H. A. L. CLARK, 1976-1978

H. A. L. Clark was inducted by his father on 7th February. A. B. Clark was a veteran preacher within Churches of Christ.¹ A son of the manse, Harvey Clark was born in Bundaberg, Queensland during the war. After working for the PMG as a telecommunications technician trainee, when one of his teachers was John Morris, in 1976 principal of the telecom school in Ballarat and an elder at Dawson St./Mt. Clear, he entered the College of the Bible to train for the ministry. During his college training he had student ministries at South Sylvan, Noble Park, Dunolly--Bet Bet and Ascot Vale and Newmarket. He was in ministry at Harvey in WA when he was called to minister at Peel St.² Speaking to the board on the 2nd of February, five days before his induction, Clark indicated that he regarded prayer as the great strength of the church and that it was his desire that Peel St. would become a truly praying church.³

Deacons' Retreat

The deacons' board at a retreat with their new minister on the 21st of February, discussed the issue of church growth.⁴

Daryl McLeod for Berwick

Early in the year, Daryl McLeod, a member at Peel St. who had graduated from Woolwich, was farewelled by the church before entering upon an associate ministry with Barry McMurtrie at Berwick.

40% Increase in Giving

Around the same time the board met with Trevor Giles, Field Director with the Department of Home Missions and Evangelism, to plan a review planned giving programme,⁵ which resulted in a 40% increase.⁶

Alfredton Sunday School

In May Frank Clark reported that 30 children in the Alfredton area had been contacted, that the average attendance at the Sunday School, commenced six weeks ago, was 18. The age range was between 3 and 14.⁷ In July a record attendance of 27 was reached.⁸

Win Arn Seminar

In June Harvey Clark, Harvey's brother Frank Clark and Max White attended the Advanced Church Growth Seminar with Win Arn in Melbourne.⁹

Elcho Island Visit

In August Wayne Filmer and Harry Ashton flew to Elcho Island to visit the Wards, who were working with MAF.¹⁰

Wayne Talbot Accepted at the College of the Bible

By September, one of the Peel St. young people, Wayne Talbot, was notified that his application to enter the College of the Bible had been accepted. He would commence the following year.¹¹ The board earlier committed the church to financially assist Wayne during his college course, which they had done with other students from the church studying for ministry.¹² They voted him $60 for the first year.¹³ Later in the year he was invited to attend board meetings in preparation for his time at the College of the Bible.¹⁴

1977

Harvey Clark preached at the Churches of Christ Ballarat Begonia Festival Service in 1977 on the 25th Anniversary of the Festival to 500 people.¹⁵ Later in the year Clark led the Junior Camp at Halls Gap. In June an afternoon Girls' club was started and the exterior and hall of the chapel were painted.¹⁶ Later in the year Clark was speaker at the North Central Conference at Swan Hill.¹⁷

Clark to Finish

In September, 1977 Clark indicated to the board that he would not be accepting a further term beyond his initial three years. Responding to this news, the deacons approached Geoff Rowcroft, then associate minister at Dawson St./Mt. Clear "to discuss areas of common interest in a future ministry."¹⁸ Rowcroft indicated, however, that he saw his future with Dawson St./Mt. Clear.¹⁹ In November the church asked Clark to reconsider his decision to leave at the end of his initial term.²⁰

Church Growth Seminar at Berwick

Stimulated by a Church Growth seminar with Barry McMurtrie in October, 1977.²¹ Peel St. developed several successful initiatives. A monthly inter-generational worship service at 9:30, which drew an average of 120, was initiated and basket lunches, following the 11am worship service, were held regularly, when Church Growth progress was discussed.²² In July it was reported that 1 in 5 members were

involved weekly in revitalised Bible study programmes.

Ballarat North Sunday School

In the latter part of 1977 a Sunday school was opened in Ballarat North, with Ian O'Brien, a deacon at Peel St., as superintendent. In the early days there were 12 students.²³ By the beginning of the following year numbers had climbed to 15.²⁴

Searching For Minister

The church continued to search for a minister for 1979. The board was keen on one prospect, but they felt they needed to find out more about his theology. The elders listed a number of questions that would elicit the required information. They were:

Do you believe in the Bible as our authority?

Do you preach the Word?

Do you talk on the Second Coming of Christ?

You say you believe in Church Growth but you do not believe in gimmicks.

