of a tennis court.¹¹³ In spite of a measles epidemic affecting school attendance, work with the court proceeded.¹¹⁴ By early February, 1940, the tennis courts were nearing completion.¹¹⁵ They were opened on April 13th.¹¹⁶

Anniversary Services

Connor was preacher at the church anniversary services in late August, 1939, when a newly formed choir was featured at the evening service.

The Bungaree Project

At the annual business meeting on September 7th " progressive plans for the forthcoming year were formulated", which included the "taking up of agricultural area at Bungaree, over which Bro. R. Lowne will have supervision". The report went on to comment that "Work on same will be executed by men of the church".¹¹⁷ On Nov 11th three carloads of men drove to the agricultural plot, where, as a result of this first working bee, one acre was put under cultivation.¹¹⁸ Activity at the plot continued through the following year, when, in May, 32 participated in a working bee.¹¹⁹ This potato project was to provide members with a supply of potatoes and at the same time furnish a source of income for the church.¹²⁰ As late as 1944 members were advised that bags of potatoes were for sale at 6/- a bag.¹²¹

Ritchie's Popularity

During 1940 Ritchie continued to delight the congregation with his sermons,¹²² which were appreciated by other churches in the area, such as the local Methodists, who invited him to speak at their Sunday school anniversaries.¹²³ Usually an accurate indicator of one's popularity, financial support for his ministry was maintained at a comfortable level.¹²⁴ Indications are that attendances at morning services at the time were in the sixties, while evening services topped the century mark.¹²⁵

The women of the church, encouraged by and supportive of developments in the church, purchased new lights and shades for the church building.¹²⁶ In January, 1941 it was reported that the church had been painted, with the cost of the paint being raised by the young people.¹²⁷

W. Feary Sr. Resigns

Early in 1940 "Bro. W. Feary Sr." resigned as superintendent of the Sunday school after 37 years,¹²⁸ when he was presented, not only in the presence of church members but also of representatives of the Dawson St. and Hamilton churches, with an armchair. The Bible class presented him with a bedroom clock.¹²⁹

The Thomas Hagger Mission

In August 1939 the church announced that it was preparing for a mission the following March. As early as March 1940 the church began enthusiastically planning a mission with Thomas Hagger, minister of the Gardiner church,¹³⁰ as missioner.¹³¹ Enthusiasm continued to build through to late August.¹³² The mission opened early in September¹³³ and concluded with 4 decisions and a thank offering of over £17.¹³⁴

Ritchie's Resignation

During 1941 it was reported that "Bro. Denzil Ritchie's sermons" are recognised by visitors and members alike as of the highest standard".¹³⁵ Despite continuing enthusiasm about his preaching, however, Ritchie indicated to the church in November, 1940 that he was resigning.¹³⁶ It was with regret that his resignation was received in January.¹³⁷ Ritchie concluded his ministry with the church on March 16th.¹³⁸ Obviously, continuing to feel a warmth for the Ritchies, the church made numerous presentations to them at their farewell.¹³⁹

Property Additions

Undeterred by the impending departure of the Ritchies, the church, in February, purchased an acre of land adjacent to the church property on which to construct additional tennis courts.¹⁴⁰ Work on a second court was soon begun.¹⁴¹ As the Fearys were builders, it is not surprising that church reporters continued to comment on additions to the property. In April, for example, it was reported that the Ladies Guild had carpeted the school hall at a cost of £7.¹⁴²

Momentum Maintained

Among those helping out with the preaching in the absence of a full-time minister were "Bren. Smith, Benson, Feary and Wilkie".¹⁴³ York St., throughout its history has exhibited considerable self-reliance, deriving, perhaps, from its lay beginnings. This buoyancy was evident in the maintenance of Sunday School attendances, which did not fall following Ritchie's departure.¹⁴⁴ In October, however, petrol rationing did significantly affect attendances at services.¹⁴⁵

HUBERT EDWARDS, 1941-1944

Following the enouncement of Ritchie's resignation the officers were quick off the mark and, by October, the church was informed that "Bro. Hubert Edwards, of Brim", had accepted an invitation to succeed Ritchie at York St. The Edwards were expected to commence duty on December 7th.¹⁴⁶ This date was later brought forward to December 2nd.¹⁴⁷ An induction service for Edwards was conducted on December 6th by Will Gale and Bert Feary, which generated considerable enthusiasm.¹⁴⁸

Gradual Progress

Edwards delighted and encouraged the York St. members with his messages during 1942.¹⁴⁹ Attendances improved, though some were "handicapped by transport facilities".¹⁵⁰

Support for Reactivating Combined Officers Meetings

Combined officers' meetings had been in abeyance for some time. When it was mooted that they be recommenced, the suggestion met with considerable enthusiasm, influenced by "the very grave conditions existing nationally and socially."¹⁵¹

