The New Church Newsletter

Hurstville Society August 2005

 
The Events of July 2005

For the members and friends of the Hurstville Society July 2005 will hold many special memories mostly happy but there is a tinge of sadness too. Rev Garry Walsh has now relocated to the Washington Society in the USA where he is reunited with his wife Laurel and children, Deanna, Ashley and Heather. Laurel and the girls left in June to go to the Assembly in Bryn Athyn and then for an extended visit with Laurel's parents in Florida.

Thankfully Garry was able to stay through to our 100th Anniversary Celebrations but flew out of Sydney a few days later on Wednesday 20th July along with Kefir, the family dog, as 'excess baggage'. They arrived safely and Garry sends the following message.

I cast my mind back to 1996-1997, the time when Rev. Terry Schnarr and family were preparing to leave Hurstville and return to the U.S. It was then with the future of the Hurstville Society very unclear that I began to hear the Lord calling with a new clarity. I asked Laurel if she could support me if I left the career I then had and trained to be a minister. My guess is that she knew for a while that life was leading up to this moment. We moved back to the U.S. in the third quarter of 1998 with not only Laurel's blessing, but also with the very sensible proviso that I was not doing this simply for the sake of the Hurstville Society, but instead, because I had felt the Lord's call to serve His Church in a much broader sense.

That call provided the impetus to complete Theological School and to set about my new career as a minister of the New Church. When the church asked me to serve in Michigan, the assumption at the time was that we would be there for an extended period. It wasn't long before I found out that predictions about where and for how long I will serve anywhere are impossible to make.

In less than a year a series of events meant that the call came for me to return to the place where I had first seen my use to the Lord and His Church unfolding. As most of the readers of this Newsletter may know, serving in Hurstville has been more than a job for me. This is because the Hurstville Society represents the place that a part of me will always call home. The recent 100th Anniversary celebrations proved that the feeling is not one that belongs to me alone. In the weeks leading up to the celebrations, a trickle of greetings from friends and former members of the congregation turned into a flood. And, the message that resonated through so many of them echoed the feelings that lived within my heart as well. There is something about the Hurstville Society that stays very close to the heart of many. This feeling began to be expressed even more directly when people started to show up at Anniversary events from places far and near.

For the best part of the last three years I have had the pleasure of serving as pastor of my home Society. The church has now invited Laurel and me, with our family, to take on a wonderful new opportunity. It is one that we step into with gratitude for the faith that has been shown in my abilities. But, it is also a step that comes with many mixed emotions. And with sadness we say goodbye for now. You will all remain in our hearts and minds.

New Contact details:

Rev Garry and Laurel Walsh
11910 Chantilly Lane, Mitchellville, MD 20721
USA
Home Tel: 301-805-5622
Washington Church Tel: 301-464-5602
Email: garry@washnewchurch.org, or PastorWCNJ@comcast.net

 

A Visit by Bishop Tom Kline and his wife Nina


Picture shows Bishop Tom and Nina receiving a thank you gift of a vase from the Society on Sunday 17th July.

This was the first time Tom and Nina had visited Australia. They arrived on the Saturday before the start of our Anniversary week which gave Tom the chance to meet with the Hurstville Society people after giving the service on Sunday 10th July. He discussed the problems the General Church has worldwide with a lack of ministers at present and explained that Hurstville is in the same position as several North American societies in having lost their minister recently. He did not wish to make any decisions after a week in Australia and would be guided by recommendations by Bishop Buss who will be visiting Hurstville with his wife Lisa from September 9th to November 21st. Possibilities to be considered would include visiting ministers when available, assistance from the Australian Association and further expanding the role and number of lay leaders who could fill the gap.

Tom and Nina were friendly and fun and as the 100th Anniversary events unfolded it became clear that their presence gave the celebrations a special lift. We thank them for being here and look forward to their next visit.

 

100th Anniversary Celebrations - 11th to 17th July

July 11th 1905 is Foundation Day for the Hurstville Society so at 7.30 pm on Monday 11th the 100th Anniversary celebrations were officially opened by Rev Garry Walsh. Garry welcomed everyone then followed with an excellent Powerpoint presentation of the history of the Hurstville New Church beginning with a brief history of the New Church itself incorporating some fascinating information. We are printing a condensed form of Garry's presentation here.

