Family, friends and members from five denominations came together at Moora Uniting Church to share a landmark event on Sunday 31 July: the dedication of three leadlight windows constructed with a bequest from Phyllis Popplewell whose ‘Wishes into Windows’ had finally been successful.
Formalities were conducted by Rev Ken Devereux, with Church Council chair, Jonathan Nelson, and I assisting. With Judy Barrett at the piano, Jillian Nelson led the chorus singing and later the congregation lustily sang hymns that reflected the two short verse captions at the bottom of the two long windows: The Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23) and God cares for You (1 Peter 5:7).
During the dedication ceremony, Ken called forth representatives from each of the churches present and asked them to tell everyone which parts of the windows appealed to them most. There are lots of small and larger defined subjects in lovely coloured glass from which to choose.
Leadlight artists Richard Apel, formerly from Moora, and Dermot Clifford created beautiful works of art working from artwork by local Moora artist, Michelle Vanzetti.
The Popplewell family were represented by, Phyllis’ sisterin-law, Melva Popplewell and her nephew, Ian Popplewell.
Former members of Moora Parish, Elsie and Neil Warne also attended.
Phyllis was a faithful and stalwart member of the Bindi Bindi/Miling Uniting Church for many years. When, due to ill health, she moved to live at the Moora Hospital, she appreciated being taken to church in her wheelchair. She will always be remembered.
Wendy McKinley