W. G. Feary

A letter from W. G. Feary appeared in the June 6th, 1942 edition of the Christian, taking umbrage at a comment made by the editor, A. W.Stephenson, in the lead article of May 20, in which the statement was made that "Christianity is not Christian doctrine". Feary argued that, while doctrine may provoke debate, doctrine is not wrong. He went on to add, "It is the 'theology, etc.' that is wrong".¹⁵²

In 1943 Feary again wrote to the editor of the Australian Christian in response to the suggestion of H. J. Patterson that death was a transition or survival, as well as a sleep. Reflecting the family's religious roots, he contradicted the notion of survival, arguing the need for a bodily resurrection, in the absence of which "the second coming of the Lord is reduced to impotence and the whole gospel becomes chaotic."¹⁵³ Patterson replied that he had been speaking metaphorically, rather than literally.¹⁵⁴ Not to be silenced, Feary responded, arguing that, unless we are prepared to make God a God of confusion, "we must believe in absolute unconsciousness in the death state."¹⁵⁵ Feary's reply drew a further response from Patterson.¹⁵⁶

Later, in November, Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Feary celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.¹⁵⁷ Feary continued to be involved in the life of the church. When one of the members, Bettine Quayle, was married to US Army corporal, E. G. Wagner, on 27th November, Feary officiated. He possessed a marriage licence, perhaps as a result of the church being without a minister in earlier times!

Feary was again in print in the Jan 26th, 1944 edition of the Christian, where he challenged the description of "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty" as a "great hymn." He argued that God was one, and that nowhere in the Scriptures does one find that "God is three persons". He argued that there was no reference in the Bible to a "Trinity".¹⁵⁸ In July, 1946 W. G. Feary once again weighed into the doctrine of the Trinity, arguing that thousands of entrain believers 'who stand four square for the absolute unity and sovereignty of God" are excluded from the company of those seeking a biblical unity. He used an article of E. L. Williams, the new Principal of the College of the Bible, as his springboard.¹⁵⁹

When W. G. Feary died on June 13th., 1948 it was reported that this builder and contractor, Bible teacher and "beloved leader of the church" had "made a deep

impression on the people of the district".¹⁶⁰

Baptist Connection

In November, 1942 the church was addressed by Mr. Holland, a Baptist minister.¹⁶¹ L. G. Bond, minister of the City Baptist, had, in tandem with W. W. Saunders, earlier addressed the quarterly meeting of the men of the Ballarat Churches of Christ, and their Baptist counterparts, on the subject of hindrances and helps to union.¹⁶² In April, 1943 a further exchange of pulpits with Holland was organised.¹⁶³

Second Year

The Edwards entered upon their second year of service as 1942 drew to a close.¹⁶⁴ A hot spell in January 1943 diminished attendances, which soon picked up.¹⁶⁵ Part of the fluctuation was due to the fact that some members serving in the forces were home for a period on leave and also to the fact that others were being called up.¹⁶⁶ In May the Endeavourers were complimented by the managing director of 3BA for the quality of their broadcast on the 23rd.¹⁶⁷ In June Mrs. Feary Sr died, aged 100.¹⁶⁸ Throughout 1943 Edwards messages continued to be appreciated.¹⁶⁹

Financial Crisis

By July, however, the church was having difficult raising Edwards' stipend. The issue was held over till October, when the matter would be looked at again.¹⁷⁰ By October, the church recognised that they could not keep Edwards on. The following decision was minuted:

We intimate to Bro. Edwards:--That being unable to raise his salary over a prolonged period we ask that his ministry end in 6 months time--or at any time convenient to himself--during which time we will be prepared to raise his salary £1 per week.

In placing this delicate issue before the congregation the officers commented:

Your officers wish it to be understood that no personal animosity is felt by any of them to either Mr. or Mrs. Edwards whom we have come to esteem as a couple of great Christian integrity and high ideals, but they felt that the interests of the Lord's work here would be best served by the course they have just suggested.¹⁷¹

Debt Cleared

On a more optimistic note, it was reported that the debt on the church property, which was currently valued at £1300, had been reduced to £100. The church hoped to wipe out the debt by the end of the year.¹⁷² The debt was cleared on September

5th, when the amount was oversubscribed by £8.¹⁷³

Church Without a Preacher

Early in 1944 York St. once again found itself without a preacher, when the Edwards left to take up the work at Albury on February 14th.¹⁷⁴ In April they wrote to T. H. Scambler, principal of the College of the Bible, to see whether they could secure the services of a student.¹⁷⁵

Members on Active Duty

During the war years the church sent the church news sheet to members on active duty.¹⁷⁶ In June the church received the news that one of its members on active service, B. Mayne, "a fine Christian worker", was missing in an operation over Germany.¹⁷⁷

Church Anniversary

The church anniversary that year was addressed by Ces Jackel,¹⁷⁸ who was later to minister to the church.

