Beginning the Separation from Dawson St.

From 1980 Mt. Clear will be treated as a separate entity. That year saw the commencement of the Dunn's ministry. While Mark Dunn was officially employed by the board of the Dawson St. and Mt. Clear Churches, while it was intended that his salary be paid by the joint board and while Mark and Jan Dunn saw themselves in team ministry with Graeme and Helen Chapman, Mark would work exclusively with the Mt. Clear congregation. In the first year the church did occasionally join with Dawson St. for evening services, particularly when singing groups, such as "New Perspective", "Changing Moods" and the local "Maranatha Sounds" were featured.¹

MARK DUNN, 1980-1982

Dr. Bill Tabbernee, Principal of the College of the Bible, inducted Mark Dunn into the ministry at Mt. Clear on February 10th.

A New Focus

Indicative of a new focus that deliberately looked "beyond denominationalism", the Church, at the commencement of the Dunn's ministry, changed its name to "Mt. Clear Community Church: A Church of Christ".²

"At Home" Evenings

To introduce the Dunns to the congregation "at home' evenings were planned over 4 weeks, enabling the new minister and his wife to meet over 200 members and friends.³

New Logo

Early in the year a new logo was designed to symbolise the emphasis the church was placing on worship, togetherness, Christian education and community outreach.

Logos

The first issue of Logos, "The Word of the Christian Message", appeared on the 13th July, 1980. In the opening editorial Mark began:

Our church ought to remember today as a milestone in our history. We are having our 1980 Annual Business Meeting. We will finalise the election of our first Board of Deacons. We also go into print with this new church paper. All of these events point towards our growing local identity. It almost seems as if Mount Clear has "come of age."⁴

Jan Dunn was the first editor, assisted by Carol Harrison. Later editors were Lylia Hocking, John Harrison and Tom Dick.⁵

Ballarat CAE Service

On the 17th of August the church arranged a service for Ballarat CAE students. Those who organised the service were disappointed with the poor attendance of members. They recognised that this was a significant bridge building experience.⁶ Further services were planned for the future.⁷

Overseas Missions Giving

During 1980 $1040 was donated to Overseas Missions.⁸

Expanding Involvements

Once into 1981, Mt. Clear began to expand its involvements. The theme for the year was "Growing Together". Early in the year a church family camp was held at Snake Valley. The church shared with other Churches of Christ in their 1981 Begonia Festival service, which drew 600, and in a men's breakfast at Coles cafeteria at which 75 were present. A family service was held in the new auditorium at Mt. Clear Tech. Furthermore, four members from the church had become involved in religious instruction classes at the Mt. Clear Primary School.⁹

Twins

The most significant event for the Dunns during 1981 was the birth of twin daughters, Elissa and Wendy.¹⁰

Initial Board of Deacons

It was at the annual general meeting of the Mount Clear church on 13th July, 1980 that the first board of deacons was elected, with Colin Hocking as chairman. Other members of the board were Maude Smith, Bob Elms, David Jones, John Strong and Lorie Reed.¹¹

The Timms Mission at Peel St.

A second prayer breakfast was held during the year, in conjunction with a mission John Timms was conducting at Peel St., which was supported by other of the Churches of Christ in Ballarat. Several from Mt. Clear made decisions at the mission.

28% Increase in Giving

Also during the year a planned giving review with Ian Tippett, a Field Director with the Department of Mission, Education and Development, resulted in a 28% increase in giving.

Unemployment

Mark Dunn was deeply concerned with issues of social justice. Early in 1981 he made reference to the problems of the unemployed. In September he secured 40 signatures from the congregation for a letter, addressed to the Federal Government, advising of the church's opposition to the mooted scrapping of the CYSS programme.¹²

Chaplaincy

Early in 1982 the Dunn's spent two weeks on a cruise ship, when Mark acted as Chaplain.

