| HISTORICAL SOCIETY REPORT 2004 PURPOSES The Uniting Church Historical Society assists primarily in
LECTURES AND ACTIVITIES
Opening of Uniting Church History Centre A significant event in the life
of the South Australian Synod was the opening of the Uniting Church
History Centre on Sunday 18th April, 2004. The History Centre was
opened by Dr David Hilliard a leading Australian Church
Historian. A presentation on researching the Faith History of the
Church was given by Rev'd George Potter a chuch Historian and Secretary
of the Council of the Society. Dr Hilliard gave a presentation on
the History work of the churches from the early 20th century.
Greetings from other churches, the State History Trust, and the Unley
Council were received and their representatives were present.
Rev'd Graham Vawser, the Moderator Elect, gave greetings on behalf of
the South Australian Synod of the Uniting Church. It was very
encouraging for society members to have eighty-four present for the
occasion.
Work of the History Centre The History Centre is making
possible safe storage for preservation of the records and memorabilia
of the Church. Also, local churches are able to easier access the
information they need. From August 2004 unti July 2004 one
hundred and thirty one inquiries for history information have been
received. This service is being maintained by the phone being
diverted to the Secretary's home phone number. The work of sorting, collating, and
recording the records on a data-base is being done by Val Canty, Gaye
Brown , and David Shield. As this work progresses the History
Centre is more able to serve the history needs of the Church. History Preservation for Church Groups Rev'd Potter has accepted several invitations to visit church groups and others have booked dates with him.
Groups are invited to visit the Centre and sevaeral have made bookings for their visits. Burgess House Propert Sale A change of circumstances for the
resident has made it possible for the property to be sold. Part
of the proceeds from this sale will pay for the Home Unit in which the
Burgess House resident will have the same provisions for
residency as that for Burgess House. Also, this property will be
an investment for the Historical Society. The remainder of the
proceeds will be invested and from which the earnings will be for
further equipping and operating costs of the Centre. FUTURE EVENTS Gordon Rowe Memorial Lecture
HISTORICAL SOCIETY WEB PAGEAt time of writing the Society looks forward to Rev'd Dr D'Arcy Wood's lecture titled LITURGY FROM THE GROUND UP: a Uniting Church Journey 1975 - 1990. This lecture will be delivered at Westbourne Park Uniting Church Friday 13th August, 2004 at 7:30pm. A Lecture on the History of Religious Education will be delivereed by Rev'd Dr Malcolm McArthur, following the Annual General Meeting of the Society, at the History Centre on Friday 19 November 2004. Program for 2005 will include a History walk and lectures. The Web Page provides
information on the work of the Society and lists the Publications
available from the History Centre. This has also been a means of
amking the History Centre known and from which inquiries have resulted.
MEMBERSHIPWeb Page address: http://historicalsociety.unitingchurch.org.au The Council of the Society continues to seek ways to increase the Membership.
Membership Subscriptions: One year $11. Two Years $19.80 Three Years $ 27.50 Life membership $137.50 Congregations $220. Val Canty, President
George Potter, Secretary  |