 

A Brief History of the New Church, its Arrival in Australia and the Early Days of the Hurstville Society

An historical journey through the history of the religious and philosophical institution that is the New Church begins by stepping all the way back to Europe, and particularly England in the 1760's. It is called the "New Church" because it represents a new way of understanding God our Maker, and a new way of understanding how it is that we should live, not only here in this world, but onwards for all eternity.

The 1760's was a time when the great scientist, statesman and theologian Emanuel Swedenborg's life was nearing its end. And, it was a time when people were beginning to see that they should start forming a brand new religion based upon the theology that flowed through Swedenborg's pen.

One of the first prominent Englishmen to be drawn to Swedenborg and the teachings he expounded was William Cookworthy, the man known famously as the father of the English porcelain industry. As an expression of how impressed Cookworthy was by the Swedenborg's theology, he personally translated one of Swedenborg's books Doctrine of Life from the original Latin into English.

Capt James Cook

Among the prominent and influential figures entertained by William Cookworthy at his Plymouth home was the then Lieutenant James Cook and the botanist Sir Joseph Banks. Within a day or so of dining with Cookworthy they set out on the voyage of discovery that ultimately saw the claiming of Australia for England. Given Swedenborg's international prominence at the time and the fact that Cookworthy was so involved in making Swedenborg's books accessible to English readers, it is hard to imagine that during that long journey from England that Cook, Banks and others would not have at least occasionally entered into discussion about Swedenborg and the theological ideas he expounded.

While they were off discovering new parts of the world, back in England Rev. Robert Hindmarsh was resigning his position with the Church of England in order to start up a new church based on Swedenborg's theology. Through a laying on of hands he became the first recognized "New Church" minister.

In 1788 the British government decided to send the first of a series of convict fleets to Botany Bay in order to establish a new colony on the continent that Cook had earlier claimed for England. Wanting to ensure that the new colony would begin with New Church theology as a guide, Robert Hindmarsh entrusted an assortment of Swedenborg's books to his friend the surgeon John Lowes. So it was that the teachings of the New Church arrived in Australia with the first settlers. They have, in important and enduring ways, been here every since.

Little if anything is known of the New Church in Australia during the first fifty years or so of the new colony here in Sydney. Then in 1833, Thomas Morse, a member of the New Church in England immigrated to this country and become the first known newchurchman to settle here, taking up residence in Rockdale.

Thomas Morse had little involvement in the small New Church circles that began to grow in Sydney. In contrast, one of his sons, Richard Morse, became heavily involved. Then, in 1905, various issues resulted in him and nine others creating a separate group that was focused on serving people in the southern parts of Sydney. 11th July, 1905 marks the official founding of this group, and it is why the Hurstville Society is now celebrating its 100th Anniversary.

Richard Morse

As more and more New Church people began to settle in the greater Hurstville Grove area, classes began to be held more regularly here. Then, in 1916 a very successful Sunday School was started that soon moved to rented space in the Workman's Institute on Cecil Street, Hurstville Grove. The number of children on the Sunday School rolls grew to an astonishing seventy in 1927.

During this time the Society of New Church people began to look for a permanent home of their own. In 1919-1920 they found the property here on Dudley Street. Richard Morse built his new house, "Baringa", an aboriginal name meaning "light," in 1920. In early 1921 the foundation stone for the church was laid and on 27th November, 1921 the church, known simply then as the Hall, first opened for worship.

(Picture shows Baringa in 1921)

On 7th October, 1930 the first and only New Church Day School opened here in the Hurstville church. It would run through 1934 with fifteen students enrolled that year. Sadly, due to events beyond anyone's control it did not reopen in 1935.

 (Picture shows the church in 1938)

Farewell to Angela Allen

The success of the Anniversary Celebrations wouldn't have been the same without Angela Allen. You couldn't have had a more willing worker. From repainting church signs to setting up history photo displays under pressure! Angela gave her all with a friendly smile. Unfortunately she had to leave us to return home to Bryn Athyn in the middle of the Anniversary week but at least she was able to be at the Official Opening on Monday. She stole our hearts and at a simple farewell to her on Sunday 10th at our potluck luncheon to welcome Bishop Tom and Nina Kline, Norman Heldon aptly put everyone's sentiments into verse.