Mt. Clear Affiliates with Conference

It was at the Vic-Tas Conference in 1982 that the church at Mt. Clear affiliated with conference in its own right.¹³

Combined Board Activities

Around the same time Mt. Clear members shared in three events organised by the Combined Board of the Churches of Christ in Ballarat, a leadership training course, a prayer breakfast and a combined communion service.¹⁴

Opposition to Poker Machines

In the early part of the year Mark Dunn chaired a sub-committee of the Ballarat Council of Churches that sought to counter the influence of the Licensed Clubs Association, who were seeking to introduce poker machines into Victoria.¹⁵ In May, concerned at the lack of interest among the Christian community in Ballarat in the issue of gambling, and particularly at the church at Mt. Clear, he wrote, in the Logos editorial for the 16th:

The Cain government is talking about Casinos here in Victoria. I have been expressing my concern on TV and through the press about the possible introduction of Poker Machines and encouraging you to voice a Christian opinion also. Mailing cards were issued for your use last Sunday. To my dismay, I find that some Christian don't have an opinion or are reluctant to become involved because politics is at the hub of the issue.¹⁶

Reaching Into the Community

Mid-year the church conducted a successful letter-box drop in the Mt. Helen area and invited several local doctors to an evening service, where they were interviewed.¹⁷ Concerned to relate to the community, the church, later in the year, combined with a local Anglican prayer and Bible study group for a series of studies. They held a children's workshop for Religious Instruction classes from the local primary school and involved children from their day kindergarten in a family service. They were also involved in a Scouts Church Parade in the local secondary school theatre.¹⁸

The Dunns Moving On

Mid way through 1982 the Dunns decided to conclude their ministry with Mt. Clear. The date set for finishing was 2 Jan 1983. They were to move to Knoxfield, where they would begin on the 6th February.¹⁹ Realising that the church was having difficulty replacing the Dunns, John Harrison, a member at Mt. Clear, wrote an open letter to the Christian, addressing larger churches with multiple staff, asking whether it was right for them to corner the market and leave small churches without ministerial assistance.²⁰

Social Justice

On Social Justice Sunday in 1982 Dunn returned to a key theme. He argued that

We need to reflect again on what it means for us to live as Christians in a world increasingly marked by injustice and exploitation.

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.

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Justice is one of the great themes of the Bible. The Scriptures point to God as a God of righteousness and justice as well as a God of mercy and love. God's justice is seen both in the justification of sinners and in the establishment of social and political justice.²¹

Sunday School Moved to Tuesday Nights

During 1982 one development, designed to take advantage of changed circumstances, was the shifting of the Sunday school from Sunday to Tuesday nights. Shortly after the shift attendances averaged 60.²²

Maude Smith

The annual general meeting in November, 1982 acknowledged the contribution of Maude Smith to the life of the church, and, in particular, her loyal and concerned service as a board member.²³

Going it Alone

When the Dunns moved on to Knoxfield at the end of the year, they were "greatly missed." Sufficient had been achieved, under two recent ministries, to convince the

church that it should go it alone. Following a joint meeting of the Dawson St. and Mt. Clear congregations, it was decided that Mt. Clear would become a separate congregation with its own administration and financial structure as from January 1st, 1983.

Philip Stephens to Begin in 1984

Philip Stevens, then minister at Reservoir, accompanied Don Smith to Mt. Clear on the 11th of November to meet the Board.²⁴ In December it was reported that Stevens had accepted the church's call and that he would begin in 1994.²⁵

Church Without a Minister During 1983

Mt. Clear carried on without a minister during 1983. However, knowing that they would have a minister in 1994 enabled the church to maintain momentum.