Could you state some of the gimmicks?

Do you believe in planned giving?

Do you consider baptism essential to the plan of salvation?

The question of the justification for our existence was discussed at our meeting with you. The members of the board presented their individual views. You felt the great use of manpower was a justification. Following on this, do you think we have a distinctive witness today? If so, is it being presented in our churches? What is this distinctive message if you think there is one?

Your opinions or views on co-operation with other churches. A. Churches of Christ locally. B. Uniting churches etc. We appreciate your emphasis on prayer with elders. What do you expect of board and church members in relationship to attendances at prayer meetings of the church?

The Grahams Retire from the Sunday School

It was also at this time that Albert Graham and his wife retired after years of service with the Peel St. Sunday school.²⁵

Early Winter Services

During winter, services shifted forward to 5pm and were both varied and stimulating.²⁶

The Clarks Move On

Harvey Clark concluded his ministry with the Peel St. church on December 17th, prior to commencing an interim ministry at Horsham.

Following up a Possibility

Mid-way through 1978 John Timms conducted a mission at La Trobe Terrace in Geelong. He brought Jim Cunningham, from Queensland, to work with him.²⁷ The Peel St. church sought an interview with Cunningham, inviting him to Ballarat on the 19th and 20th of August.²⁸ The church was impressed with Cunningham. Though they thought that his sermon lacked a little, they were convinced that he would fit into Peel St. theologically. Furthermore, he was committed to the Lord and enthusiastic.²⁹ The conditions of Cunningham's call were that he would commence a continuing ministry with the church at the beginning of 1979, with the option of one year's unpaid sabbatical after 6 years.³⁰ The church endorsed his appointment in October.³¹

Family Service

In October a monthly Family service was commenced, which began at 9:30am.³²

Clarks Farewelled

The Clarks were farewelled after the pm service on the 17th December.³³

JIM CUNNINGHAM, 1979-1985

Jim had accepted Jesus as saviour at the age of ten in the Christian Church, Leeton, Missouri, USA. He enrolled at Ozark Bible College, Joplin, Missouri, when he was 18. After graduating he served as a youth minister in western Kansas. Jim came to Australia in 1973 to become associate minister to Dr. Arnold Caldicott in Toowoomba, Queensland. He was currently completing the third year of his term at Doonside, an outer Sydney suburb. Jim was a member of the Independent Churches of Christ in the USA.³⁴ The church was very happy with the first month of Cunningham's ministry. Their instinct about his suitability was confirmed.³⁵

Timms-Cunningham Mission at La Trobe Terrace

In early September, 1979 John Timms, who had been five years at Paddington, conducted another mission at La Trobe Tce. Geelong, with Jim Cunningham as song leader again.³⁶

Manifold Heights Anniversary

On October 21st Jim Cunningham travelled to Geelong to preach at Manifold Heights anniversary.³⁷

CASE

People in Ballarat who were concerned about what they saw as deteriorating social mores, banded together to resist a further erosion of values. They formed a committee, naming their organisation, Citizens Against Social Evil. The first meeting of this new organisation was held at St. Cuthbert's church on 12th of February, 1978.³⁸ Early targets were alcohol advertising, homosexuality and pornography. Max White, Peel St. secretary, was heavily involved in the crusade and reported periodically to Peel St. on the activities of CASE, as well as seeking to enlist the support of church members.³⁹

Collingwood

During the year the Collingwood church withdrew from association with the State conference. While Peel St. did not contemplate a similar action, they were in sympathy with Collingwood⁴⁰ and invited a representative from that church to their deacons' meeting to explain the reasons for the church's withdrawal. Don Prout, the minister at Collingwood, attended a meeting in May, 1980, when the officers commented on his "very interesting and Bible-based explanation."⁴¹

1980 Begonia Festival

Jim Cunningham, who was being enjoyed at Peel, St. by an expanding congregation, preached at the 1980 Churches of Christ Begonia Festival Service in the Memorial Theatre. He spoke on the theme, "Jesus is Lord,"⁴² to 600 people.⁴³

Renovations

Appreciative of Cunningham's ministry, the church renovated the manse, painting it inside and out and laying new floor coverings and converting oil heating to gas.⁴⁴ The chapel was also painted, the ceiling was insulated, curtains were hung and the platform was floodlit.

