ALL SAINTS COMMUNITY CHURCH
Up until 1967, church services were held in the Nyabing Hall. On the 4th March 1964, the Nyabing Ladies Guild called a public meeting to discuss the possibility of building a community church building for all Christian denominations to use for church services. Members asked Mr Peter Webse to chair the meeting, at which there were 36 people present.
Nyabing Town Hall
At that meeting it was agreed that there was a need for such a building, and a committee was formed to fundraise for, and to build a suitable church building. The members of the inaugural committee were; Mr Peter Webse (President), Mr Howard-Smith (Secretary-Treasurer), Mr Dick Charsley, Mr Colin Manuel, Mr Ross Moore, Mrs Rita Charsley and Mrs Mary Smith.
They held many meetings over the next few years. The committee was incorporated and money was raised from donations (especially from the Ladies Guild), wheat crops, the sale of wool, mallee roots, old batteries and bags, and also from conducting dances, picture shows, gymkhanas and concerts.
Inside Nyabing Church, looking towards the Alter, ready for the 35th Anniversary Celebrations in 1991
Three, one quarter acre blocks were obtained. One donated by Mr. Colin Manuel, one from the Lands Department, and one purchased for £120 ($240.00). At the A.G.M in February 1966, it was decided to ask Mr. R.G. Price to draw up plans for the construction of the building and tenders were later called its construction. The successful tenderer was Mr. G Marelotta who commenced building in July 1967 and it was completed by October 1967. The total cost of the land, building and its contents was approximately $19,600.
14th October 1967, the wedding of Keith Butcher to Christine Charsley
The first time the building was used was on the 14th October 1967, for the wedding of Keith Butcher and Christine Charsley. The building was officially dedicated and opened two weeks later on the 28th October 1967. The building has been used ever since for Church services, weddings, baptisms and funerals. There have been 17 marriage services in the Church over the last 44 years. The Church is presently used for Church Services on almost every Sunday of the year.
1991-35th Anniversary Celebrations
Back: Don & Jan Batt, Neville Charsley, Evan Hobley, Lorna Larter.
Front: Marjorie Goodchild, Vi Hobley,Peter Webse & Peter Goodchild.
The current Nyabing Community Church Committee continues to fundraise and maintain the building, which is still in very good condition. We are very thankful for all those people who had the forethought, the conviction, the enthusiasm and the energy, to construct a building where Church Services can be held. Thank you to each person in the 1960’s who played a part in making the building a reality.
All Saints Community Church
ALL SAINTS COMMUNITY CHURCH TURNED 50 IN 2017
the town celebrated the occasion in October 2017 with an attended Church Service of 62 people, many of whom had returned or travelled a distance to be there. The Service was then followed with a sit-down lunch and much conversation.
Terry Gray in background, Neville’s Wife, Neville Charsley & Ruth Patterson 1991 Church 25th Anniversary
1991 Church 35th Anniversary – Garth Addis & Noble Patterson
Garden busy bee
Christine and Keith Butcher cut the Anniversary Cake
The town celebrated the occasion in October 2017 with an attended Church Service of 62 people, many of whom had returned or travelled a distance to be there. The Service was then followed with a sit-down lunch and much conversation.
In the year 1967 on the 14th October, the first ever couple to be married in the very new Church, was Miss Christine Charsley and Mr Keith Butcher. It was a proud moment for them when after 50 years they could return to celebrate that day again at the Church Service and later have the honour of cutting the cake at the luncheon held in the Nyabing Town Hall. They can be “forgiven” for slicing into this Bible because it is yet another beautiful cake creation of local man Darren Gray.
Mr Terry Gray welcomed the congregation and lead the service.
Mr Chris Woonings presented the sermon.
Mrs Joycelyn Ward spoke on the history of the church.
Part of the congregation at the 50th Anniversary church service.
Return to HOME Page
Return to Nyabing PEOPLE Page
Visit the LOST NYABING Facebook Group