Archdeacon Robert Murphy, Bishop Rickson Maomaoru, Bishop Donald Kirk, Fr Frederik Le Mesurier and banner bearer Kerrie Carlon.
The centenary celebrations for Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Finley started on Saturday with its annual fete, which was well supported by the community.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
It was a lovely spring day with Jane Hawkins on the microphone who, in her inimitable style, kept the day running with bright humour.
With her knowledge of the people of the shire, Jane was able to make everyone feel welcome.
Special guests for the weekend included Bishop Donald Kirk from the Riverina Diocese and Bishop Rickson Maomaoru from the Anglican Church of Melanesia.
Both were present at the fete with their wives.
Attendees were encouraged to dress in the style of the 1920s, which many did in outstanding style.
The Finley Anglican Church is grateful to all members of the Berrigan Shire community who supported the fete, particularly Sandy Emery who led a great team of workers who provided invaluable help before and during the day.
In the raffle, the side of lamb was won by Judy Rourk, Marj Maxwell, Phil Lions, and Marie McCall.
The bird house was won by Jenny O'Hara, the Hong Loch voucher by Marg McCloud, the knitted blanket by Pat Patford and the money tree by Wendy Yellan
On Sunday morning, the 100th birthday of The Most Holy Trinity Church in Finley continued with a Festal Sung Eucharist Service celebrated by The Right Reverend Donald Kirk, Bishop of Riverina, assisted by local Reverend Frederik Le Mesurier.
The organist was Cynthia Bunnett and the parishioners from the surrounding towns can be proud of the manner in which they followed her with the singing.
Special guest was The Right Reverend Rickson Maomaoru, Bishop of Southern Malaita and Sikaiana who carried out the blessing of the new Banner for the Parish of The Newell which comprises Tocumwal, Finley and Jerilderie.
The Venerable Robert Murphy, Archdeacon of Riverina and Vicar General gave the sermon and, as a past teacher at Finley High School, raised a smile on several occasions while doing so.
Especially when he announced it is about 35 years since he left Finley and this is the first time he has been invited back!
During his sermon, Archdeacon Robert reminded the congregation of history events in the world in 1925 and what the local Parish was like at that time.
Also, the hard work carried out by Canon Jacob Verso, the Rector of Berrigan and Fr Joseph Pollard, the first Rector of the parish of Tocumwal cum Finley from 1921 and the parishioners to establish the building.
At the end of the service, everyone was invited by Fr Frederik to take part in the champagne and refreshments in the hall, where the celebratory cake was cut by long time parishioners Anne Hawkins and David Webb.
Fr Frederik thanked those who assisted with preparations for the celebrations, and also Sandy Massina for his assistance with the Parish cattle scheme and the amazing financial benefits from this.
Anne Hawkins and David Webb cut the anniversary cake.
Fr Frederik presented Sandy Massina with a bottle of wine as thanks for assistance with the cattle scheme.
Rev Gemma and Fr Frederik Le Mesurier.
Rev Gemma Le Mesurier, Jane Hawkins and Marg McLeod in their 1920s costumes.
14°C