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Closure of the church in Spalding |
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Spalding is a small but close-knit community on the
road between Clare and Jamestown. It recently suffered a flood of
massive proportions after 4 inches on rain in a brief time. |
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The land on which the Anglican Church at Spalding
was built was given by S. John Bacon,
Merchant, of Spalding on 6th July, 1922.
It seems to have taken some time for the building to be erected,
as it was not licensed until 1924. It is an interesting building of
timber frame, with steel, stone-shaped cladding and iron roof. With a
combined porch-vestry, it was well designed for the small community,
although it seems to be have used rather less than weekly. |
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As Spalding is in somewhat of a vacuum in terms of
other towns, the Church was served variously from Burra, Peterborough
and Jamestown. As priest there in the ‘90s, there was a small but vigorous
congregation, including several young people who were confirmed during
those years. |
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While
it is sad that the decision was made to close the Church – as occurred
on 21st May, 2006, the little congregation
now meets with Uniting Church people in their Church up the road.
Once a month, the Ministry District priest celebrates Communion in the
Uniting Church to a combined congregation. |
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Ringing the bell for the last
time |
Bishop Garry Wheatherill led the
service of closure |
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People spoke of their memories of
the church |
After the short service of
closure, the congregation moved in procession to the Uniting Church
which will be there place of worship now. |
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In the Uniting Church the Bishop
presided at the Eucharist and the
Ministry District Priest read the gospel |
