By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
UNLOCK the doors of Dandenong’s oldest church and a surprising
history is revealed within its atmospheric stained-glass interior.
Inside St James Church, a 149-year-old traditional English Gothic
structure, there’s a still-functioning pipe organ as old as the building
itself and what is believed to be one of Australia’s oldest
stained-glass windows, which was installed in 1886.
Displayed on a wall is a the silver trowel that was used in 1864
by then Victorian governor James Darling to lay the Anglican church’s
foundation stone. Somehow, the trowel had been taken to England before
it was found and returned in 1928.
Expect to hear more about this church in the coming year as
parishioners and clergy plot a varied and packed sesquicentenary
extravaganza next year.
Among the events planned are a family fun day, gala dinner,
celebration concert at The Drum Theatre, a special anniversary church
service, the commissioning of a time capsule and a flower festival.
A highlight will be a march from the church’s first worship site –
Dunbar’s Hotel, now known as the Jim Dandy Hotel, in Lonsdale Street,
Dandenong.
Coinciding with this will be a celebration for the 100th birthday of former church minister Elizabeth Alfred.
Vicar’s warden and historian Marlene Newell is compiling
chronicles of the church’s history and its stained-glass windows. She
says many parishioners still crave a traditional Anglican church
experience.
Father Jeffrey Parker, who has worn the church’s vicar robes for
the past four years, says the building is a “living place, not a
museum”. “We’ve got an energetic, multicultural community here,” he
says.
“Other churches don’t have buildings like this. Even those who go to the newer, trendy churches want to get married here.”
Celebration organisers Ian and Pat McDonald were married at the church 51 years ago.
Mr McDonald, a former City of Dandenong mayor, says sponsors are needed for the packed program of events.
Details, call Ian McDonald on 0419 510 529 or email imcdonald3@bigpond.com.