Increased Attendances

In his early years at Peel St., Jim benefited from an influx of disenchanted members from other churches in Ballarat, not an uncommon local phenomenon for new ministers in Ballarat.⁴⁵

Increased Financial Commitment

With increased attendances, and good offerings, the church made a commitment to increase its giving to others by 12 1/2 %. Furthermore, they pledged to support David and Robyn Harmer in New Guinea, with an additional $1500 over three years.⁴⁶

Debate over the Participation of Women

During 1980 the issue of the part played by women in the ministry of the church was again raised. Frank Clark suggested that the church should consider using women in worship services. A motion to that effect was defeated on the vote of the chairman.⁴⁷

Several Concerns

During 1981 the church expressed concern over a number of issues. They were unhappy with BTV 6 because of a "Willesee at 7" programme and encouraged members to sign a petition against the introduction of sex education in schools. They were also concerned that College of the Bible students were not being taught to preach adequately.⁴⁸ The following year the church protested to the Department of Christian Unity about a dance the Department was sponsoring and to which Peel St. had the "strongest objection."⁴⁹

"Turn Round Australia"

Also during 1980 representatives of the Ballarat Churches of Christ approached BTV6 to see whether the station would be willing to regularly screen Gordon Moyes TV programme, "Turn Round Australia".⁵⁰ The management indicated that it was their policy not to accept paid religious broadcasts, though they suggested that they may put on the programme as a station feature. They were required to give time to religious programmes.⁵¹

1981

Enthusiasm continued to mount at Peel St. during 1981. By the end of the year it was reported that the church was packed to capacity for morning worship services and that weekly offerings far exceeded the planned giving budget. In addition, Beth O'Brien had commenced a new Drop-in Craft Day.⁵² Also during 1981 Peel St. organised a mission with John Timms, a former minister, as missioner. It was supported by the other Churches of Christ in Ballarat.⁵³ The mission, in which Richard and Shirley Pearce were involved, ran from the 28th of June to the 12th of July.⁵⁴

Minister Looking to Buy a House

In April, 1981 Cunningham raised with the board the possibility of his purchasing the manse. This, option, however, was not proceeded with.⁵⁵ In March, 1982 Cunningham returned to Toowoomba to take a service.

Mark Dunn Taken to Task

In May the Ballarat Council of Churches formed a committee to gather information on plans to site a casino in Ballarat. Mark Dunn, as spokesperson for the committee, was interviewed by the Ballarat Courier. The Peel St. board took umbrage at what were reported as his comments on gambling and protested to the

Regional Board and the elders of the Ballarat churches.⁵⁶ In responding to the Regional Board, Dunn indicated that he had been misquoted by the Courier.⁵⁷

Frank Clark and 3BA "Good News"

In 1982 the Christian carried an add for Frank Clark's "Good News" programme over 3BA. Frank, a son of A. B. Clark and brother of Harvey and Adrian Clark, all of whom were ministers, taught at a blind school, was inaugural superintendent of the Alfredton Sunday School and had a regular Christian programme over 3BA.⁵⁸

1983

Jim Cunningham continued to be appreciated by the congregation at Peel St. during 1983, the fifth year of his ministry. They warmed to his "straight, Bible-based gospel preaching", his "excellent teaching", his attentiveness to the sick and the fact that he was "always available when needed."⁵⁹ The seniors were appreciating regular picnics organised by the Drop-In group.⁶⁰ In August the church organised the first in a series of after-church coffee shops, which proved a great success.⁶¹ Later in the year the church donated $750 towards the cost of a fibre-glass boat for David Harmer in New Guinea. The annual meeting showed continuing progress in all departments.⁶²

"Come Alive Festival"

What would have been considered the most significant event participated in by the Ballarat Churches of Christ during 1982 was the "Come Alive Festival" with John Bond and David Yardley, which was held from April 24th to May 8th.⁶³ Peel Street participated in the mission with vigour and enthusiasm.⁶⁴ They later baptised 5 people who came forward during the mission.⁶⁵

Wayne and Helen Filmer to New Guinea with MAF

Late in 1983 a commissioning service, organised by the minister and members of Missionary Aviation Fellowship, was held in the chapel for Wayne and Helen Filmer, who were to serve with MAF in Papua New Guinea. Wayne, who had been on the board at Peel St. for some time, had been employed by MAF at the Ballarat airport.⁶⁶

