Tag Archives: Ferguson & Urie

Feb 8 2013

1873: St Monica’s Catholic Church, Footscray, Victoria.

Tenders for the erection of St Monica’s were advertised by the architect, T. A. Kelly, in June 1873[1]. The opening ceremony of St Monica’s was performed by the Rev J. Fitzpatrick on Sunday 3rd of May 1874 in the absence of Bishop Gould. The mass was read by Rev McGillicuddy and the dedication sermon performed by Rev J. F. Corbett[2]. To reduce the estimated ₤1,500 debt required to build the church, a Bazaar was held at the Footscray Town Hall on the 21st of May 1874[3] which ran for four days and was declared an outstanding success[4]. A number of fund raising activities were held in subsequent years but a considerable debt remained for nearly ten years until being declared debt free in October 1883[5]. On the Sunday the 6th of December 1885 the corner stone of the new extensions was laid[6] and the opening ceremony held on Sunday 16th May 1886[7]. The church was consecrated 16th November 1950[8]. Many further additions have been added since.

The church still contains some of the original Ferguson & Urie stock windows in the nave with the simple red and blue borders. Later stained glass was erected in the east end as a memorial to Rev P. Walshe which was created by William Montgomery and unveiled on Sunday the 9th August 1896[9]. A four light west window was created by Bill Gleeson in 1988. It would be likely that the original large east and west windows would have been identical in colouring and design as those few original two light windows that still remain in the nave.

Photos taken 20th February 2011.

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Foot notes:

Feb 3 2013

1878: St Mark’s Anglican Church, Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand.

The first historical stained glass windows to be erected in St. Marks were created by the Colonial Stained Glass firm from Victoria, Ferguson & Urie, of North Melbourne. The triple light window depicted “St. Mark and the lion” and was erected as the principal east window in the chancel circa 1878. Another two Ferguson & Urie windows, depicting ‘Hope’ and ‘Faith’ were erected in the north and south sides of the chancel in 1879.

The 1982 St Mark’s Church History book by Hilary Reid [1] recorded the following information:

“The church was embellished and beautified as well as enlarged for, in 1878 too, a lovely stained glass window was donated anonymously for the east window. It was later revealed that Mr. J.C. Seccombe, the brewer of Newmarket was the donor. In April, 1879, Mr Edwin Hesketh wrote to the vestry offering from his mother and brothers and himself two small stained glass memorial windows for the chancel.”

Photos taken: 22nd January 2013.
(Photos by Janice Ball, nee Auld, Great Great Granddaughter of James Ferguson of the Ferguson & Urie Stained Glass Company. Photo of original chancel window in 1902 is reproduced from St Mark’s Church history book, page 39, with permission of Hillary F.  Reid, M.A. 5th Feb 2013, others from Auckland Library ‘Sir George Grey Special Collections’).

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(Note: Some elements of the Hesketh windows are not original Ferguson & Urie work. It’s my opinion that the head of the figure depicting ‘Hope’ and the head of the Angel at the foot of ‘Faith’ are complete replacements from early restoration or conservation work.)

In 1878, after alterations to St Mark’s were completed, a description of the chancel window depicting “St Mark and the Lion” was reported in the papers as being made by Ferguson and Urie of Melbourne for £150[2]. The article indicated that the window was “the gift of a member of the congregation” who was later revealed to have been Mr John Carroll Seccombe, the owner of the Great Northern Brewery. The chancel window lighted St Mark’s for nearly 60 years before it was destroyed by a suspicious fire which started at midnight on the 4th of April 1935[3]. Two other smaller windows donated by the Hesketh family survived the fire.

John Carroll Seccombe (c.1834-1892):

The donor of the original chancel window was John Carroll Seccombe. His father, Richard, began small scale brewing operations in New Plymouth in 1846 and later migrated north to Auckland and circa 1856 took over the Albert Brewery[4], which was founded circa 1847 by George Partington[5]. In December 1860 Richard Seccombe began construction on the Great Northern Brewery on Khyber Pass Road in Auckland and commenced brewing operations on the 24th May 1861[6]. The company used the rampant lion symbol from the family crest as its logo and it later came to be known as “The Lion” brewery. After Richard Seccombe retired the business was continued at the helm of his second son John Carroll Seccombe. On the 16th of February 1892 J. C. Seccombe died at the Lake Takapuna Hotel after an extended illness, aged 58. At the time of his death there were an estimated thirteen hotels within the Seccombe brewing empire. His funeral was held at St Mark’s Anglican Church in Remuera on the afternoon of the 17th and the cortege comprised an estimated 30 carriages plus foot mourners and a considerable number his brethren from the Remuera Masonic Lodge. The prominent Auckland Solicitor Edwin Hesketh played the “Dead March in Saul” on the organ at the close of the service[7].

The Great Northern Brewery brewery continued for a number of years with his wife Isabella Harriet Seccombe (c.1836-1902) & Alfred Seccombe as directors[8] and circa 1914, ‘Campbell and Ehrenfried’ took over the business. Successive mergers occurred with other brewing companies in the following years and eventually morphed into the company known as “Lion Nathan Ltd” which formed in 1988 and expanded to become one of the largest wine and spirit merchants in Australasia.

The Hesketh Windows:

Two smaller single light windows in the chancel were donated by the Hesketh family in 1879 and were also made by Ferguson & Urie of North Melbourne. These windows miraculously escaped serious damage during the fire in 1935.

The stained glass window on the north side of the chancel depicts “Hope” and has an angel holding a ribbon below with the text “I am the resurrection and the life”. A brass plaque below it states that it was erected by the widow of Emanuel Hesketh (Caroline nee Nelson[9]). Emanuel was an early schoolmaster in Auckland[10], who died aged 51 years[11] on the 28th May 1864 [12].

The window on the south side of the chancel depicts “Faith”. An angel below is holding a ribbon with the text “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord”. A brass plaque below the window states that it is in memory of Frederick Hesketh who died aged 27 on the 23rd February 1872[13] and was erected by his brothers. The figurative depiction of “Faith” is from a cartoon used by Ferguson & Urie in other windows by the firm at Christ Church Hawthorn in Melbourne and All Saints Church in South Hobart. The original cartoon is based on a series of original paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-92) that depict “Faith, Hope & Charity”.

Emanuel Hesketh, his wife Caroline, and sons William, Charles, Edwin and Frederick were natives of Manchester in England and arrived in Auckland aboard the “Caduceus” from London on the 19th May 1859 [14].  The youngest son, Samuel, remained in England with an uncle and arrived later in 1863[15]. The head of the family, Emanuel, was a well educated man having been a school teacher and was later appointed a schoolmaster in Auckland[16]. The Hesketh boys benefited greatly from their fathers experience as an educator and were also keen sportsmen who were selected as members of Auckland’s “Newmarket Eleven” Cricket team[17] as early as c.1863 and were instrumental in the formation of the Auckland Suburban Rugby Club in 1891[18].

Emanuel Hesketh ( c.1813 -1864):

The patriarch of the family was Emanuel Hesketh who was born in Manchester circa 1813 and married Caroline Nelson in Manchester in 1837. Emanuel was a teacher and later a school master in Auckland. Emanuel died at Remuera on the 28th of May 1864[19] aged 51. In later years his wife Caroline resided at her son Edwin’s substantial home “St John’s Wood” (also known as Hesketh House) at Epsom in Auckland, which later became part of the Auckland Diocesan Girls High School circa 1903. Caroline died on the 25th of May 1886[20] aged 73.

Edwin Hesketh ( c.1843 – 1898):

Edwin Hesketh became a prominent barrister in the Auckland area. He was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in October 1865[21]. He married Jane Parnell on the 27th December 1867 at St Mark’s Remuera[22] and in early 1870 entered into partnership as solicitors “Hesketh & Richmond” [23]. In February 1878 he was appointed as secretary of the Auckland Solicitors’ Society[24] and in March of the same year was nominated as Governor of the Grammar School by members of the Board of Education and General Assembly[25]. Edwin, like his parents and siblings, was a staunch supporter and liberal donor of St Marks Anglican Church in Remuera as well as being Vestryman, Synodsman, Chancellor of the Diocese, and Church Organist. He was an accomplished musician who also donated the first organ to St Mark’s Church in 1872-73[26] and befittingly was the first to officially play it at the re-opening of the church in May 1873[27]. He remained the church organist, and sometimes the choirmaster, for many years even though increasing deafness reduced his enjoyment of music. In 1881 Edwin was nominated as a candidate for the Eden district[28], but declined to enter politics in favour of his profession[29].  Outside of professional life he was a keen bird breeder and Vice President of the Auckland Chrysanthemum Society[30]. Edwin Hesketh died aged 55 on the 23rd of July 1898[31]. His peers in the legal profession held him in such high esteem that the sitting Judge (Conolly) of the Supreme Court adjourned all sittings until 10 am the following day[32]. His funeral was one of the largest ever seen in Remeuera. The original organ that Edwin had donated in 1872-73, was destroyed in the 1935 fire. The ‘Faith’ and ‘Hope’ stained glass windows dedicated to his father Emanuel, and Brother Frederick survived.

