1971
26 November 1971
OLD HALL A WITNESS TO EARLY METHODISM
The centenary of Methodism in Gulgong will be celebrated on Sunday, at a church service at which Rev. Tredinnick will be guest speaker.
Mr. Tredinnick was a former minister at the Gulgong Church.
He and many other former citizens of Gulgong are expected to attend Sunday’s centenary service at 9 a.m.
The old Odd Fellows Hall which was the first church erected by the Methodists in Gulgong will feature in the celebrations.
It is still used for the Sunday School classes.
The earliest history of Gulgong Methodists is linked with the gold rush in the 1870s.
As a result of the missionary concern of Mudgee Wesleyans, a church was built in Gulgong, and opened on October 29, 1871 at the cost of £300.
The building was financed by two friends of the cause borrowing £250 and making themselves personally responsible for the repayment.
The church was built of pine with internal fittings 26’ x 40’.
At the opening service, addresses were given by Rev. J. Walkden Brown, Messrs. Conway (the Architect), Tallentire, Cassen, Anderson and Blackman.
In 1872 Rev. Alfred Swift was sent as an unmarried minister to reside in Gulgong.
He was succeeded by Rev. Youngman in 1873-74, and Rev. Benjamin Meek in 1875.
The population of Gulgong declined with the end of the mining boom, and the church had to be closed, and was later sold to the Oddfellows’ Lodge for a hall.
For many years the few Methodist families worshipped with the Presbyterian congregation.
In 1896 there was a request to the Mudgee Wesleyan Minister to recommence services in Gulgong.
The congregation worshipped in the home of Mr. W. Clarke, the Postmaster, after which services were held in the Oddfellows’ Hall (the former church) until it was decided to build a new brick church.
The new church was opened in 1901 at the cost of £650.
Gulgong continued to be part of the Mudgee Methodist Circuit until 1908 when it became a circuit in its own right and Rev. F. A. Malcolm was appointed the resident minister.
Preaching places included Dunedoo, Elong, Sandy Creek, Two Mile Flat, Tallawang, Leadville, Coolah and Canadian.
Since then 40 ministers and home missionaries have been resident in Gulgong, until 1966 when Gulgong again became part of the Mudgee Circuit. Among those who ministered in Gulgong were Rev. Dr. C. Maxwell Churchwood (1920) who was a missionary in Fiji for many years and translated the Bible into Rotuman.
Rev. Leslie B. Smith (1935-37) is now the Principal Air Chaplin for the R.A.A.F.
Rev. John Fullerton (1938-39) has recently retired as Senior Methodist Army Chaplain.
Revs. Herbert B. Shelton (1925), Gordon G. Wood (1927) and Hilford C. Easton (1941) gave their lives in the service of the country during World War II.
While membership has never been large, the faithful laymen and women have loyally supported the Church.
The name of Mr. Albert E. Brigden will never be forgotten in connection with Gulgong Methodism.
He commenced the Sunday School of which he was Superintendent for 18 years, and he practically founded the church.
Other names associated with the church since the early days were W. Watt (who was one of the original trustees), James Clarke, G. Hoult, A. Chick, Oscar O’Reilly, together with those of more recent years who have given loyal and faithful service.
While the cause has had a varied history, its service has made a wide impact in the community and its witness has been in the best spirit of the church.
Prepared from information obtained by Rev. V. R. Neideck from the Australian Methodist Historical Society and from former ministers and members1
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