She came, we saw, she conquered
Our hearts, likable, lovable Angela A
Please, oh please, don't go away.
Be another star in our Southern Cross;
We cannot, we will not suffer this loss
We'd cheerfully rob the U.S.A.
Of this fair jewel. Ah me!
For stealing is a terrible sin.
So if you go, if go you must,
Please come again, and our hearts
And our arms will welcome you;
Angela A, we love you, we do
Great Friends, Kristen Johnson, Michelle Heldon,
Angela Allen and Angela Heldon

Continuation of 100th Anniversary Events

July 15th On Friday evening Bishop Kline gave a talk to a church full of people about "What the New Church Believes". His warm and friendly open approach created a hearty response from the audience. He showed that the basic New Church teachings are simple and clear; beautiful truths that inspire a wish to give hope to a world in need. The five points he presented so succinctly were:

  1. The Lord Jesus Christ is the one God of heaven and earth
  2. The Bible has a deeper meaning that applies to our spiritual growth
  3. We can have a clear picture of the life of heaven and hell
  4. Marriage love is the way to heaven
  5. We are called to a vitally important global mission

Afterwards in the Richard Morse Room, supper was partaken which had been artistically prepared by Lori Heldon. Lori excelled herself all week not only creating delicious food but also paying particular attention to setting the right atmosphere for each occasion.

Also on this evening the Greetings from Friends around the World booklet was on display for all to see. By this time it was bursting at the seams with still more rolling in each day! It should be noted here that the Perth Group is to be congratulated for the excellent and interesting photo album of their history and activities which was hand delivered to our society by their representative in attendance, Alex Benjko.

July 16th Saturday saw the property open to the public. Four young people, Kristen and Sam Johnson, Michelle and Angela Heldon, were the hard workers behind the success of this event, along with other willing helpers. Many hours of preparation went into organising it and recognition is well deserved. It appears that due to an article in the Leader [see photo at front of Newsletter] and leaflets distributed to local letterboxes, a stream of people wandered through the garden and buildings enjoying the beautiful weather and surrounds.

Mention must be made here of the fulfilment of Norman Heldon's dream of having the garden a show piece not only in a natural sense but also in a correspondential way linking it to the spiritual world as a mirror of God's creation. Twelve garden plaques, handcrafted with wood-burned inscriptions, were placed throughout the garden for people to read. Those to be thanked for making sure these were finished on time are Margaret and Owen Heldon, Angela and Michelle Heldon and Ralph Horner. The Welcome to Our Garden plaque invited all with the words of a sonnet by Norm.
Correspondences

Walk now, and ask the Lord to be your guide
To show you His creation all anew;
"See here, see there," He says, "on every side,
Symbols of Good and Truth surrounding you.
Let the mind ascend; from your rock of faith
To comprehend the wonderful array
Of spiritual things; see Heaven and the earth
Corresponding." Yes, and you will hear Him say,
"This beauty that you see, it is all Mine;
Yes, all from Me, and which in love I planned
To see as in a mirror the design
Of My fair Heaven, as your Promised Land:
Come, I will show you where the waters spring,
That you may drink, and that your soul may sing."

 

Displays in Baringa

The history displays in the two bedrooms of Baringa made for fascinating viewing. It was amazing to see the many treasures the archives had been hiding for a hundred years! The Hurstville Society archivist, Margaret Heldon, appointed by Rev Michael Gladish in c.1975, took the opportunity of the Anniversary to do some much neglected work in getting things in order. There were plenty of things for people to see and read. There still remains to be done further labelling of all the many photos that appear in the various albums on display and further cataloguing of items. A special treat was a video of visits by Bishop Pendleton up to 50 years ago bringing back to life those past years. The general consensus is that the displays should stay in place for the present. So do come and look anytime.

Last but not least, the Hurstville Society Artwork, a collage of squares done by everyone and produced in time for the Assembly in Bryn Athyn in June has been returned and is on display in the Richard Morse Room.