Frederick Hesketh (c.1845-1872):

Frederick Hesketh is commemorated in St Mark’s by a Ferguson & Urie stained glass window depicting “Faith”. While working as a chainman with O’Meara’s survey party near Rivershead he left early on the morning of the 23rd of February to wash a shirt in a nearby waterhole. His fatal mistake was not taking a friend with him to the waterhole as he subsequently fell in and drowned after suffering a seizure. His friends, having found him face down in the waterhole some considerable time later, attempted to revive him by archaic methods that would not have saved him even if they had found him earlier:

“…Ryan and I then went to the body, took his boots and socks off, and rubbed his feet, body, and hands for an hour. We observed no marks on the body. Ryan also cut his wrist with a razor, to try and draw blood. No blood flowed from the wound at the time. We then became satisfied that he was dead…” [33]

The jury at the inquest returned a verdict of “Accidental Death”. A brass plaque at the foot of the stained glass window in St Marks indicates that it was erected in his memory by his brothers.

Charles Hesketh (c.1842-1930):

Charles Hesketh began his early career as a farmers hand and later joined the firm of auctioneer Alfred Buckland where he remained for over 20 years and on Buckland’s retirement, brought the business and entered into partnership with Alexander Aitken as Hesketh & Aitken in the grain and produce business[34]. He saw active service during the first Taranaki war and the Waikato war, and was a recipient of the New Zealand Medal[35]. He was a keen Cricketer and Hon Secretary of the Newmarket Cricket Club[36]. He had an instrumental part in the raising of the Parnell Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1866[37], and was a past master of the Remuera Freemason Lodge, member of the Auckland Council Licensing Bench, and a Councillor from 1893 to 1900 and served on the Remuera Highway Board and school committee. Charles Hesketh was an active supporter and liberal donor of St Mark’s Church. He died at Tauranga on the 13th February 1930, aged 88[38].

Samuel Hesketh (c.1849 – 1939):

Samuel Hesketh remained in England with an uncle when the family emigrated in 1859 and arrived in Auckland on the 7th February 1863[39] at about the age of fourteen, he was later articled to his brother Edwin in the legal profession and after passing his exams in 1878 “In an extremely satisfactory manner”, was admitted as a barrister of the court[40]. He was a senior partner in the legal firm Hesketh, Richmond, Adams and Cocker and later Hesketh and Richmond and became the head of the company after his Brother Edwin’s death in 1898. He was a chairman of the Epsom Road Board, a member of the Manukau Water Supply Board, and a member of the Reform Party and a personal friend of the Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Hon William Ferguson Massey[41]. For many years he was a member of the Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Auckland and a liberal supporter of St Mark’s Church in Remuera.

Samuel Hesketh died on Sunday 8th January 1939, aged 89 and was buried on the 10th of January, “…The long cortege left the residence, “Fernacre.” 89, Gillies Avenue, Epsom, for St. Mark’s Church, Remuera, at 2 o’clock…”[42]

William Nelson Hesketh: (c.1838-c.1880):

William was the eldest son of Emanuel and Caroline. Nothing further is known of his life other than he had returned to England at some point.

Significant tabloid transcriptions:

New Zealand Herald, Volume XV, Issue 5152, 22 May 1878, page 3.

ST MARK’S CHURCH, REMUERA

“This church, situated as it is on the rise of the hill on the Remuera Road, has lately been undergoing extensive alterations, which have just now been completed. These alterations consist of an addition to the southern transept, the lighting of the church with gas, the removal of the pulpit, and substituting in lieu thereof a desk and lectern. The whole of the works have been executed with great taste and judgement, and reflect the greatest credit upon those who have carried out the same…”

“…On entering the nave by the main entrance of the church, the visitor is at once at once struck with astonishment at the pleasing and handsome view which is presented to the eye on looking at the east end of the church. The large gothic window in the chancel, some 15 feet by 10 feet, is of stained glass in three panels, representing the figure of St. Mark and the lion, burnt in the most soft and tasteful colours, the features, hands, and robes of the figure being exquisitely blended together, and shewing most prominently the various degrees and shades of light. The two side panels consist of rich and delicate work, executed in bright and cheerful colours, add greatly to the effect of the figure in the centre panel. The whole of the interior is surrounded by a handsome floral border, surmounted by the figure of an inverted dove. The effect of this magnificent window, which surpasses anything of the kind in Auckland, is very imposing, and fills the chancel with a halo specially appropriate to that portion of the church. We are informed that this window, which was made by Messrs. Urie and Ferguson, of Melbourne, at the cost of £150, is the gift of a member of the congregation, and who has also generously placed it in its present position…”

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 80, 4 April 1935, page 9.

“FIRE MYSTERY. ST. MARKS CHURCH…”

Fire completely destroyed an organ valued at between £3000 and £4000 and considerably damaged the chancel and sanctuary in St. Mark’s Church, Remuera, at midnight last night…”

“…Splendid work by the brigades resulted in a remarkable save. Most of the damage was confined to the organ, although valuable stained glass windows above the altar were damaged…”

Foot notes:

[1] St Mark’s Remuera 1847-1981: The Story of a Parish, Auckland, 1982. Hilary F. Reid, M.A.

[9] Caroline Hesketh died 1886 aged 73; NZ BDM 1886/2470.

[11] Emanuel Hesketh died 1864 aged 51; NZ BDM 1864/3402.

[42] Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 7, 10 January 1939, Page 9

Acknowledgements:

Thanks to Janice Ball for finding the original article about the chancel window in 1878 and then undertaking the 400km round trip to Auckland with Cleeve to see, and photograph, the remaining “Hope” & “Faith” windows by Ferguson & Urie, and also for sending me the copy of the St Mark’s Church history book – ( ‘St Mark’s Remuera 1847-1981: The Story of a Parish, Auckland, 1982; ‘Hilary F. Reid, M.A.’) and for her tenacity in following up the research clues from the New Zealand side of our small world.

Thanks to Hillary F. Reid, M.A. for permission to include a copy from page 39 of the St Mark’s history book (via Janice Ball, 5th Feb 2013), and the Auckland City Library (also via Janice, 11th Feb 2013) for the additional photos, from the ‘Sir George Grey Collections’, of the chancel of St Mark’s prior to the 1935 fire.

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Jan 23 2013

1874: Holy Cross Catholic Church, Moyhu, Victoria.

Twenty-seven kilometres south of Wangaratta in the north east of Victoria is the tiny township of Moyhu, noted in history for its connection with the the early Irish pioneers of the district and the infamous Kelly gang of the late 1800’s.

On Sunday the 4th of May 1873, in weather described as “unpropitious”, upwards of 150 people gathered about four kilometres north of the town of Moyhu to witness the Catholic Bishop of Victoria,  James Alepius Goold, lay the foundation stone of the Holy Cross Catholic Church. The sermon was preached by the Rev S. J. Kelly and the sum of £66 was raised at the collection [1]. A year later, Bishop Goold returned to officially dedicate the Church on Sunday 28th February 1875 [2].

In the chancel of Holy Cross are three historically significant stained glass windows that were crafted by the Colonial Victorian Stained Glass firm, Ferguson & Urie of North Melbourne.

Photos taken 14th January 2013.

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The windows were donated by pioneers of the district, Richard Shanley, James Whitty and Thomas Byrne.

Richard Shanley donated the single lancet window to the left of the altar depicting ‘St Patrick’, the patron saint of Ireland. The text at the base of the window reads; “The Gift of Mr Richard Shanley”.

Above the altar is a quatrefoil shaped stained glass window in the gable depicting the ‘Madonna and Child’. This was the gift of James Whitty in 1874 in memory of his wife Catherine. A brass plaque near the chancel reads; “The Rose Window of the mother and child above the altar in the sanctuary was presented by James Whitty of Boggy Creek in memory of his wife Catherine. Died 3rd April 1874, aged 52 years. R.I.P”.

To the right of the altar is a single lancet window depicting the Crucifixion, which was donated by Thomas Byrne and has the text at the base which reads; “The gift of Mr Thomas Byrne”.

