The first church services at Burren Junction were held at private homes with “Wyndella” and “Dumard” both being mentioned. The first recorded services at Burren Junction was on Easter Monday 1904, during Herbert Shaw’s first year as vicar at Wee Waa. “The service register shows that the 12/8 collected was swallowed up by expenses.” (1).
Burren was still in a premature stage of development when the Wee Waa Echo of 8th October 1904, reported:
Generous: According to the October issue of the local “Church Messenger” a block of ground has been generously donated by Mr. Coppleson for the purpose of erecting a church of England building at Burren Junction. (2).
By June 1905, plans were well in hand for the community to build the first church at Burren Junction as it was further reported in the Wee Waa Echo of June 10th:
At a meeting held at Burren Junction on Monday May 29th, it was decided to accept the tender of M. B. Kinnear for erection of the new Church of England building provided he can see his way clear to finish it by August 15th. If not Mr. Williams will be given the opportunity. Mr. H. Cadden very generously promised to finance any small difference between cash in hand and the price, but it is hoped by the time the day arrives sufficient will be in hand to start free of all liability. (3).
The building was completed on schedule, for All Saints Church at Burren Junction was dedicated by Bishop Cooper on 21st August 1905. In the history of St. Augustine’s Church it was described thus:
It was a gala day for the parishioners of All Saints; the bishop was at his eloquent best, the people enjoyed a splendid luncheon, nine young people were confirmed in the afternoon and a meeting of subscribers decided that the “seats should be free.” (4).
On 22nd December 1907, Rev. North made an interesting note in the service register which read, “Plague of grasshoppers in the church — had to preach outside.” (5).
In the early years, Mrs. Zillah Moore and her brother, A. B. Baldwin were stalwart supporters of All Saints. Mrs. Moore was caretaker and organist for many years. During the years 1916–18, several additions and repairs were made to the church.
A violent windstorm demolished the church in December 1929. The furniture was saved and placed in the School of Arts and services held there for a number of years. James Slack-Smith of “Wyndella” another great supporter of the church, assisted by the Rev. Quayle and other churches launched a fund-raising drive in 1934 and by 1936, a new church was completed and paid for. (6). The new church was officially dedicated in September 1936, with Charlie Holcombe as the first communicant and Dorothy Holcombe the first bride when she married Eric Slack-Smith of “Wyndella” in October 1936.
Mrs. Brumby is remembered also for her contributions to the church and in latter years Annette Radford (nee Holcombe) has been the organist. The church lost two stalwart church wardens with the death of Charlie Holcombe and Frank Holcombe in 1986 and 1987 respectively. (7).
The men who have served the Burren congregation since 1898 are:—
STIPENDIARY LAY READERS:
1898 T. May
1900 H. J. Gauntlett
1902 G. Smith
1904 E. H. Shane
VICARS:
1906 Rev. E. S. North
1913 Rev. W. Corner
1915 Rev. G. A. Saunders
1918 Rev. J. W. Schomberg
1921 Rev. F. G. Hughes
1923 Rev. A. Bathersley
1926 Rev. W. J. Powell
1933 Rev. B. W. Downward
1935 Rev. W. J. Pritchard
1938 Rev. C. R. Weis
1942 Rev. C. R. Rothero
1945 Rev. C. R. Evans
1953 Rev. A. B. Rich
1957 Rev. J. D. Potter
1959 Rev. H. J. Mills
1960 Rev. M. D. Burrows
1965 Rev. P. Swane
1970 Rev. D. Lashbrook
1979 Rev. J. Dowe
1980 Rev. G. Farley
1987 Rev. K. Mascord
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