Around 1970Remembering the churches… and the man who helped keep them looking their best.
“When I looked through my notes and photographs, I realised something I had not thought about before.
My Ray had painted at each of these local churches. While generations of families came through their doors for weddings, baptisms, funerals and Sunday services, Ray was one of the quiet people who helped care for these beautiful buildings.”So, let us travel back to the 1970s.Some of us may remember the Methodist Church in High Street, just up from the Post Office. This church was officially opened on 8 October 1899.My memory of this church is indeed a happy one. , one Christmas there was a concert where we held candles made from Tick Tock biscuits, Musk Life Savers and a good old Fad. It was great fun and yummy too.
Our friend Gaye used to walk along a well-worn track that had been carved from High Street through to Pearson Street. A quick way to walk Sadly, this church was later demolished to make way for a block of units.
It was also during this period, in 1977, that the Presbyterian and Methodist churches combined to become the Uniting Church.The church on Nash Road, now known as the Uniting Church, was previously St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. It was built in 1954.When I was young, I attended Sunday School here with my brother, Don.
Reverend Ronald Trail was the minister at the time. Other names associated with the church over the years include Rev. R. W. Purves, Rev. Neil Vincent, Rev. Don Porritt and Rev. Maynard.Ray once painted the windows and doors of the church, along with the entire Manse next door.
Then we move on to lovely St Thomas’ Church in A’Beckett Road, a beautiful church with a rich history and magnificent stained-glass windows.Ray also painted this church.
To be precise, he painted the pressed copper bell tower, high above the ground, while his mate Des the dog waited below, keeping a careful eye out for any mishap.
The church officially opened in December 1902 and has a long and proud history. My memories are of weddings and funerals, especially the happy occasion of my own wedding, where Archdeacon James Knife made sure the nuptials were carried out correctly.Names remembered over the years include Rev. Thomas Selwyn Reynolds, Rev. Tim Pinniger, Rev. Frederick Morrey, Father Peter, Rev. Jeff Richardson, Father Ken and Reverend Christine.Who remembers dear Father Pete and his puppies, Father Pete would look after the youths with a weekly meeting and a bit of fun.
Then we travel down the road to St Joseph’s Catholic Church at Iona, another beautiful church with a rich history.Many priests have served there over the years, but I especially remember Father Joe Flynn.While Ray was painting inside the church, the pulpit had recently been replaced by the Maryknoll Village joinery. Ray was busy sanding and scraping the varnish from the remaining timber, making a lot of noise as sandpaper and scarping does, when Father Joe walked into the church.
Looking around at the clouds of dust floating through the sunlight, he exclaimed that he thought the angels were visiting!Another priest remembered fondly was Father Frank, who was well known for riding his faithful motorbike.Ray worked at a few other churches too
Longwarry north and St Patrick’s at Pakenham. So, back… way back… long before mobile phones, computers and the internet, the churches of Bunyip were an important part of everyday life.
They were places where people gathered to celebrate, to grieve, to worship and to support one another.Today, some services are delivered online or by podcast, while many are still held in person.
Times have certainly changed, but the memories of these beautiful churches, and the people who cared for them, remain a treasured part of Bunyip’s history.
Happy Friday everyone #lovealwayshenry♥️#storybydaffy📝#picbyai