Church Holding its Own

There was only one report from York St. in the 1945 Christian, which mentioned that 7 people had recently made decisions and that the church had commenced a monthly after-church song service.¹⁷⁹

Scout Group

In July, 1944 "Bro. Collet" asked for permission to form a scout group and to use the church property for meetings.¹⁸⁰

Student Ministry by R. W. Vautier

R. W. Vautier began a student ministry at the beginning of 1945.¹⁸¹ During the May college vacation he made 70 visits and reported 1 decision and 7 baptisms.¹⁸² In July the church raised his stipend to 10/- per week and he was asked to continue for a further twelve months.¹⁸³

Volunteer Mission

Between May the 19th and June 2nd,¹⁸⁴ 1946 a group of College of the Bible students, G. Barnett, H. Long and P. Whitmore, conducted a successful "volunteer mission" at York St.¹⁸⁵

Looking to Appoint Someone Full-time

In May 1946 the York St. officers considered asking for another student to take Vautier's place when his term finished at the end of the year.¹⁸⁶ The following month they decided that the time was ripe for them to once again appoint a full-time preacher.¹⁸⁷ The church eventually contacted Harold Long, who had been part of the student mission team in May. Long indicated that he would be able to take up a ministry at York St. at the conclusion of his college course in a little over twelve months time.¹⁸⁸ Long was engaged for 3 years to commence at the beginning of 1948 at a salary of £7/-/- per week.¹⁸⁹

Farewell to Vautier

Vautier was farewelled after the evening service on the 22nd of December, 1946.¹⁹⁰

J. Methven Sr.

To take care of the church for 12 months, while the church awaited Long's arrival, J. Methven Sr, who had been helping with the work at Doveton St. under Dawson St.'s auspices,¹⁹¹ was appointed to a part-time ministry.¹⁹² For this he was offered £4/-/- per week.¹⁹³

During 1947 York St. only once reported to the Christian and indicated, in doing so, that the Bible school averaged 100, which was 6 up on the previous year.¹⁹⁴

Despite the sustained absence of a full-time preacher, attendances kept up. The Methvens concluded their part-time ministry with the church on December 28th, 1947.

Co-operation With Other Churches of Christ in Ballarat

During 1947 and 1948 several suggestions for closer co-operation between the Churches of Christ in Ballarat were mooted. In responding to several of the schemes proposed, they indicated that, while they were in favour of holding a combined communion service, they saw no value in combined open-air services and they did "not view with favour the proposal to establish a central board of control for church government."¹⁹⁵

H. M. LONG, 1948-1952

Auspicious Beginning

Harold Long commenced a full-time ministry with the church on January 4th, 1948. During Long's absence on "furlough" in March, local men conducted the services.¹⁹⁶ In early April York St. co-operated with a number of local churches in a brief

mission. Long commenced a series of meetings on the second coming on April 25th, which increased attendance. Numbers for May 2 were 68 in the morning and 93 in the evening. School numbers were 142 and the work was in good heart.¹⁹⁷

At a business meeting in September it was reported that there had been a net increase in membership of 12 over the past six months. The church had raised £500 from all sources and the Bible school had averaged 123. In this buoyant atmosphere the church decided to launch a "Christian Crusade Campaign". Long continued to "serve the church well".¹⁹⁸

MT. CLEAR

During 1936 the Mt. Clear chapel was refurbished. It was painted throughout and three Gloria lights replaced the kerosene lamps used previously.¹⁹⁹ That year renewed interest was generated and "the little cause at Mt. Clear" showed "promise of reviving".²⁰⁰

Little was recorded of the life of the Mt. Clear congregation during most of 1937, apart from the fact of the presence of members from the church at joint meetings of the Ballarat churches. However, late in 1937, it was reported that, at an anniversary tea meeting, Albert Graham, from Peel St., led the Bible school children in choir items, at a meeting over which Wiltshire, from Dawson St., presided. It was obvious that the Bible school was in good heart.²⁰¹

Throughout 1939 and 1940 the Ballarat churches continued to assist Mt. Clear.²⁰² It would appear, however, that, at least by 1940, Mt. Clear was becoming the responsibility of Dawson St.²⁰³ Late in 1941, Geoff Reed, from Dawson St., resigned as superintendent of the Mt. Clear Sunday school, having being called up for military service.²⁰⁴

MEREDITH

The church at Meredith continued in existence during the period under review. During 1936 Dawson St. continued to take one service in 3.²⁰⁵ The church participated in the Hinrichsen-Morris mission at Geelong in February, 1937.²⁰⁶ In July, 1938 the church at Meredith indicated that they were still keen to continue services weekly.²⁰⁷ During 1943 Dawson St. was still supplying Meredith once a month.²⁰⁸ In July, 1947 E. Davey, from Dawson St. spoke at Meredith.²⁰⁹ That Meredith was still viable in the late 1950's is evident from an extant roster of preachers for 1956-1957, which lists, as participating churches, York St. Ballarat, La Trobe Tce. Geelong, Peel St., Ballarat, Belmont, Geelong, Dawson St., Ballarat,

and Drumcondra, Geelong, that is, the Ballarat and Geelong Churches.²¹⁰

[BCOC 304-321]