On Sunday 10 December, Byford Uniting Church celebrated its 90th anniversary with a special Thanksgiving Service. The service also celebrated the work of the congregation’s Crisis Care volunteers, who provide support to people in the community who may be experiencing domestic violence and other forms of crisis.
The foundation of Byford Uniting Church was laid in 1927, with Mr and Mrs Abernathy mentioned on wall plaques still on the church today. Mrs Scott and Miss Cole have also been acknowledged, though without plaques, as two pioneers of the church building being built. On 31 March 1928, the church was opened by then Moderator of the General Assembly of WA (Presbyterian), Rev George Tulloch.
Evan and Jayne Maltby delivered the sermon during the anniversary service, using extracts from Rev George Tulloch’s sermon 90 years ago. His sermon was titled Overcoming Evil.
“Christ proposes a new attitude to the wrongdoer and a new method of dealing with the evil he commits. Whether worthy or unworthy we are all bound together in the fellowship of one life. Men are of one family: their brotherhood is all embracing. When this is recognised we no longer regard any man, as by a law of nature, our enemy,” George said, 90 years ago.
Sue Burtenshaw led prayers for the Crisis Care supporters and volunteers.
“We give thanks for volunteers setting aside their own comforts for the sake of others, and pray for resources and opportunity to be given to the church to make changes for increasing future needs,” Sue said.
In the prayers for the church Jayne said “The women 90 years ago in 1927 had a vision for the first church in Byford. We pray for vision, guidance and energy to find a future for this Uniting Church in modern times. We pray for a sense of purpose and ongoing mission, and faithfully serving as the surrounding community grows.”
Helen Rowe, Crisis Care Co-ordinator, prayed for families in crisis that they be given “wise and faithful friends” and “courage for the road ahead.”
A refreshing time of song was provided by Doug Burtenshaw on the organ with Francis David leading singing, followed after the service by cutting of the anniversary cake by Helen Rowe. Betty Lawrence, who was married in the church in 1954, was a special guest.
Byford Uniting Church thank Rev Justine Wall, the Mundijong Heritage Uniting Church members, community visitors, past members and supporters for helping them to celebrate this occasion.
Top image: Helen Rowe, Byford Uniting Church’s Crisis Care Co-ordinator, cuts the church’s anniversary cake with Sue Burtenshaw, Janet Galipo, Kim Simpson, Anne Muir and Betty Lawrence.