Continuing Development

Early in 1983 the church enthusiastically commented that services continued to draw a full house. In February a house party of 15 attended the Belgrave Heights convention. Also in February a member of the church, Terry Jordan, participated in a three-week work party to Tonga.²⁶ In March Mt. Clear hosted the second combined Churches of Christ prayer meeting, when there were 45 present. It was around this time that Mt. Clear, like other Churches of Christ in Ballarat, geared up for the John Bond, "Come Alive Festival", which was to be held in the Memorial Theatre from April 24th to May 8th.²⁷

Manse for the New Minister

The Stevens visited the church on the 26th June, 1983 for a "getting to know you" day.²⁸ On August 1st, 1983 the board decided to purchase the house next door to the church at 1318 Geelong Rd, with the assistance of the Properties Corporation, for $41,500.²⁹

Inaugural Constitution

At the annual meeting in 1983 an inaugural constitution was adopted.

Temple Day Offering

The Temple Day offering that year amounted to $1020.

PHILIP STEVENS, 1984-1988

The church, buoyed by enthusiasm, continued planning for the arrival of their new minister. It was decided that he would be inducted on February 5th by Don Smith, Director of the Department of Mission, Education and Development.³⁰ Philip Stevens was born in Tasmania, and had spent time in South Australia, Queensland and Victoria. He had travelled from state to state with his minister father. He had had a variety of jobs before training for the ministry, He had delivered telegrams, worked in a soft drink factory and a used car yard. He entered the College of the Bible in 1973 and had student ministries at Box Hill, South Melbourne and Williamstown. After graduating he ministered for three years at Warrnambool and for four years at Reservoir. His wife Val, who had worked in a share brokers office, had been born and raised at Box Hill.³¹

Induction

The church at Mt. Clear was packed for Philip Stevens's induction. Shortly after the induction, "Come to the Manse" meetings were held, to allow the new minister to meet the congregation.

Janet Hocking for WEC

In February Janet Hocking commenced studies at the WEC Missionary Training College in Tasmania.³²

Colin Hocking in Kenya

In July Colin Hocking returned from Kenya, following an Extension Action Programme with the Gideons, where 219,000 Scriptures were distributed.³³

Church Notice

Mid-year Philip Stevens, ever the larrikin and opportunist, in consultation with the board, placed a large sign on the front of the church, which read "Are You FOR SALE?: Be sold on JESUS: See Your Agent, CHURCH OF CHRIST." The sign created a deal of interest. Many, reading only the large print, thought that the church was for sale.³⁴

David and Heather Jones to Fitzroy Crossing

On October 28th, David and Heather Jones were commissioned as missionaries with the United Aborigines Mission. David was to work as store manager at Fitzroy Crossing. They had been members at Mt. Clear for 9 1/2 years. They had four children, Sharon, Rachelle, Quentin and Belinda.

Tragic Drowning

However, a few days after arriving at Fitzroy Crossing, on November 18th, Belinda, who was 4, accidentally drowned in the Fitzroy River. She was buried two days later. The church set up a fund to enable the family to fly home to be with their family and friends and to attend a memorial service, before returning to resume their work at Fitzroy Crossing. During the service David sang the song, "There is a Time for Everything", and shared his testimony to an overflowing crowd of relatives and friends.³⁵

Minister Kidnapped

There were seven baptisms in the space of two months and the minister was kidnapped by the youth group, who demanded a ransom of 100 food items as Mt. Clear's contribution to Peplow House, an overnight shelter for men established by the Ballarat Council of Churches. More significantly, at the annual meeting, a motion was passed to purchase a 3.5 ha block to rebuild the church on a new site.³⁶

Allan Hocking to Melbourne for Training

Towards the end of 1984 Allan Hocking was in training in Melbourne as a Youth Guidance worker.³⁷ Both Alan and Janet Hocking were supported by the church while studying.³⁸

Combined Service

Over the holiday period the four Ballarat churches combined for services. The first was held at Mt. Clear.³⁹

Study Groups

During 1985 there were, at Mt. Clear, three groups studying Navigator material, a well as 2 other Bible study groups.⁴⁰ A Young Marrieds group had also been commenced.⁴¹

Mission Involvements

For three months, early in 1985, Bob and Claire Elms were in Taiwan, with the OMS.⁴² In 1986 Philip and Lorraine Sheedy, with their daughter Wendy, worked in Western Australia with Mobile Mission Maintenance.⁴³

