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St Michael's
In March 1940 the then Vicar, the Rev. Oscar Muspratt, wrote: “It gives me great pleasure to announce that a lasting Memorial to the late Mr. Herbert Jones, of Mount Dandenong, is to take the shape of a Church for that part of the Parish. This has been made possible by the generous gifts of Mrs. Jones, Mr. Sydney Jones and Mr. C. -P. Jones. One cannot imagine any memorial which could be more fitting, for his own sincere devotion to the worship of God was apparent to all. It has long been the dream of the residents to have a Church of their own. With that object in view, they have collected £ 100.” There were several types suggested for the new Church. Some proposed a log cabin style which they thought would be fitting for the mountain district. Others favoured the construction of a rough stone building, which was finally agreed upon. This meant that the main inner wall had to be in brick in order to carry the roof structure. The outer wall was built of rough stone. Plans were drawn up by Messrs. K. Reid and J. A. Pearson, Architects, and accepted by Mrs. H. Jones, the Vicar (the Rev. 0. Muspratt) and the Vestry. The contract for the building of the Church was let to Mr.L.F. Bray, builder, of Easton Road, Oakleigh. The exterior stone work was undertaken by Mr. R. Emery and his son of Montrose Road, Montrose. The building of the Church took approximately six months. The Church was completely finished, furnished and paid for before it was consecrated. The Foundation Stone was laid by the Archbishop of Melbourne on 26th June, 1940, and bears the following inscription: TO THE GLORY OF GOD This Foundation Stone of the The Consecration of the new Church of St. Michael and All Angels, Mount Dandenong, was performed by the Archbishop of Melbourne, Most Rev. Frederick Waldegrave Head, on Thursday, 28th November, 1940, at 2.30 p.m. The beautiful stained glass windows represent the Church at work in the world. The central one 'St. Michael and All Angels' represents worship. The Flanders Window represents sacrifice “We are the dead - short days ago We lived - felt dawn - saw sunset glow Loved and were loved - and now we lie, In Flanders Fields. To you from failing hands - we throw The Torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die. We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders Fields.” St. Cecilia - representing music and the arts was given by Miss Millicent Berry to commemorate her many happy years of worship and service in this Church. The Carpenter’s Shop at Nazareth - representing craftsmanship was 'Erected by his fellow parishioners to the memory of Arthur Ernest George Webb, Churchwarden, Honorary Secretary to the Vestry of this Church who died 13th March, 1967. A brother indeed.' Dorcas represents social work, this window is in memory of the late Mrs. Clemina Martha Brown who loved to worship in St. Michael’s Church whenever she could. It is a gift from her husband and family. The Baptistry Window, representing caring for children as a gift from Miss Marjorie Rowe in memory of her sister. The inscription reads: 'To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Anna Maud Rowe.' The Good Samaritan represents caring for the sick. 'In memory of Eric Singleton, servant of this Parish and Community, 1914-1958.' The Sower represents missionary outreach. 'Given in loving memory of Sir Ernest Johnson, KB.E., of Staffordshire, England, by his son Stephen, Warden of this Church, 1963.' The Tree of Knowledge represents educational work, 'For every tree is known by his fruit', Luke 6-44 'Dominus illuminatio mea', in memory of Bertha Mary Martin, 1904-1962. |