It’s my opinion that all three of the Ferguson & Urie windows were erected at the same time in the latter half of 1874 during the construction of the church.

About the donors of the stained glass windows:

James Whitty (c.1814-1882):

The Whitty’s were natives of Wexford in Ireland and came to Victoria circa 1840’s as assisted Irish immigrants and began farming in the Woodstock area, south west of Whittlesea. On the 6th of February 1842 James Whitty married 20-year old Catherine Parnell at St Francis Church in Melbourne[3] and later began farming in the Moyhu area south of Wangaratta. The Whitty family prospered and in subsequent years increased their land holdings significantly. On the 3rd of April, 1874 James’ wife died. In memory of his beloved Catherine, James commissioned the Melbourne stained glass firm ‘Ferguson & Urie’ to create a beautiful stained glass window depicting the ‘Madonna and Child’. It was erected behind the altar of the new Holy Cross Catholic Church being built at Moyhu. Nearly twelve months to the day after Catherine’s death, James Whitty purchased the “Myrhee” run in the Boggy Creek area near Moyhu. James didn’t marry again and the following years would continue to be a test of his resolve as he became an arch nemesis of the outlaw Ned Kelly. In August 1877 Ned Kelly and his gang stole eleven of Whitty’s horses which they subsequently sold to unsuspecting farmers near Howlong just over the NSW border. The respectable German farmers, the Baumgarten brothers, and farmers Kennedy, Studders, and Cooke were all implicated in receiving the stolen Whitty horses and sent to trial [4]. In the following years James Whitty and his neighbouring farmers would continue to be the target of the Kelly gang. Subsequently Whitty and other farmers in the district formed the North Eastern Stock Protection League. They offered sizeable rewards for the conviction of the thieves, a move that was squarely aimed at the Kelly gang. Ned Kelly responded in kind by continuing the relentless theft of Whitty’s stock for years to come. One newspaper account quoted Kelly as saying “…during his career he had stolen 280 horses from Whitty’s station, and sold them; and beyond this he had never been guilty of any other crime…[5]”. The thefts and accusations continued and on one occasion Whitty was confronted by Ned Kelly at the Moyhu race course where Kelly accused Whitty of perpetuating the false rumour that he had stolen one of Whitty’s prized bulls[6].

In January 1879 Whitty’s horse “Prince Alfred” was disqualified in an Albury Hurdle race.[7] Although Kelly had nothing to do with the event it would no doubt have pleased him greatly.

Ned Kelly was eventually apprehended during the Glenrowan shoot-out on the 28th June 1880, thus ending years of animosity between the Kellys and Whitty and his fellow farmers. Ned Kelly was hanged on the 11th November 1880. Just over a year and a half later James Whitty died at his Moyhu property on the 11th June 1882 [8], aged 68. He was buried near his wife Catherine and daughter Julia at the Milawa cemetery. The gravestones read; “…erected by James Whitty in memory of his beloved wife Catherine, Died 3rd April 1874, aged 52 years. Also her daughter Julia who died Aug 27, 1880, aged 23 years.” Nearby, James Whitty’s gravestone reads; “Erected by his sons and daughters, to the memory of their beloved father, James Whitty, who died on the 14th of July 1882, aged 68 years, may his soul rest in peace”.

The stained glass window James donated to the Holy Cross Church at Moyhu, stands as testament to his devotion to his wife Catherine and the Whitty family’s Irish Catholic roots.

Richard Shanley (1835-1922)[9]:

Richard Shanley was a native of the parish of Kell, King’s County Ireland, and arrived in Hobson’s Bay as an unassisted immigrant at the age of 26 on the 31st of October, 1860 [10]. Having only spent a few days in Melbourne he set off for Wangaratta by coach and then “humped his bluey” (swag)[11] 50km south towards the Whitfield and Moyhu area. He gained employment doing general farm work in the area and later held a position as Cheese Maker at the Whitfield station with the Evans brothers who had come out on the same ship. In the following five years he worked for the Farrell, Dennett and Evans families and then rented a portion of the “Manarhee estate” from the Evans family and started farming on his own. Around 1867 his parents and brother arrived in the colony to join him and in 1870 he selected 320 acres of “Redcamp” station where he made his home and named the property “Fairfield” after the name of his father’s property in Ireland. In subsequent years he increased the size of his land holdings to around 1400 acres.

In 1874 Richard Shanley married Ellen Prendergast and in the same year donated a stained glass window to the Holy Cross Catholic Church at Moyhu. The window was created by Ferguson & Urie of North Melbourne and depicts St Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland.  The text at the base of the window reads: “The Gift of Mr Richard Shanley”.

In February 1901, disastrous bush fires swept over Moyhu and surrounding district and lives were lost and homesteads burnt. Richard Shanley was one of the lucky few and only lost 1500 acres of grassland and fencing [12].

In June 1907 Shanley attended a banquet on the farm of John Hughes at Greta, to celebrate the pioneers of the district. The event was attended by upwards of 250 people and Shanley was invited to speak during the dinner in which he gave a short account of his early days in the colony.

Four years later, on Wednesday the 18th January 1911, Shanley celebrated his half century in the Colony of Victoria by holding his own banquet for the pioneers of the Moyhu district, to which over 150 persons attended at his “Fairfield” property[13] where he extended on his previous speech in 1907 and gave a very detailed summary of his life, struggles, and friendship with the other pioneers of the district.

In January 1914, at the age of 79, he and his daughter Mary narrowly escaped serious injury near “Thistlebrook” when his horses broke loose from the buggy and bolted but despite his advanced age he succeeded in bringing the situation under control without injury to himself or Mary [14].

Richard Shanley died at his property “Fairfield” at Moyhu on the 31st August 1922 [15], aged 87. His wife Ellen (nee Prendergast 1824-1924) died two years later on the 21st August 1924 [16]and both were buried at the Milawa cemetery. They were survived by eight adult children.

Their grave stone at Milawa reads: “In loving memory of Richard Shanley, died 31st Aug 1922, aged 87. Also his wife Ellen Shanley, died 21st Aug 1924, aged 78”.

Thomas Byrne (c.1798-1883):

Thomas Byrne was a native of Wicklow, Ireland, and arrived in Australia as an un-assisted immigrant with his children aboard the ‘Phoenix’ in January 1856[17], his wife, unconfirmed as Sarah Dunne, having died in Ireland circa 1844.

In 1874 Thomas Byrne donated the single light stained glass window depicting the ‘Crucifixion’ to the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Moyhu. Thomas Byrne died at Moyhu aged 85 in 1883 [18]. He was buried at the Milawa cemetery with the inscription on the gravestone reading:

“In Memory of Thomas Byrne, A Patriarch, died 24th February 1883, aged 86 years. Also his daughter Mary Byrne who died April 21st 1903 aged 81 years.”

The North Eastern Ensign, Benalla, Vic, Friday 9th May 1873, page 2.

(On Sunday 4th May 1873 the foundation stone was laid by the Catholic Bishop of Melbourne, James Alepius Goold)

“MOYHU ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.- On Sunday last the foundation stone of the new Roman Catholic Church at Moyhu was laid by the Right Reverend Dr. Goold, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Melbourne. The weather was unpropitious, but the ceremony was nevertheless attended by upwards of 150 persons. A sermon was preached by the Rev. Father Kelly, S. J., and a collection which was subsequently made realised the handsome sum of £66”.

The Colac Herald, Vic, Friday 5th March 1875, page 3.

(On Sunday 28th February 1875, the Catholic Church at Moyhu was dedicated)

“On Sunday last Archbishop Goold presided at the dedication of the Roman Catholic Church of St. John [sic?] of the Cross, at Moyhu, near Wangaratta…”

Foot notes:

[3] Married 6th February 1842 at St Francis’ Church Melbourne (marriage VIC BDM: 35423/1842). Catherine Parnell, born Offaly, Ireland to James Parnell and Catherine Horan.

[6] The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Wednesday 18th Dec 1878, page 6. (Ned Kelly’s letter to Donald Cameron. MLA, post-marked Glenrowan, 14 Dec 1878).

[9] Richard Shanley, Vic BDM: 10575/1922. Aged 87. Son of Peter Shanley and Sarah Whelan.

[10] Richard Shanley arrived aboard the “Lightning”: Index to Unassisted Inward Passenger Lists to Victoria 1852-1923, Fiche 183, Page 007. (surname transcribed as ‘Chanley’). He arrived with his long time friend Rowland Hughes in their early 20’s.