Committee System

To streamline business at Board meetings the board recommended at their May meeting that a committee system be instituted.⁴⁴ At the September, 1987 meeting of the board, Philip Stevens suggested that the format of the board be changed. An extraordinary meeting of the board was called to discuss this possibility on the 21st

of September.⁴⁵ At the December board meeting a portfolio system was instituted.⁴⁶

The Idea of Amalgamation Floated

It was also in May, 1986 that a letter was received from Alex Wilson, minister at Dawson St., suggesting that the Churches of Christ in Ballarat amalgamate. Mt. Clear agreed to contribute members to a task force to look at the issue.⁴⁷ This was the fourth time that this idea had been officially proposed. Others who had made the suggestion were C. L. Thurgood in the 1880's, G. T. Fitzgerald in the 1920's and Graeme Chapman in the 1970's. All were ministers at Dawson St.

A New Building

In August, 1983 the church began looking at the possibility of extending their chapel, which was inadequate for their current needs.⁴⁸ However, after spending considerable time exploring this option, they eventually decided to build on a new site. By mid-1986 plans for a new complex on the 8-acre site, that had been purchased for $29,500,⁴⁹ were well on the way.⁵⁰ An offer from the Buninyong Shire Council of $65,000 for the Kindergarten and land in Dallas Avenue was accepted. The church did not have to pay back the 1970's government grant of $30,000. A Properties Corporation loan of $58,000, which brought the total Corporation loan to $94,000, also assisted in financing the project.⁵¹ The temple day offering in 1986, anticipating the construction of the new building, was $4,500. On May 17th, 1987 the last service was conducted in the 30-year-old chapel at Mt. Clear, which was later moved to the new 8-acre site, where it was to be used for youth activities. The church was very much aware at this time of a commitment to Growing into the Future.⁵² The new complex itself was to include a 200-seat chapel, minister's study, a board room, a multi-room, a kitchen and a toilet block.

Work on the new chapel was commenced in 1987, the contract price being $174,500. The real cost however included a further $30,000, which was made up of furnishings, carpet, car park, landscaping and donated materials. Colin Hocking was project manager, giving eight-months voluntary labour to landscaping, site works and drainage.⁵³ The building of the complex was contracted to Geoff Harrison, a builder from York St. To help meet costs the church was able to sell its Pre-school centre and vacant land. The money from these sales, together with gifts from members and a loan from the Properties Corporation enabled the church to proceed with the project.⁵⁴ During construction the congregation worshipped at the Mount Clear Secondary College.⁵⁵ The opening celebration in the new building was held on October 11th at 11am.⁵⁶ On the 13th July, 1987 the old chapel was transported to the new site and attached to the rear of the new complex, where it

was used as a youth hall. The old site, at 1320 Geelong Road was sold for $20,000. The Mt. Doran building was sold for $2000 and removed from the site.⁵⁷

Howard and Iris Trezise

Howard Trezise, who for many years had carried major responsibility for the church, before its separation from Dawson St., underwent by-pass surgery in early September.⁵⁸ The following year, Iris, his wife, required the same operation.

125th Anniversary

On November 6th, 1988 the church celebrated its first 12 months in the new complex and 125 years of witness at Mt. Clear. Guest speaker for the occasion was the Vic-Tas Conference President, Gerald Rose.⁵⁹

Stevens Moves On

At the February elders meeting Stephens indicated that he would be concluding his ministry at the end of the year.⁶⁰ In December, Stevens, whose father died on October 13th, brought to an end a five-year ministry at Mt. Clear. He commenced a ministry at Croydon, South Australia, in the New Year. The Stevens were missed.⁶¹

Search For New Minister

Once they had received word that Stevens would be going at the end of the year the board began searching for a replacement. They decided to explore the possibility that Dale White, who would graduate from Carlingford at the end of 1989, may be open to an invitation. Don Smith, Director of the Department of Mission, Education and Development had suggested Dale as a possibility.⁶² Dale and Wendy White visited the church from Sydney on the 27th of June, 1988.⁶³ Following this meeting the church was keen to engage Dale, who responded positively to their invitation. He was to commence on the 4th February, 1990.⁶⁴ This meant that the church needed to search for someone to conduct a year's interim ministry.

