History Notes
St Andrew, a follower of John the Baptist, was one of the first disciples of Jesus Christ. A fisherman of Galilee in about 30 A.D. who left his fishing business together with his brother Simon Peter and his partners James and John, to follow Jesus. As one of the 12 Apostles he was intent on bringing others to meet Jesus, and shared in the ministry of proclaiming God’s Kingdom, healing the sick and driving out evil. At the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, Andrew, with others, fled the scene but resumed his mission after the resurrection until his own execution, in which tradition has it that he was put to death on a diagonal cross at Patras in Achaia (Modern Greece) in 60 A.D., preaching to those in attendance as he suffered.
The choice of St Andrew as the patron saint of the church is said to have been due to the patriotic sentiments of Mr J. W. McDonald, who was a perfervid Scot as well as a prominent founder.
F. Halcomb 1914
“The story of St. Andrew’s" from the digging of the foundations in 1847, was written by Mr Fred Halcomb in 1914. He was Warden from 1872 to 1916, except for four years. In his time he had sung in the choir, been a lay reader, Sunday School teacher, bell ringer and Synodsman. Ill health forced him to give up the office of Warden; but he continued to assist the Rector and Wardens with his experience and legal knowledge. In 1918 though confined to his bed, he drafted the submission to Parliament to alter the Trust Deed. He died in 1919.
L. Clift 1969
The continuing story of St Andrew’s was recorded by Mr Lance Clift in his book “A Short Account of St Andrew’s Church….1847-1969.” After some years in the British Indian Colonial Service Mr Clift, with his wife and children, moved to Australia and settled in Walkerville where he became a prominent member of St Andrew’s congregation and consequently the Parish Council. He was a Warden for 27 years during which time his administrative talents significantly influenced the life and development of the Parish. He died in 1969.
D. Gilmour 2008
“St Andrew’s of Walkerville”, whilst encapsulating the work of Messrs Halcomb and Clift, endeavours to continue the story, albeit in note rather than narrative form, and to include where possible appropriate illustrations in support of the chronology of events, in an effort to provide a reference for others who may be moved to produce an on-going social history of the Parish.
The cover of this publication includes a representation of the Parish Centre sculpture, in an attempt to portray a continuing sense of commitment, thought, and practice as we move ever forward into a changing future.
The stainless steel sculpture created by artist-in-metal Gerry McMahon and erected in 2002, brings together elements of religious symbolism inherent in the passage of time, thus;-
- the black powder-coated ‘sunburst’, symbol of creative energy; of knowledge, intellect and
truth personified; the shining light of Christ; is a synthesis of several other symbols, - circle; a unity of common association and interest, inclusive harmony, wholeness, goodness, strength, perfection, protection, all embracing;
- radiating lines penetrating the circle; a moving in or reaching out to others, and a welcoming into the ‘family’, a two-way dimension;
- a vertical cross; four points of direction; redemption through Christ’s self-sacrifice and a reminder of both suffering and compassion in the world around us; an internationalisation of faith;
- the golden doves; ascending doves of outflowing peace; symbol of baptism and the passage of the Holy Spirit;
- the cross of St Andrew - a dominant feature, reminding us of the Saint's mission and death, as a 'fisher of men'.