[11] Wangaratta Dispatch and North-Eastern Advertiser, Wednesday 26 June 1907.

[13] Wangaratta Chronicle, Saturday 21st January, 1911.

[15] Wangaratta Chronicle, Saturday September 2,1922

[17] Thos Byrne: Index to un-assisted inward passengers lists to Vic 1852-1923, Fiche 105, page 001.

[18] Thos Byrne: Vic BDM: 2659/1883, aged 85.

Acknowledgements:

Special thanks to Joan Ellis for her assistance with access to Holy Cross at Moyhu and enthusiasm for the history.

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Jan 13 2013

1876: All Saints, Church of England, Learmonth, Victoria.

On Monday the 5th of September 1859, the members of the Church of England at Learmonth held a public meeting at the Wesleyan School Room to consider the purchase of land to erect their church[1].

The new Church of England building was erected under the supervision of the Ballarat architect, Henry Richards Caselli (c1816-1885), and was opened on Sunday 20th January 1861 by the first incumbent of the church, the Rev Henry Newton Woollaston[2].

The church was originally known as “Wycliffe Church of England”[3], after the Church of England reformer John Wycliffe (1320-1384)[4] but more than ninety years later was consecrated as “All Saints”  in July 1952 by Bishop Johnston[5].

At the liturgical east end of the church, behind the altar, is the oldest window in the church. It is a three light stained glass window crafted by Ferguson & Urie of North Melbourne. Even though the church was opened in 1861, the chancel window was not erected until 1876 when the new chancel was added.

This is confirmed by a couple of newspaper articles in 1876. The first, published in the Ballarat Star in April 1876 chronicled the event of the church Bazaar held on Easter Monday 1876. At the conclusion of the bazaar Mr. James Robertson of Mount Mitchell gave a £20 donation which was later considered by the church committee for use in purchasing a stained glass window.

In August of the same year the tabloids reported on the “Opening Ceremony” at which specific mention was made of the chancel window of stained glass supplied by “Urie & Ferguson”;

“…The whole of these improvements are heightened in their effect by one of Urie & Ferguson’s stained glass windows inserted in the chancel – as pretty, harmoniously pure, and pleasing a little work of art as one could wish to see…”

But despite the previous intimation that Mr Robertson’s £20 donation at the bazaar would be used to purchase the window, the donor was described as being a lady artist from the congregation:

“…This window is, we understand, the gift of a lady of the congregation, as a result of the disposal by art-union of several pictures painted by her for this purpose…” [6]

Photos taken: 2nd January 2013.

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The window is typical of early Ferguson & Urie colouring and geometric designs. The centre light has a scrolling ribbon with the text: “I am the living bread which came down from heaven” (John 6-51). The flanking windows have the symbols of Alpha and Omega, and stylised geometric designs of the Passion Flower in roundels at the top and bottom of each light. Above the three lights is a quatrefoil window depicting the cross with the intertwined letters “I.H.S”.

Foot Notes:

[5] The Chronicle, Newspaper of the Anglican Diocese of Ballarat, Vol 121 No.5, October 2011, p6.

[6] The Ballarat Star, Vic, Tuesday 15th August 1876, page 3.

Acknowledgements:

Thanks to Joy and Norma Whittenbury for their assistance and enthusiasm for the history and for organising access to the church.

 

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Jan 12 2013

22-12-1864: Christ Church, Anglican, Myrniong, Victoria.

Located 72 kilometres west of Melbourne is the tiny township of Myrniong which lies less than a kilometer off the busy western freeway, 13km north west of Bacchus Marsh.

Amongst the many old historical buildings in the township is the Anglican ‘Christ Church’.

Built of bluestone nearly 150 years ago, the church’s most striking historical artifact is the remarkable three light stained glass window created by the Colonial Ferguson & Urie stained glass company in 1864.

Photos: Dated 12th January 2013.

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The foundation stone of Christ Church was laid on the 25th October 1864 [1] and was formally opened three months later on the 22nd of December 1864 at a cost of £500 [2].

The Church of England Gazette of 2nd January 1865 [3] made a scant reference to the window at the church opening on the 22nd of December 1864 and reported;

“..the east window of three lights, in stained glass, is of a handsome design..”

The three light window above the altar is an exceptionally well preserved example of Ferguson & Urie’s work from 1864 which has survived intact for nearly 150 years.

The left light shows various stylised depictions of the passion flower in the diamond quarries and at the base of the window is a scrolling ribbon with the text “Love Thy Neighbour” surrounded with deep blue oak leaves. At the time of taking these photos a huge birds nest on the external lower portion of the left light shows a very dark patch in the photo of the window.

The centre light contains the Shield of the Trinity in the middle with the Latin texts,  “NON EST” (Is Not), “EST” (Is),  “PATER” (The Father),  “FILIUS” (The Son), “DEUS” (God), and “S.SANC” (‘SPIRITUS SANCTUS’ – The Holy Spirit).  At the base is an intricate Golden Chalice surrounded by a ribbon with the scriptural text, “This do in remembrance of me” (most likely to be from 1 Corinthians 11-24). The background of the chalice depicts vine leaves in crimson red and the outer depicts oak leaves in deep blue with interspersed small red passion flowers.

The right light is nearly identical to the left light with the exception of the ribbon at the base which has the text “Fear God”.

[1] The Bacchus Marsh Express, Vic, Saturday 17th November 1906, page 3.

[2] Church of England Gazette, Monday 2nd January 1865, page 267.

[3] ibid.

Acknowledgement:

Thanks to Wendy and Gordon Vearing of Myrniong for their assistance with access to the church and their enthusiasm for the history.

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Jan 6 2013

24-05-1884: St Michael’s Catholic Church, Little River, Victoria.

In 1884 Ferguson & Urie erected a two light stained glass window over the altar of St Michael’s Catholic Church at Little River, west of Melbourne. The window depicts Jesus in the left light in the Garden of Gethsemane praying to a chalice and St Michael in the right light also kneeling in prayer. The window was originally erected in the first bluestone church in 1884 at the instigation of a Miss Ellen Bannon[1], The original bluestone church was demolished in 1921 and a new red brick church was built in its place with some of the original bluestone from the old church used for the foundations. The stained glass window was also re-erected over the altar of the new church which opened in April 1922[2].

Photos were taken: 14th Dec 2012 & 2nd Jan 2013.

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Advocate, Vol. XV, No. 801, 24 May 1884, p.15.

“GEELONG [From our own correspondent]

 The additions and improvements to the Catholic Church at Little River are now nearly completed.  A generous lady, Miss Banim[3], who has already contributed largely towards the funds of the church, last week sent an order to Messrs. Ferguson and Urie, of Melbourne, for a handsome stained glass window, to be erected over the altar; while another lady promises a carpet for the sanctuary, and a chest of drawers for the vestments, etc….”[4]

The memorial text across the bottom of the windows reads:

“TO THE GLORY OF GOD – AND IN HONOUR OF
THE REV M MURPHY – PASTOR OF THIS CHURCH
THIS WINDOW IS THE GIFT OF – ELLEN BANNON 1884”

The donor of the window, Miss Ellen Bannon/Bannin died two years later in 1886 at the Prince Alfred Hospital aged 46, and she was buried at the St Kilda General Cemetery[5]. The name of the “Rev M. Murphy” mentioned on the window is more elusive. The text says in “Honour” rather than “In Memory” so there is some conjecture as to whether the Rev M. Murphy was actually alive or not at the time of the window being commissioned by Ms Ellen Bannon in 1884. From the Catholic directories National Council of Priests[6], the only recorded name match is for a “Rev Michael Denis Murphy” who died 13/02/1939 and ministered in the parishes of “Meredith, Footscray, etc, Victoria” (no other specific detail known).

The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Monday 8th March 1886, page 1.

“BANNON.- On the 6th inst., at Alfred Hospital, Ellen Bannon, late of Lara. Aged 46 years. R.I.P”.