The Sheedys to Perth

One other event that occurred in the latter part of 1988 was the departure of David and Linda Sheedy to Perth, where they were to commence theological training in 1989.

Relationship Seminar

Also late in 1989 YFC and CWCI sponsored a Relationship Seminar with Graeme and Julie Cann.⁶⁵

PAUL CREASEY, 1989

Paul Creasey was appointed `interim minister for 1989. Paul was inducted on the 5th March, 1989. Creasey, who had been trained at Kingsley College, a Wesleyan Methodist institution, had been minister at St. Kilda, in Melbourne. Under Creasey's ministry the church continued to prosper.⁶⁶

Emphasis on Interpersonal Relationships

At his first meeting with the board Creasey indicated that he saw his role as that of "making the church more appealing, caring, joyful and worshipping". The church needed to put away the difficulties of the past and concentrate on growth. He saw the development of inter-personal relationships as being of paramount importance.⁶⁷

The early months of Paul's ministry saw 3 recommitments.⁶⁸ Later in the year the church gained 3 new members by transfer and 4 by baptism.⁶⁹

Ballarat CAE Students

Paul Creasey sought to encourage the work of Christian students on campus. Early in the year students from the Ballarat CAE where welcomed to a morning service and offered hospitality afterwards.⁷⁰ Later in the year another fellowship luncheon was held for them.⁷¹

Hockings Inducted at Queenstown

In Mid-June 1989 Colin and Lylia Hocking, who had given much to the church at Mt. Clear, in effort, oversight and finance, particularly in the construction of the new building, for which the church was enormously grateful, were inducted into the ministry of the church at Queenstown in South Australia.⁷²

Women Elders

A significant notice of motion was passed at the 1989 Annual Meeting to change wording in the constitution to allow for women elders.⁷³ Two years later Lyn Edwards and Bev Sutcliffe became the first women elders.⁷⁴

Church at the Pinnies

Acting on his own initiative, but supported by the church, one of the members, Allan Hocking (a youth guidance officer), during 1989 worked at setting up a "Church at the Pinnies," i.e., in the local pin-ball parlour.⁷⁵

Tally for the Year

At the end of his year at Mt. Clear Creasy was gratified with a membership increase of 18. Two others were also contemplating baptism.⁷⁶

DALE WHITE, 1990-

Dale White, settling into Mt. Clear with his wife Wendy and son Christopher, took up the ministry at the Mt. Clear church from the beginning of 1990. Dale was ordained and inducted on the 4th of February.⁷⁷ The church soon warmed to Dale's enthusiasm, his rapid-fire delivery and his impressive musical ability.⁷⁸

Attracted by Love

In the editorial in the Logos of the 11 March 1990 White laid down clearly the focus he intended taking. He argued that

Some churches grow because of their highly organised evangelistic programmes. They grow by proclamation. Others grow because they show a genuine, spirit-filled, enthusiastic love for each other and for others. They simply grow by attraction.

Let's face it; in today's hi-tech impersonal world where relationships are so fragile--a place where people can experience a genuine love is an attraction indeed. I believe that we can be a church that grows by attraction--because of our love.⁷⁹

In later issues of the Logos Dale suggested that the Mt. Clear church should be loving, inspiring, visionary and evangelistic.⁸⁰ The emphasis, throughout Dale's ministry at Mt. Clear, was on the church being The Church with a Heart.⁸¹

The Flemmings to the College of the Bible

At the beginning of the year Peter and Joyce Flemming, a young married couple from the church, began studying at the Churches of Christ Theological College at Mulgrave.⁸²

