History

If you didn’t know! Our Church  was dedicated on 22^nd September 1932, which makes it almost 75 years old.

I thought it might be nice to recollect a few things from the History of Holy Trinity.

Extracts from ‘Four Score and Seven Years’:  

It is almost trite to remind ourselves that, when it comes down to basics, the people of the parish are the Church.

Without the untiring and unselfish efforts of many people – past and present, there would be no parish history to write.  

The longest serving vestryman covered an uninterrupted period of 31 years (WOW!!).  

The Ladies Guild first started in 1908, and has provided a common meeting ground for ladies of all ages.  

Activities such as the Op Shop, commenced in 1968, under the leadership of Lloyd Reynoldson and the management of Hazel Brown; provided not only financial assistance to the parish and many other causes, but also serves as a point of ministry and contact to a wide range of people.

Within the Worship programme; lay readers, organists, server liturgical assistants, lesson readers and side persons, greeters, intercessors, cleaners of the linen, those arranging the flowers, those keeping the church bright and clean; all have made their contribution.

A number of men and women have taken part in fundraising with outstanding results financially to the parish.  Their time and talents have all played their part in the continuing story of Holy Trinity.

The talents of the congregation come from all walks of life: labourers, business people,  clubs such as the Rotary and the Lions clubs, Progress Association, School Committees and Councils, Homes for the elderly and Auxiliaries.  Apologies to those I may have missed!  

The first fete was held in October/November, 1919, to raise funds to help pay off a debt. $63.15 was allotted from the proceeds to the building fund, and so began plans for a new church building at Pascoe Vale.  

Electricity was installed in the church in 1921. The first account passed for payment – the amount – 69cents.

The Vicarage was completed in 1958 after much discussion and meetings dating back to 1947. The home was dedicated by Archbishop Sir Frank Woods on Saturday, 20^th December 1958. The Community Hall was opened nearly 27 years ago on 27^th July 1980.  

No history of our parish could be complete without St Oswald’s. In 1958 the Vicar reported to Vestry that he had discussed the matter with parishioners from Oak Park.  It  was decided to go ahead with an all-purpose hall on the Nerissa Grove site. The first service in Oak Park was held in a private home on  3 August 1958.  St Oswald’s was dedicated by Bishop John D. McKie on 2 August 1959, and closed in 2000.  All parishioners have become a welcome addition at Holy Trinity with a Chapel to St Oswald lovingly prepared by all and dedicated on August 8^th  2004  by the Bishop of the Northern Region, Philip Huggins.  

We must also thank all the Vicars who have come and gone over that time. They; with the parishioners, have made the Parish of Pascoe Vale / Oak Park what it is today.  

And now , we look forward; going from strength to strength. As we have seen through this article, things do not change much, we are still concerned with keeping buildings and finances healthy.

However; we must never forget that our main aim is to the Love of God and all the  blessings he gives us while being prayerful.  I’m sure we are all doing that.  

Times change and we must change with them.  We must keep up with the times, listen to people and help people who need our help.

Our private mission is to believe in the love of God, love our neighbours, be it local, national or overseas, love life and be thankful for the love we share within the parish family. There are always problems and hurts that test us, but prayer always helps.  

At this time we have become supportive to the missions of lands far away that need our help. We are working forward, We are Christians helping not only Christians, but also all our brothers and sisters wherever they may be.