“THE Friends of the late Miss ELLEN BANNON, late of Lara, are most respectfully invited to follow her remains to their last resting-place, in the St. Kilda General Cemetery. The funeral is appointed to leave the Alfred Hospital, THIS DAY (Monday), at 11 o’clock a.m.  BENJAMIN T. STEVENS, undertaker, 280 Church-street, near Swan-street, Richmond”.

http://www.standrewswerribee.org.au/little-river.htm

“St Michael’s Little River Catholic community started in 1857, when Fr. Ranald Rankin was appointed resident priest by Melbourne’s first Archbishop, James Goold. Fr. Ranald Rankin came out to Australia from Scotland on the Marco Polo in 1853.  At that time, the Parish extended as far as Anakie and Footscray and it was the only church between Williamstown and Geelong. Fr. Rankin built St. Michael’s Church from local bluestone. During the week the church was also used as a denominational school. When Fr. Rankin died in February 1863, the parish was closed because of a shortage of priests. It was incorporated into the Geelong Mission. In 1906 Archbishop Thomas Carr created the parish of St. Andrews Werribee which incorporated St. Michael’s Little River. The old bluestone church was demolished and the present one was built. It was blessed and opened by Archbishop Daniel Mannix on the 2nd of April 1922…” [7]

The death and burial of Ellen Bannon/Bannim in 1886:

Vic BDM: 3078/1886, Bannin, Ellen, age 46, died PRN ALF H (Prince Alfred Hospital). Parents listed as unknown.

St Kilda General Cemetery, Ellen Bannin, age 46, buried at ROMAN CATHOLIC, MONUMENTAL, COMPARTMENT D GRAVE 616.

There is obviously some confusion as to the spelling of her surname as either Bannin or Bannon. The stained glass window, obituary and funeral notice both have “Bannon” and the BDM Index entry and cemetery record both have “Bannin”.

Werribee Shire Banner, Vic, Thursday 6th April 1922, page 2.

“OPENING NEW R.C. CHURCH AT LITTLE RIVER.

“Nearly 2000 people witnessed the solemn blessing and opening of a new Roman Catholic Church at Little River on Sunday afternoon last by the Archbishop of Melbourne, Dr. Mannix. The sacred edifice, which cost in the vicinity of £2,500, may be recognised as a gift church, the late Huon McNaughton having left he sum of £2,300 for this purpose. The construction of the church was commenced some twelve months ago, but owing to unforseen circumstances it was not completed until recently, when work was finally executed by Mr. John Smith, of Meredith. The church which is built of brick, and neatly furnished, will accommodate about 200 people, and the parishioners of Little River can well feel proud of having one of the most handsome and elaborately equipped churches in the country parishes of Victoria…”

[1] Advocate, Vol. XV, No. 801, 24 May 1884, p.15.

[3] Ellen Bannon, as per dedication text on window. Interchangeably spelt as Bannin and Bannon on other notices.

[4] Article sent from Dr. Bronwyn Hughes, email, 14 Dec 2012.

[6] Sally Heath, NCP, email 4 Jan 2013.

Jan 3 2013

17-02-1896: St. George’s Church, Carlton, Victoria.

St George’s Church in Carlton is a bluestone building built in 1855-6 to the design of architects George and Schneider, the foundation stone of which was laid by Bishop James Alipius Goold in 1855. The Church is located on the grounds of the Corpus Christi College in Carlton and now known as the Corpus Christi Chapel.

On Sunday the 16th of February 1896[1], a memorial stained glass window depicting the Crucifixion was unveiled in the south transept of St George’s to the memory of William Ievers, M.L.A[2], who died at Macartney’s private hospital, East Melbourne[3] on the 19th of February 1895.

William Ievers (1839-1895), was the son of William Ievers Snr[4] (1818-1901) and Mary Harrison (c.1819-1898). A native of Ireland, William arrived with his parents and siblings aboard the Rienzi on the 22nd April 1855[5].

An obituary written about him in February 1895[3] significantly details his life but makes no mention of his historical involvement as the Vice President of the Carlton Football Club between 1890-1894[6].

A plaque affixed to the gate of the Corpus Christie College gate in Drumond street Carlton includes a reference to the Ievers stained glass window as being by Ferguson & Urie;

“…in 1896 a memorial stained glass window to local Councillor William Ievers, designed by the prominent firm of Ferguson and Urie was installed in the south transept…”

News articles from 1896 indicate that the stained glass window was designed by “Mr. Smyrk”, (Herbert Moesbury Smyrk (1861-1947), who was formerly of the stained glass firm of Smyrk & Rogers (partnership dissolved in 1888). At the time the Ievers memorial window was made, Smyrk was then in the employ of Ferguson & Urie.

On the 12th of November 1924, St George’s church was gutted by fire[7] and the William Ievers stained glass window is not known to have survived.

Other memorials to members of the Ievers family include the William Ievers memorial drinking fountain[8] erected in his name by his brother George Hawkins Ievers, in Macarthur Square, Rathdowne Street, Carlton. George also erected another fountain to his father William Ievers Snr in Argyle Square Carlton[9] and his own memorial fountain is at the Corner of Gatehouse Street and Royal Parade, Parkville[10]

The Ievers family home, named after their roots in Ireland, “Mount Ievers”, was located at 521 Royal Parade in Parkville but was demolished circa 1975.

The Ievers family grave and monument still exists at the Melbourne General Cemetery,Roman Catholic,, Section Q, Grave 304/305.

These photos were taken on various dates in 2012. The photo of “Mount Ievers” mansion, at 521 Royal Parade Parkville is from from the SLV and dated prior to 1975.

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Transcriptions:

The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Wednesday 20th February 1895, page 5.

DEATH OF MR. IEVERS, M.L.A.

“Though not unexpected, the announcement of the death of Councillor William Ievers, jun., M.L.A, which occurred last night at Miss Macartney’s private hospital, East Melbourne, will be received generally with feelings of deep regret. A fortnight ago an operation of a painful and serious nature was performed upon Mr. Ievers, and though at the time he appeared likely to recover, he subsequently developed symptoms which alarmed his friends and caused his medical adviser, Mr. Charles Ryan, to fear that there was little hope that he would live. On Monday evening he improved somewhat, but yesterday morning suffered a relapse, and hope was finally abandoned. At 8 o’clock at night he died, surrounded by the members of his family. The cause of his death was urenic poisoning, due to failure of the kidneys. Mr. Ievers was born in Limerick, Ireland, in 1844 [sic: 1839[11]], and came with his father (who is still living and well known in Melbourne) to Victoria in 1855. As a junior he entered the warehouse of Messrs. William Watson and Sons, and remained there until about 1880. By that time he had mounted step by step to be head of one of the departments. When he left the warehouse he joined the firm of his father and brothers, Messrs. William Ievers and Sons, auctioneers, estate, and commission agents, of Collins-street and Carlton. About the same time he was elected a member of the City Council for Smith Ward, and retained the seat up to the time of his death. He sought to enter the Assembly for the Carlton electorate, but was twice beaten. Then when the electorate was subdivided he contested the seat for Carlton South, and after one unsuccessful attempt he unseated Mr. W. H. Leonard at the 1892 election. At the last election he held the seat against the opposition of Mr. Thompson, securing a large majority of votes. In the Assembly Mr. Ievers sat in the Ministerial Corner, and since he rose but seldom to address the House, and then only on subjects with which he was thoroughly conversant, he was invariably listened to with respect. During the last session he was appointed chairman of the banking Commission, but owing to his ill-health was unable to preside at their meetings. Mr. Ievers was a representative of the Melbourne City Council on the Metropolitan Board of Works, and he was also a justice of the peace. He was un-married, and resided with his parents at Mount Ievers, Sydney-road, Parkville. He was very much respected as an honourable and an upright man. He took part in many social organisations specifically formed to promote intellectual advancement, and always evinced a keen interest in the study of the great authors. For many years he was a prominent oarsman, but his exercise on the river had a very painful ending. He was sculling up stream one day, and was run into by another sculler, the bow of whose boat struck him on the spine, and caused what were for a time serious injuries.”

Advocate, Melbourne, Vic, Saturday 15th February 1896, page 16.

“ST. GEORGE’S, CARLTON
A stained glass window to the memory of the late Cr. Wm. Ievers, M.P., has been erected in St. George’s Church, with which the family of the deceased gentleman have been very intimately connected since the foundation of the building was laid. Mr. Wm. Ievers, jun., to whose memory this mark of respect is paid, was himself associated with St. George’s Church since his boyhood, and he and other members of his family have always taken a deep and practical interest in Catholic affairs in the district of Carlton. The memorial is a three light window, which replaces the one heretofore in the southern transept. The centre light contains a representation of the crucifixion, the side lights being filled with a modern treatment of ecclesiastical ornament. On the right of the crucifixion is the inscription:- “He was wounded for our iniquities, and by His bruises we are healed;” and on the left:- “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, for their works follow them.” The record reads:- “In memoriam, William Ievers, Jun., M.P., J.P.” The treatment of the crucifixion in the centre light does not show the Saviour in the hands of the Jew and Roman ignorantly and maliciously fulfilling the mysteries of Redemption, but is strictly devotional in character. Christ is depicted as dead, and the figures of the B. Virgin and St. John stand motionless on either side in subdued sorrow, while Magdalene kneels gravely at the foot of the cross. The colouring is very rich in treatment – yet with a beautiful soft harmony throughout. The work has been carried out by Messrs Ferguson and Urie, from the designs of Mr. H. Smyrk, and to the order of Cr. William Ievers, the father of the deceased gentleman. The memorial will be unveiled at the 11 o’clock Mass on Sunday, 16th inst., when panegyric of the deceased will be preached by the Rev. Isaac Moore, S.J.”