Creative Worship Seminar

In August over 80 attended a Creative Worship Seminar in Ballarat, organised by the Ballarat Churches of Christ. Participants came from as far afield as Maryborough, Portland, Creswick, Castlemaine and Ararat. The programme was conducted by local talent, together with presenters from Youth Vision and the Department of Mission, Education and Development. The programme, held at York St., proved enormously beneficial.⁸³

First Baptism at Mt. Clear in 40 Years

Late in 1990 the first baptism in 40 years was conducted at Mt. Clear. Previously, baptisms had been conducted at Dawson St., because Mt. Clear was without a baptistery. The baptistery in the new chapel had been recently completed. 19-year-old Pamela Sutcliffe was baptised by her father, a new member at Mt. Clear, formerly pastor of the Town and City Mission and currently Field Officer for Prison Fellowship International.

Church Growth Seminar

White was in Wollongong, NSW, from October 15 to 18, attending a Church Growth seminar conducted by Ben Merold of the Eastside Christian Church in America.⁸⁴

Attendance and Membership

1990 was a good year. Attendances at services increased 15%, youth work expanded and membership grew.⁸⁵ By the end of the year attendances were averaging 90.⁸⁶ In his report to the annual meeting in 1990 Dale White indicated that he was keen to increase the church's involvement with students from the Ballarat University College, as the former Ballarat CAE was now known.⁸⁷ 150 attended the 127th church anniversary in 1990. A temple day offering raised $9,966 to offset building costs.⁸⁸ The 1991 Good Friday service attracted 171 people.⁸⁹

Ministering in the 90's

Mt. Clear joined York St. to engage Barry McMurtrie for a weekend seminar on "Ministering in the 90's". The seminar ran from the 26th to the 28th of April.⁹⁰

Parenting Seminar

From May 31st to June 2nd, 1991⁹¹ 30 were ere involved in a Parenting Seminar with Brian and Joan White, Dale's parents. Brian was a Field Director with the Department of Mission, Education and Development.

Parade of Bridal Gowns

A Women's Evening Fellowship was formed in 1991. The group took the name the Lorikeets. Merle Reed was the co-ordinator. She was later succeeded by Margaret Dowrick. In June, 1991 the Lorikeets organised a parade of bridal gowns from the 1880's to the 1990's. The oldest gown was 160 years old. There were 70 gowns and 100 dresses on display. 250 attended.⁹² The bulk of the money went to provide a new illuminated sign at the entrance to the property, which read, "The Church with a Heart."⁹³

Church Teas

During Winter monthly church teas proved popular.⁹⁴

A Hive of Activity

Mid-year saw the church a hive of activity. There were record attendances during June. A "Winter Conference" weekend with Graham Agnew, senior minister at Marion, South Australia, from August 2 to 4,⁹⁵ proved highly successful. A cabaret weekend attracted over 20 adults, one third of them unchurched. A new speakers club was organised under the leadership of Bill Sutcliffe and Ian Davis. Howard Trezise, an elder, and a team he had gathered together, were conducting regular services at a local geriatric centre.⁹⁶ Following a planned giving programme with Ian Tippett, offerings were averaging $1,000. Morning services were averaging 100.⁹⁷ A little later in the year 5 attended a church family camp, the first in over 10 years. Three new elders were elected, Lyn Edwards and Bill and Bev Sutcliffe.⁹⁸ At the invitation of Mt. Clear's CWF, the new building became the venue for the Victorian CWF Council Meeting, attended by 112 ladies from city and country churches.⁹⁹ A Temple Day offering raised nearly $4000 to offset building loans, while a candle-light carols service drew 200.¹⁰⁰

Bethel Bible Studies

At the 1991 Annual Meeting in September, Dale White indicated that he planned to begin teaching a special two-year Bethel Bible course.¹⁰¹

Attendances Increasing

In his report to the September annual meeting Dale White indicated that morning attendances were up 20% from 98 to 118, while evening attendances had climbed from 50 to 57, an increase of 14%.¹⁰²