Reduction in Minister's Salary

In February, 1984 Jim Cunningham asked that his salary be reduced to $150 per week and that the balance be placed in a fund to be drawn on if required. A business venture in which his wife had recently engaged was flourishing and they had "decided to give back to the Lord."⁶⁷

Purchase of Home

In May Cunningham advised the officers that he was in the process of purchasing a home.⁶⁸ The following month the church decided to sell the manse and invest the money.⁶⁹

"Dig Deeper, Aim Higher"

The theme for 1984 at Peel St. was "Dig Deeper--Aim Higher".⁷⁰ It was introduced by Jim Cunningham over two Sundays. A series of Bible readings dealing with the theme, together with a bookmark, were published. As the printing press, owned by the church, was in a shed at the back of the manse it needed to be relocated in a shed at the rear of the chapel.⁷¹ The minister's car allowance was split in two, with $30 being forwarded to the Overseas Mission Board to go towards D. Harmer's expenses and $30 to the Christian to help support Chris Ambrose.⁷²

Seth Wilson and Doug Williams from Ozark

Over one weekend in July special Bible studies were brought by Seth Wilson, dean emeritus of Ozark Bible College, and Doug Williams, a part-time lecturer at Ozark. The two Americans, from the college where Jim Cunningham had trained, were greatly appreciated.⁷³

Cunningham Resigns

In August Cunningham indicated that he would not seek re-engagement after his initial six-year term. He planned to terminate his ministry early in December.⁷⁴ In October, when it looked as if there would be no ministers available in 1985, Cunningham offered to help the church in a part-time capacity, without salary. It was suggested that the money saved would help the church refurbish the front of the chapel.⁷⁵ Cunningham's offer was taken up.⁷⁶ For a period early in the New Year, while Jim Cunningham was in the USA, Bill Marshall, a retired minister living in the area, filled in.⁷⁷

1985

Peel St. continued in good heart during 1985. During the winter, 5pm services, at which members were able to express their talents, proved a great success.⁷⁸ Gordon Moyes, a Churches of Christ Minister who was at the time Senior Minister of Wesley Central Mission in Sydney, visited Peel St. on July 30th, when he spoke of A Living Christ for Our Dying World." Moyes was in Ballarat to record material for his weekly TV programme, Turn Round Australia.⁷⁹

Cunningham Concludes

Jim Cunningham indicated that he would be concluding his ministry with the church late in 1985.⁸⁰ The Cunninghams were farewelled after a 7-year ministry on September 22nd. While no longer officially ministering to the church, Cunningham maintained his involvement in several activities. He did not resign as leader of the Boy's Club until the end of 1988.⁸¹

Further Developments

The church, in conjunction with the Properties Corporation, purchased a new manse for the new minister, who would commence towards the end of the year.⁸² A little later the church organised a commissioning service for Kevin Krak and his family, who would serve with MAF at Mt Hagen in PNG.⁸³

DAVID WOODWARD, 1985-1989

David Woodward, like Jim Cunningham, was an American. It was in November, 1984 that Woodward first came to the attention of the board. He was then ministering at Rockhampton in Queensland. At that time he was one of a number of candidates.⁸⁴ The board was impressed with Woodward after meeting him.⁸⁵ David, with his wife Janelle and family, commenced his ministry on December 1st.⁸⁶ The induction was conducted by Allan Emmett, of the Properties Corporation.⁸⁷

Tragic Death of Peter Boyd

On Christmas eve, 1985, Peter Boyd, a member of the church, was involved in a road accident with his children. He died and two small daughters were admitted to hospital.⁸⁸

Early Enthusiasm

In April it was reported that the church was ""rejoicing with the ministry of David Woodward". There had been 4 recent baptisms and the church had conducted a letter box drop using the encounter leaflet, "What if there is a Heaven?" The church also conducted a Day of Prayer to undergird the ministry.⁸⁹

Planning for the Future

During May 4 members attended a "Possibilities for Growth" seminar at Dawson St. During the first week of the school holidays David Woodward led studies at Log Cabin Lodge, Creswick.⁹⁰ In September, he attended a Country Churches Conference in Melbourne.⁹¹ Later in the year a planning afternoon was organised, when board members discussed "The Challenge of the Future".