The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Monday 17th February 1896, page 5.

“MEMORIAL TO THE LATE MR IEVERS, M.L.A.

SERMON BY FATHER MOORE.

A special service was rendered yesterday morning at St. George’s Church, Carlton, in memory of the late Mr. William Ievers, M.L.A., who died on February 19, 1895. A fine stained-glass window has been erected in the southern transept of the church by the members of the late Mr. Ievers’s family, and, while it harmonises well with the beautiful interior of the church, serves also as an enduring memorial of the deceased gentleman. It is a three-light window, the centre light showing the principal design, which consists of a representation of the Crucifixion. The colouring is rich but subdued, and the figures of the crucified Christ and of the mourners at the foot of the cross stand out sharp and distinct in every detail. A suggestion of the distant city of Jerusalem rising behind the hill of Calvary is a new feature introduced into the composition by the artist, Mr. Smyrk, who designed the work, which has been carried out by the well known firm of Messrs. Ferguson and Urie. There was a crowded congregation, and the special sermon was preached by the Rev. Isaac Moore, S. J….”

The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Thursday 13th November 1924, page 8.

“Fire in Old Church”.

“An old Melbourne landmark will probably disappear as the result of a fire last evening, when the St. George’s Roman Catholic Church, in Drummond street, Carlton, which was built in 1855, and was used as a boy’s schoolroom, was almost completely destroyed. The cause of the outbreak is a mystery. The school was securely locked at a quarter to 5 o’clock, and at 6 o’clock the housekeeper of the Presbytery, which adjoins the old church, saw smoke issuing from a ventilator on the roof. Five minutes later the building was a mass of flame. The head fire station at Eastern Hill was notified, and a large detachment of men was soon on the spot. The firemen were greatly hampered in their work by the intense heat, for, although the outer walls of the church are constructed of bluestone blocks, it was lined with wood, and the roof was stayed with old wooden rafters, which burned fiercely. Many children were playing in the grounds at the time, and some were endangered by the flying sparks. Several hoses were played on the heart of the fire, which was at the eastern end of the building, but it was some time before the firemen were able to get close enough to break down the doors and enter. When they could do so they concentrated a stream of water on to the blazing rafters, and the outbreak was soon subdued. The building contained desks, black boards, and the usual furnishings of a school room, most of which were destroyed. The inner walls were severely damaged, and gaping holes were left in the roof. The building and contents were insured with the Catholic Church Insurance Co., for £1,500, but it is not thought that this amount will cover the damage. The chief fire officer (Mr. Harris B. Lee), who was early on the scene, said that it was extraordinary that although hundreds of people must have seen the flames, nobody gave the alarm until the fire was noticed by the housekeeper. The building, which was constructed as a schoolroom in 1897, accommodated 220 pupils”.

External links:

Biography: William Ievers Snr (1818-1901)

An interesting history of William Ievers Snr (1818-1901), is detailed in a book he wrote in 1894 titled  “Fifty Years After; or, Old Scenes Revisited.” Extracts were republished in The Old Limerick Journal under the titles of,  William Ievers: Old Scenes Revisited and A visit to Paris 1890. His son William Ievers Jnr (1839-1895), referred to as “Willie”, accompanied his father on the journey back to Ireland in 1890 and the book was a result of William Snr’s journals.

Footnotes:

Dec 29 2012

22-05-1897: Presbyterian Church, Werribee, Victoria.

In the last three years of the history of the Ferguson & Urie stained-glass company of North Melbourne they were still performing regional glazing repairs. On Friday 14th May 1897 a storm went through Werribee and damaged a stained glass-window at the Presbyterian Church (now Cross Roads Uniting) which was repaired by a tradesman from Ferguson & Urie. There is no evidence that proves the window was one Ferguson & Urie’s original installations from when the church was built in 1884.

The Bacchus Marsh Express, Vic, Saturday 22 May 1897, page 3.
“The strong northerly gale that was blowing across these plains on the night of Friday of last week, with its occasional severe gusts, has unfortunately not passed over us without doing some damage; for, in addition to the unthatching of stacks, on many of the farms, the north window, high up in the spire of the Presbyterian church, which is exposed to the full force of wind from the north, has been very badly damaged, necessitating complete renewal of the lead work, and a great deal of the glass. The damage was first noticed by the Rev. John McIntosh on Saturday; pieces of the lead work and glass were blown in and were strewn over the floor of the belfry; while the window itself was just hanging together, vibrating with the wind, which by this time had fortunately veered round to the west. He at once communicated with Mr. Adam Hastie, Mr. G. T. Chirnside’s manager, informing him of the damage, and at the same time wrote in to Messrs. Ferguson & Urie, of Melbourne, to send out a man at the earliest moment. When the tradesman arrived it was at once seen that the window would require to be taken out as the joints of the lattice lead work were, for the most part, broken, and the rods and stays were loose, so that in order to make a secure job, the window will have to be re-leaded. The repairs will possibly cost over £3, so that ‘its an ill wind that blows nobody good!”

Photos taken: 30th Dec 2010.

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As at 2012, the north an west facing belfry windows of the church are extremely unlikely to be of any original glass produced or at anytime repaired by Ferguson & Urie.

Related posts:

23-05-1896: Presbyterian Church, Werribee, Victoria.
1876: Werribee Park Mansion.

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Dec 18 2012

29-01-1879: St Thomas’s Anglican Church, Moonee Ponds, Melbourne, Victoria.

The foundation stone of the present St Thomas’s church in Mt. Alexander road, Moonee Ponds (formerly Essendon Parish), was laid in 1857 by the Governor of Victoria Sir Henry Barkly[1], and opened for worship on Sunday 6th March 1859 by the Rev R.B. Barlow[2]. The church was erected in the early English style to designs of architects Knight and Kerr[3] and was consecrated on Tuesday 2nd September 1862[4] The first incumbent was the Rev. Edward Puckle[5]–[6].

The centre stained glass window in the chancel of St Thomas’s contains an historic window created by Melbourne’s first colonial stained glass company, Ferguson & Urie of North Melbourne. The window depicts Christ as ‘The Good Shepherd’ and was erected to the memory of John Thomas Smith, M.L.A., who holds the record of having served as Mayor of Melbourne seven times between 1851 and 1864.

The memorial text at the foot of the window reads:

“DEDICATED BY HIS WIDOW TO THE MEMORY OF THE LATE HON. J. T. SMITH. M.P. ONE OF THE ORIGINAL TRUSTEES OF THIS CHURCH WHO DIED JAN 29 1879 AGED 63 YEARS”.

The date of death recorded on the window (29th) is at odds with that recorded elsewhere in the tabloids of the time and his official probate records, which all record the 30th.

Strangely there was also an occurrence of another memorial window erected to his memory in St John’s Church in Latrobe street!

In October 1883 Mrs Ellen Smith (nee Pender 1820-1886[7]), the widow of the Hon John Thomas Smith, M.L.A, dedicated a single light memorial window to her late husband in St John’s Church in Latrobe Street Melbourne. His funeral service was conducted at St John’s on Friday 31st January 1879 and four years later the following was reported in the Argus;

The The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Thursday 18th October 1883, page 5.

“ST. JOHN’S CHURCH, LATROBE STREET. The interior of this Anglican church has been undergoing a process of renovation which has considerably improved its general appearance. A new stained glass memorial window has been placed in the northern wall of the chancel. It is the gift of Mrs. Smith, in memory of her deceased husband, the late Mr. John Thomas Smith…”

St John’s Church in Latrobe Street was demolished c.1920, re-erected nearby, and again demolished c.1957 but what became of the J. T. Smith window or any others is not known.

Photos taken 5th February 2012.

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Who was John Thomas Smith?

John Thomas Smith (1816-1879)[8] was born and educated in Sydney. He married Ellen Pender in St James Cathedral, Melbourne on the 10th April 1839[9].

Having never been considered a true inspirational leader, he missed consideration of a Knighthood by the Queen in 1858, but astonishingly he served as Mayor of Melbourne seven times between 1851 and 1864[10], a record that  is unlikely to be repeated in Melbourne’s history.