Enthusiastic Start to the New Year

The first of several church fairs, organised by Chris Adams, Bev Sutcliffe and Pam Sutcliffe raised $3300 for various ministries and auxiliaries.¹⁰³ There were record attendances during February, with morning numbers averaging 120. A welcome dinner was held for incoming students of the Ballarat University College, the music ministry of the church was showing continuing improvement and a newly-formed Young Mum's Bible Study group was proving successful.¹⁰⁴ In March an information night and a series of luncheons were organised to help assimilate new people who were attending services. A second phase of the Explorers Club, for boys and girls from grades prep to 2 was organised, while the Young Adults ministry was beginning to grow.¹⁰⁵ Numbers continued to climb, with attendances during June averaging nearly 200 at the am. service. The church was expanding in other ways as

well, with the birth, mid-year, of 8 babies! It was also around this time that an early-morning prayer meeting was commenced.¹⁰⁶ Later, in October, a weekly half-night of prayer was commenced.¹⁰⁷

Winter Conference, 1992

The Winter Conference in 1992, which was held from June 24 to 26 and proved very successful,¹⁰⁸ was conducted by Paul Cameron, senior minister of the Doncaster Church of Christ.¹⁰⁹

Four Year Extension

In 1992 Dale White accepted a further 4-year term with the church, which extended his ministry till the end of 1997. Symbolising the commitment on both sides, Dale and Wendy purchased a home of their own in the area.¹¹⁰ In 1993 the manse was sold for $80,000, helping to reduce the church's indebtedness to $35,000.

Significant Decisions

As 1992 drew to a close, the church took two significant decisions. It was decided to give 10% of offerings to missions and the board was restructured to include several task forces with specific responsibilities.¹¹¹

Crowd at Carols by Candlelight

A candle-lit carols service drew a crowd of 350 to the church at the close of the 1992 church year.¹¹² The COCOA Christmas offering was $505.¹¹³

Evidence of Continuing Growth

Early in 1993 a Twilight Fair raised $2591 for the church's ministries and auxiliaries. Attendances during February averaged 151 in the mornings and 77 in the evening. At the same time the church offered a free welcome dinner to Christian students at Ballarat University College. There were also at that time 9 members involved in teaching Christian Religious Education and 5 home fellowship groups were operating.¹¹⁴

David Jones Appointed Pastoral Assistant

Also in 1993 David Jones was appointed pastoral assistant, his responsibility being senior members and shut-ins.¹¹⁵ The appointment was a short-term response to local needs.¹¹⁶

Week of Evangelism With John Bond

In May 1983 John Bond, in a programme advertised as "Break Free 93",¹¹⁷ led the church in a week of evangelism.¹¹⁸

Continuing Momentum

Average attendances in May were 154 in the morning and 110 in the evening. In June, 50 attended a camp at Halls Gap.¹¹⁹

Leadership 2000

During June and July, 1983 Dale White travelled to America with a group of young Churches of Christ ministers for a four-week study programme funded by Christian Projects.¹²⁰ They were located for most of the time in Anaheim. On returning, Dale commented:

The whole experience has provided me with new insights into leadership, a new vision of what can be done in a local church, and a more focussed picture of what the church should be. It has also provided me with a great network of new friends and colleagues who are committed to excellence and growth in local church ministry.¹²¹

Sutcliffe Appointed Director of Prison Fellowship

Mid-year one of the church elders, Bill Sutcliffe, was appointed Director of Prison Fellowship, Victoria.¹²²

New Office Equipment

In the second half of the year the church, to efficiently manage the increase in membership and attendance, set up an administrative office, purchasing a new computer, laser printer and office furniture.¹²³

Statistics

By September 1993 there were 100 members and 15 Christians in fellowship.¹²⁴

130th Anniversary

In October the church celebrated its 130th anniversary, when Phillip Stevens, a former minister, was guest preacher for the evening service. The afternoon programme featured an historical review in the theatre at the Mount Clear Secondary College.¹²⁵

[BCOC 443-457]