Will Marshall's Fifty-Years in Ministry

In September the Regional Board of the Ballarat Churches of Christ arranged for a celebration of Will Marshall's 50 years in the ministry of Churches of Christ. Many were present from churches where Marshall had ministered.⁹² The celebration was held at Peel St., where Will preached his first sermon.⁹³

Growth and Outreach Diary, 1987

Peel St. planned for major outreach in 1987. To make this intentional, the board proposed a Growth and Outreach Diary, 1987. The first project was a growth and visitation seminar led by Ian Tippett, Field Director of the Department of Mission, Education and Development.⁹⁴ An Easter letterbox drop was also scheduled, through which the pamphlet, "Life Beyond Death" was distributed to 1000 homes. As the year progressed monthly prayer breakfasts continued to be well supported and attendances at services increased. Many were seeking out the church as a place of worship. In addition to his duties at Peel St., David Woodward took responsibility for the 1987 Easter Camp.⁹⁵

Conference Motion on Equality

At the Vic-Tas Conference in Melbourne in May, 1984, Max White and David Woodward, speaking to a motion seeking equality for women in the worship and organisational life of the churches, defended the stand taken by the Peel St. church, which was strongly opposed to the spirit of the motion. Peel St. had consistently argued that the Scriptures did not allow for an equal participation. As Peel St. saw it, men and women's roles in the church, while equally valued, were different.⁹⁶

Anniversary

Mid-year the church celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the present chapel and the 118th anniversary of the church, when Bill Mills, a former minister, was the guest preacher.⁹⁷

"The Divine Drama"

In June the church decided to adopt "The Divine Drama" series, an adult Bible study course that Woodward had been introduced to in 1986.⁹⁸ The course was designed to help people read the Bible and interpret it intelligently.⁹⁹

Opposition to Tabaret

In September the officers wrote to the Courier in support of the stand the Mayor, Neil Steinman and Mr. Tom Evans, MLA had taken against the siting of a Tabaret in Ballarat.¹⁰⁰

Woodwards in the States

In the latter part of the year the Woodwards spent 10 weeks in the United States.¹⁰¹

15% Increase

At the annual meeting in November it was reported that during 1987 there had been a 15% increase in attendance at the am. service.¹⁰²

Evangelistic Initiatives

In 1988 the church commenced Divine Drama studies, which drew an average of 20. At the same time Operation Good News targeted 1000 homes with New Testaments.¹⁰³ In the latter part of 1988 the church organised a month of 5pm film nights, entitled "Who Switched the Price Tags?" by Tony Campolo, and arranged a series of evangelistic meetings with Don Young and Richard McCain from the USA.¹⁰⁴

Statistics

During July attendances averaged 64 in the morning and 39 in the evening.

Review of Ministry

Early in August the board arranged to review Woodward's ministry.¹⁰⁵ Following the review, Woodward indicated that he would not consider extending his ministry beyond the end of 1989. He indicated his availability to Advisory Boards in Victoria and Interstate.¹⁰⁶

At the annual meeting in 1988 Woodward suggested that the church, in order to grow, needed to break away from traditional patterns, especially in services.¹⁰⁷

David Woodward to Finish

David Woodward indicated to the church at the end of 1988 that he would conclude his ministry at Peel St. at the end of 1989. The Woodwards were farewelled after the morning service on November 26th.¹⁰⁸

1989

During 1989 the church purchased new seats, for which they raised $2,100 from a thanksgiving offering.¹⁰⁹ Later Loving Care groups were commenced in three areas of Ballarat and drew a combined attendance of 20.

Vince Gibbs for Peel St.

In May the church rejoiced in the fact that Vince Gibbs had accepted the church's invitation to minister at Peel St. from the beginning of 1990. Vince Gibbs would commence on the 21st January.¹¹⁰ He was offered an initial term of three years.¹¹¹

Buildings Upgraded

Since 1987 the church had been working on plans to upgrade its buildings. Colin Hocking, from Mount Clear, drew up the plans and advised the church on options.¹¹² That the upgrading was proceeded with had been largely due to a bequest of Grace Whytcross of $55,000.¹¹³ By May, 1988 a tender for $83,177 had been accepted. In no time the Live & Learn group had raised $660 towards the upgrade.¹¹⁴ The complex was opened on the 24th of June, 1990.¹¹⁵

Woodward for Maryborough, Queensland

In August, 1989 it was announced that David Woodward had accepted an invitation from the church in Maryborough, Queensland, to commence in 1990. David was in America at the time attending the North American Christian Convention.¹¹⁶ Woodward concluded his ministry with the church on the 26th of November.¹¹⁷