His funeral service was conducted at St John’s Church in LaTrobe street in Melbourne on Friday 31st January 1879 and his Masonic Brethren were instructed to appear in full Masonic regalia to follow the remains of their brother, the late “Provincial Grand Master” to his final resting place in the Melbourne General Cemetery[11].

The Australasian Sketcher with pen and Pencil, Melbourne, Vic, Saturday 15th February 1879, page 183.

“THE LATE HON. J. T. SMITH, M.L.A.

The late Hon. John Thomas Smith, M.L.A. for West Bourke, who died on January 30, was in his way one of the most familiar of local landmarks. He was a native of Australia, having been born at Sydney, New South Wales, in 1816, so that at the time of his death he had passed his 62nd year. The education provided in the young colony in those days was not of the most liberal description, but his parents accorded him the benefit of the best obtainable, and he was educated at Cape’s school, Sydney. Referring to his youthful days, Mr. Smith has been heard to say, that though he had gained honours from his fellow Victorians of which he was proud, he felt certain that had his early instruction been more comprehensive and complete he would have occupied still higher positions. An impartial estimate, however, of the deceased’s natural abilities hardly justifies the belief that he could ever, under any circumstances, have taken a leading place in controlling the affairs of any large community of men, for though possessing great natural shrewdness, it cannot be said that he was endowed with a statesman’s breadth of intellect. Mr. Smith’s first start in life after leaving school was as a clerk in the bank of Australasia, where, however, he did not remain very long, resigning his position for a situation in the colonial store department. His next position explains the somewhat clerical dress which Mr. Smith has always worn in Victoria, and which often led those who saw him for the first time to believe that he was a minister of religion. In 1837 he was offered the position of assistant teacher in the Church of England Aboriginal Mission Station, Melbourne, the site of which is now occupied by the Botanical-gardens. Having from his early youth a great interest in the aborigines – who, he used to say, should be most kindly dealt as the real possessors of the soil, from which they were gradually driven by the steady advance of the tide of civilisation – Mr. Smith at once accepted the appointment, and came to Melbourne in the James Watt steamer, near the end of 1837; thus having been at the time of his death a citizen of Melbourne for over 40 years. Melbourne in those days was, it need hardly be said, but a very small place indeed – an oasis in the almost desert wilderness of forest-clad hills and plains; and to use Mr. Smith’s words in the Assembly only a few years ago, he had been one of those early pioneers who have had the happiness of living to see “a wilderness where the noble savage held almost undisputed sway transformed into a city almost second to none, and surpassing all who’s existence dates from (then) only 36 years ago.” He quitted the mission-station after having done good work to become manager for the late Hon. J. Hodgson, and subsequently entered into business on his own account. It is unnecessary in a notice of this kind to dwell upon the early business pursuits which the deceased in those rough times entered on, but it may be said that he was successful in his object of gaining a considerable competency. He catered for the entertainment of a not very aesthetic public; but among one of his enterprises which deserves to be remembered was his building of the Queen’s Theatre, of which Mr. George Coppin was among the early lessees. In 1842 Melbourne was incorporated a city, and Mr. Smith was one of the first councillors – a position he has continued to fill without intermission until his death. He has held the honourable office of mayor of Melbourne no less than seven times, but the majority of his elections to that post took place in the earlier years of the City Council, when there was not the same rivalry for the distinction which has for some years existed among the city fathers. At present it is well known there is little chance of any mayor being re-elected to the office, and a second re-election might be looked upon as an impossible occurrence. During the Ballarat riots the mayoralty of Melbourne was no sinecure, owing to the excitement which prevailed, and the rumours flying about of intended assaults on the Treasury and banks. Mr. Smith did good service in restoring the confidence of the population by organising a system of special constables, and for his energy on the occasion he received the thanks of the Governor, Sir Charles Hotham. When mayor in 1858 the deceased was delegated by the City Council to go to England for the purpose of presenting an address of congratulation to the Queen on the occasion of he marriage of the Princess Royal to the Crown Prince of Prussia. It was expected by many that Mr. Smith would return from his trip Sir John Smith, but the expected honours were not bestowed. If any disappointment was experienced by the mayor himself in the matter, it is but fair to say that he showed no traces of it. It will be mainly by his connexion with Melbourne, and the services which he rendered to the city in its youthful growth, that the deceased will be remembered; but it is needless to say, besides being a city councillor, Mr. Smith has, since the establishment of constitutional government in this colony, been a member of the Legislative Assembly. At the time of his death he was entitled to the name of Father of the Assembly, as since his first election for North Bourke, in 1851, to the old nominee-elective Assembly, he has never been out of Parliament. He has had a seat in one Government – viz., as Minister of Mines in the Macpherson Administration, in 1869. Notwithstanding his long parliamentary experience, however, the deceased could not be said ever to have taken a leading position in the House. His best work was done in other and less prominent places. His shrewdness and good humour and knowledge of colonial life made him a useful magistrate, and for many years he was a constant attendant at the City Bench, where his great delight was to talk to the persons to the suit in a private room, and induce them to sink their differences, and settle their disputes out of court. He was an official visitor at the lunatic asylums, and paid assiduous attention to his duties as a member of the Central Board of Health. In the establishment of our principal charities, such as the Melbourne Hospital, the Benevolent and Orphan Asylums, and others, he took an active part, and on several occasions when help was needed in other countries, and Victorians were appealed to, the deceased energetically applied himself to the task of collecting, always supplementing the collections with a liberal donation of his own. The deceased also took great interest in the initiation and progress of the friendly societies, and was a leading member of several of them, besides being a prominent Freemason. For many years he has been Provincial Grand master under the Irish Constitution. Mr. Smith leaves a widow and a family, the eldest of whom is Mr. J. T. T. Smith, Crown prosecutor. A full length portrait of Mr. John Thomas Smith in his robes of office is hung up in the town-hall, and no doubt he will occupy a place in local history as “seven times mayor.”

The reason for J. T, Smith being ignored for a Knighthood could be explained as follows:

Sunbury News, Vic, Saturday 25th March 1905, page 3.

“A VISIT TO THE MELBOURNE GENERAL CEMETERY.

(By Isaac Batey.)”

“…we will take stock of the tomb of J. T. Smith, who enjoyed the distinction of holding the mayoral chair for seven years. He was a live public man in early Melbourne times; then being elected M.L.A. for West Bourke, he became Minister of Lands. Just about the beginning of 1870, he was seen passing through Ballan, on a Ministerial tour, and my worthy old dad, who was evidently personally acquainted with him, told me who he was. Perhaps it will not be out of place to relate an incident about Mr Smith, even if it was given in former scribblings. Well, in 1859, the Princess Royal was married. “Jacky Tommy,” as “Punch” dubbed him, being Mayor of Melbourne, the City Council sent him to England to read an address to the Queen, congratulating Her Majesty on the happy event. The “Argus” had a dead-set on the Mayor. One of that paper’s proprietors (Mackinnon) was in London, and I have lately heard that he laid a trap for the Ambassador. Smith was a gay Lothario; in fact, in that direction, he was too intense, consequently he was an easily caught bird when the right sort of lime was prepared for him. To shorten -it is apparent that some woman was put in his way, and the presumption is, she was bribed to effectually damn Smith in the eyes of royalty. This I do know for a certainty, from the newspapers published in Victoria, that a female prosecuted him for misconduct in a London police court. However, he was thoroughly euchred with respect to the prospective Knighthood, for on reading his address to the Queen, in place of coming out with a handle to his name; he emerged plain Mr Smith. Without doubt the “Argus” had recourse to vile intrigue to block the Knighthood, not for the special reason that Mr Smith had faults and failings, but simply because he had sprung from the ranks’ still designated by some people afflicted with the mania of self-esteem, as “the lower orders.” However, J. T. S. believed that the “Argus” had played him a scurvy trick, because on his return he never allowed that journal to enter his house-a fact that can be vouched for, seeing that the information was derived from a gentleman who was an intimate friend of the family. The monument over the Smiths is a good one. The several inscriptions read as follows: “‘Hon. John Thomas Smith-died 30th January, 1879; aged 61.-Ellen, wife of the above-died 20th July, 1886. James, second son–died 27th May, 1878; aged 31.-Charles Melbourne, sixth son; died let. December, 1874, aged 19.-Harrie Smith, secretary V.A. Turf Club; died 10th July” 1895; aged 44.–J. T. Thorold Smith, L.L.B., and K.C., Crown Prosecutor, and eldest son; died 8th July, 1901; aged 61. Nellie, his wife died 2nd March, 1901; aged 60.” Mrs Smith, senior’s, age was not on tomb, and counting the K.C.’s wife, the life average of the family is 44 years…”

Also see: Biography John Thomas Smith (1816-1879)

About the Rev Edward Puckle:

The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Saturday 11th December 1937, page 38

“Old Essendon Church.