Cheque for College Relocation

Around the same time the church handed a cheque to Dr. Bill Tabbernee, principal of the Churches of Christ Theological College in Mulgrave, to assist with the College's relocation from Glen Iris. Known since 1907 as the College of the Bible, CCTC was forced to relocate because of the construction of the South Eastern Arterial Road.¹¹⁸

VINCE GIBBS, 1990

Vince Gibbs was inducted in 21st of January by Don Smith of the DMED. Gibbs was accompanied by his wife, Jeanette and daughters Cheryl and Rachel. The congregation was able to meet the new minister and his family at a basket lunch at the Ballarat Youth Centre.¹¹⁹ In August, however, Gibbs announced that he would be concluding on the 8th of November. The church accepted his resignation with regret.¹²⁰

Families Take Responsibility for Evening Services

During 1990 different families took responsibility for the evening service.¹²¹ As the year drew to a close, and in the absence of a full-time minister, evening services

taken by families continued to be enjoyed, while the Friday night Fun Fair was drawing around 50.¹²²

1991

The Peel St. church was without a minister during 1991. The ministry was sustained by Albert Graham, R. Will Marshall¹²³ and Kevin Rankin. Kevin, an elder, had trained at Woolwich in the early 1970's. The pastoral care of the congregation was being taken up by members, who were visiting, phoning and letter-writing. In the meantime, the church was seeking a minister to begin in 1992.¹²⁴

Leadership in the 90's

Early in the year the church was involved with York St. in sessions with Barry McMurtrie, who was looking at "Leadership in the 90's".¹²⁵

Wayne Allen for Peel St.

The church was happy to announce mid-year that Wayne Allen, who would graduate from the Churches of Christ Theological College at Mulgrave at the end of the year, would commence as minister on the 2nd February, 1992. It was also indicated at that time that a new group for years 5 and 6 had been commenced and that plans were in hand for the development of a Creative Living Centre.¹²⁶ Throughout the rest of the year the church continued to pray for the arrival of Wayne and Cheryl Allen.¹²⁷ 14 members were able to attend the CCTC graduation and ordination service in November, when Wayne Allen graduated and was ordained to the ministry.¹²⁸ In the meantime the preaching was carried on by Will Marshall, Albert Graham, Kevin Rankin and Rob Corrie.¹²⁹

WAYNE ALLEN, 1992-

Wayne and Cheryl Allen had entered the College of the Bible from the Chelsea Church of Christ. Wayne was a purchasing officer and Cheryl a secretary. Wayne was 27 when he entered upon the ministry of the Peel St. church.

Induction

Wayne Allen was inducted into the ministry at Peel St. on the 2nd of February by Max Carter, President of the Victorian-Tasmanian Conference of Churches of Christ. 119 were present to welcome Wayne, Cheryl and their young family.¹³⁰

Early Enthusiasm

It did not take the Allens long to endear themselves to the congregation.¹³¹ Early in

the year morning services were revamped in order to meet the needs of all ages, while evening services, led by different families in the church, were also proving popular. Attendances were better than they had been for the previous three years.¹³² In October it was reported that the church was adapting well to the changes and that numbers had continued to increase.¹³³

Significant Decisions

At the 1992 annual meeting the church made two significant decisions. The first was the adoption of the name, "The Aussie Church of Christ". The second was the choice of the theme, "Breaking down the Barriers", as the focus for 1993.¹³⁴

Winter Attendances Encouraging

The church continued steadily into 1993. During the Winter months of 1993 winter attendances, usually affected by the cold and wet weather, were up. During this time the church renewed friendships with two previous ministers, John Timms and Jim Cunningham, both of whom spoke at services. Jim was on his way to take up a ministry at Elkhart, Kansas, in the US.¹³⁵

Enthusiasm Continues

In the months that followed enthusiasm maintained. The membership was increased by 5 transfers and 2 baptisms. Informal evening services were proving popular. The Sunday school was growing in numbers, as was the monthly Adults Only programme. The church had also adopted a family, hitherto unknown to them, for whom they provided food, wood and furniture. Reflecting on changing perceptions, one member commented that, after 124 years "we are now known as an Aussie Church of Christ."¹³⁶

[BCOC 461-474]