The early history of St. Thomas’s parish, Essendon, shows that it was originally the charge of Dr. Hussey Burgh Macartney, later Dean of Melbourne. That was in 1849. A small wooden building served the parishioners for 10 years. The foundation of the present church in Mt. Alexander road was laid in 1857 by the Governor of Victoria Sir Henry Barklay, and the building as opened for worship in 1859. The first vicar was the Rev. Edward Puckle, who continued his work till 1878. He remained a parishioner till his death in 1898, aged 98 years. The present vicar (the Rev. C. Hedley Raymond succeeded the Rev. Canon J. T. Baglin in 1934…”

Otago Daily Times, New Zealand, Issue 11205, 30 August 1898, Page 6

“AN EX-NEW ZEALANDER.

The Rev. Edward Puckle, of Essendon, has just died at the ripe age of 98. His wife (86) died in April last, after a happy married companionship of no less than 68 years. Mr Puckle was one of the Canterbury pilgrims, landing in the Randolph at Lyttleton in 1850. He remained in New Zealand only five years, and then came to Victoria. He was in charge of the Essendon suburban parish here for 24 years, and continued to live is Essendon till the time of his death, another 18 years.”

The Rev Edward Puckle has his own memorial stained glass window in St Thomas’s which depicts the Ascension and is erected to the left of the  J. T. Smith window. This window was crafted by the stained glass craftsman William Montgomery of Melbourne c.1898. Another window in the nave is dedicated to his daughter, Mary Shaw Puckle, and was made by Brooks, Robinson & Co, Melbourne, and dedicated in 1934.

All the stained glass windows in St. Thomas’s were created locally in Melbourne. The J. T. Smith memorial window was made by the first colonial Victorian stained glass firm, Ferguson & Urie, and all  other later windows were created by William Montgomery, Mathieson & Gibson, and Brooks, Robinson & Co, between 1900 and 1956.

Other references:

Bendigo Advertiser, Vic, Saturday 1st February 1879, page 1s.

Bendigo Advertiser, Vic, Tuesday 4th February 1879, page 2.

Mercury and Weekly Courier, Vic, Saturday 5th April 1879, page 3.

The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Saturday 11th December 1937, page 38

Web site of St Thomas’s Moonee Ponds

Foot Notes:

Dec 13 2012

27-04-1862: St Giles Presbyterian Church, Geelong, Victoria.

Situated on the west side of Gheringhap Street, between Little Ryrie and Myers Street in Geelong, is the former St Giles Presbyterian Church, also known as the West End or High Church. Ferguson & Urie created the five-light west window, which is the third oldest extant window I’ve found by Ferguson & Urie, and it’s also one of the rare few that have the company name on it. There is also a window depicting the ‘Burning Bush’ (the Presbyterian Motto) at the east end, which includes the date “A.D. 1862”.

Geelong Advertiser, Vic, Tuesday 29th April 1862, page 3.

“…The windows in the front elevation (Gheringhap-street) will be of stained glass, five lights each and traceried; they are being prepared by Messrs Ferguson and Urie of Melbourne, a very handsome and elaborate design, and will not be ready for a few weeks…”

The designs of architect Nathaniel Billing were chosen as a result of a competition entry[1] and Boynton & Conway of Geelong were the building contractors. Although initial designs included a spire, this was never built. The foundation stone was laid on Tuesday the 9th of July 1861 by the treasurer of the new church, Thomas Brown Esq[2], and it was formally opened on Sunday 27th April 1862 [3]. By 1938 St Giles had no minister and it was suggested that it should be pulled down[4] and re-erected in place of the wooden Scots Church in Pakington street Geelong West. This never eventuated and the church continued to serve the congregation for another forty years. St Giles was last used for services in 1977 when the Uniting Church classed the building as redundant and it was sold in 1988. It was then used as an entertainment venue which hosted many live bands and performances by famous rockers such as Jimmy Barnes. How the stained glass windows survived unscathed during this period is remarkable! Photos taken 6th January 2012, except the last two photos in the slideshow which show the full perspective of the liturgical west window, and the Burning Bush window at the liturgical east end. These two photos have been contributed by Geoffrey Wallace, taken in 2006 before the internal office space construction began.

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The latest transformation of the former St Giles church was it’s conversion to offices and it now hosts a medical clinic. The liturgical west window facing Gheringhap street still exists in fairly good condition and can be seen from inside from the landing of an internal staircase. The window is also one of a very rare few early Ferguson & Urie stained glass creations that has the company name on it, located at the base of the centre light. The four lobed round window at the east end depicts the Burning Bush with the motto of the Church of Scotland, “NEC TAMEN CONSUMEBATUR” (Latin – ‘Yet it was not consumed’, an allusion to Exodus 3:1-22 and Moses and the Burning Bush), and also has the year “A:D: 1862”.

Significant newspaper transcriptions:

The Sydney Morning Herald, NSW, Monday 15th July 1861, page 3

“The foundation stone of the new Presbyterian High Church of Victoria was laid on Tuesday, at Geelong, in the presence of a numerous concourse of people. The site of the new building is adjacent to the Presbyterian school on the western side of Gheringhap-street. The ceremony was performed by Mr. Thomas Brown, treasurer to the new church, the Rev. Mr. Fraser commencing the proceedings with singing and prayer. The design of the church is early gothic; it will hold 500 persons, and the entire cost of the edifice with steeple will be £5000. – Herald”

Geelong Advertiser, Vic, Tuesday 29th April 1862, page 3.

“HIGH CHURCH, GHERINGHAP STREET. THIS handsome structure which forms such a prominent feature amongst the ecclesiastical and public edifices of the “west end” of our town may now be pronounced complete. At least, it is complete in so far that it has been devoted to the purpose of its erection, having been consecrated to Divine Worship on Sunday last in presence of a very numerous congregation. The plan comprises the nave, transepts, vaulted recess for rostrum, vestry, two porches, and a tower and spire; and the style of architecture is of the “early decorated” period of Gothic. The tower, and spire, and vestry are not yet built, which, of course, give the edifice externally an unfinished appearance; nor are the nave and transepts, which are to provide the complete seat accommodation; but these are in progress and will be finished by the original contractors. The walls are of bluestone; while the gables, window and door coigns, copings, pinnacles, and dressings to buttresses, &c, generally are of Barrabool freestone. Interiorly – the roof is open to the ridge, supported by arched trusses, the wall-pieces bearing on moulded and carved stone corbels; and all the roof timbers and boarding is stained of a uniform colour and varnished. Ventilation is amply provided by a series of perforated pinnacles and louvred openings, in addition to which the side windows are each made to open partially, and gratings in the passages and in the plinth are arranged with slides to open or shut with pleasure as the state of the weather may require. The windows in the front elevation (Gheringhap-street) will be of stained glass, five lights each and traceried; they are being prepared by Messrs Ferguson and Urie of Melbourne, a very handsome and elaborate design, and will not be ready for a few weeks. The side windows have two lights each with traceried heads, and those to the transepts three lights each. There are also two small gable windows of chaste design. The rostrum and the precentor’s desk and their enclosing railing are of Australian cedar selected with exceeding taste to show the valuable adaptability of this favorite wood for ornamental purposes; and in design the whole is in strict keeping with the other parts of the church. The benches are open, with cut and moulded ends terminating with fleur de-lis; they are all stained and varnished. The whole of the workmanship of the building and its furnishings, inside and out, is of the most creditable character. Mr. Billing, of Melbourne, is the architect, and Boynton and Conway, of Geelong, the contractors for carrying out the works. The church occupies one of the most commanding sites of the town, and, approached by land or seas it will always form a prominent object in the view. It is capable of accommodating about fifteen hundred people.             As we said above, the church was consecrated for Divine Worship on Sunday last. The “opening services” of the day were three – morning, afternoon, and evening. The first and last were conducted by the Rev William Henderson, of Ballarat, and the afternoon service by the Rev Joseph Dare. As an earnest of the interest felt by the congregation in their new church, above L60 was contributed as the customary collections. The opening services will be continued next Sunday by the Rev T. W. K. Frazer, the pastor of the church, the Rev A. J. Campbell, and the Rev A. Love.”

Footnotes:

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