July 17th The culmination of the week's events was the church service on Sunday which was attended by 57 people including 2 in wheelchairs, Tom Taylor and Audrey Favell. It was wonderful they were able to attend and join us all for lunch afterwards made possible by the new wheelchair friendly access to the Baringa entrance.

Bishop Tom Kline preached a sermon on the inspiring story from the Book of John Chapter 4 about the Lord's meeting with the woman from Samaria at the well. The well is a symbol of the Lord's Word and how fitting it was that during the service the altar Word used by the Hurstville Society ever since its beginning in 1905 and bearing the signature of Richard Morse inside its cover was rededicated, having been beautifully and painstakingly restored thanks to generous donations from several members.

Bishop Kline spoke of the 3 miracles that occurred on that day for the woman in Samaria:

All this tied in with the new artwork by Michelle Heldon hanging in the entrance to the church for the first time (see separate article). It echoes the theme of the Word central to the morning service. The Writings teach us that the voice of the Lord "like the sound of many waters" (Ezekiel 43:2) means the Lord speaking Divine Truths through heaven.

An anniversary group photo was taken in front of the church after the service, followed by a final luncheon at which Tom and Nina were farewelled and presented with a gift. Rev Garry Walsh also received a parting gift from the society -; an original artwork of the Blue Mountains by Michelle Heldon.

There were a number of out of town visitors who were able to attend and add to our celebrations. Apart from Bishop Tom and Nina Kline , Rev Doug and Christine Taylor, Ros Taylor all from Bryn Athyn USA, Grace and Graham Horner from Tamworth, Randall Rabone from Adelaide, Alex Benjko from Perth, Sylvia Hicks from Canberra, Gai and Brian Heldon as well as Kaye Macfarlane from the Gold Coast and from Sydney Glen Hart, Rev Julian and Ruth Duckworth, Mark Brettell, Wendy Coney, and brother and sister to Rhonda Hall, Thelma and Barry.

Click here to view a group photo.

 

"His Voice was Like the Sound of Many Waters"

by Michelle Heldon

I wanted to do something special for our 100th anniversary and so of course for me, studying art, I thought an artwork would be perfect.

I love the stained glass windows in the church and I have often thought their colour, vibrancy and what the image represents really adds something to the church. During my art history and theory studies we learnt about art throughout our early history, the Renaissance and Middle Ages, and what really interested me was the huge part visual art played in places of worship during these times. The walls, floor and/or ceilings of cathedrals, churches and temples were filled with art works containing colourful images depicting stories and themes from the Bible. We learnt that there were a number of reasons why this was so. Not only did it brighten the place of worship but it also created a mood and atmosphere for prayer. Often the main reason was to teach the congregation about the Bible stories. Many of the people were illiterate and as they listened to the sermon they could look at the impressive images to visualise and connect with what they had just heard.

Art is a very symbolic language and I find that it can speak to us in a deep and powerful way. Yet what I find most wonderful is that it can be so subtle and beautiful by gently connecting us with something special and spiritual within us.

I have always had a deep connection with the environment and when I am surrounded by it I really feel the presence of God. There is an amazing sense of peace and wonder that makes my heart soar. On a trip to the Blue Mountains in June with my sister Angela and Angela Allen, we were standing at the bottom of a waterfall in the Valley of the Waters looking out across the rain misted valley shining in the sun and Angela Allen said "Yes, this is God". Being in the New Church we know that the things around us correspond to the things in the heavenly kingdom. I had really enjoyed helping Mum and Grandpa with the plaques that contained correspondences for the church garden and I also wanted to incorporate this concept into my work.

Combining all these ideas together and talking with people close to me I started to create the artwork. Like any artwork I find it just starts to come out of you through the Lord as new ideas and feelings grow and change. I chose to use watercolour paints and pencils, pastels and collage as I find that you can get a beautiful sense of the whole through separate details brought together. Different elements in the work each represent something. Our eye is carried through by water (truth) through different landscapes. Along the way we rest on details, plants and animals (thoughts and affections). Also I wanted a sense of light and of colour. As I was doing the work many quotes came to mind. When it was completed though Mum said it reminded her of the quote from Ezekiel (43:2) "His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory." "Just perfect," I said.

The artwork hangs in the entrance to the church.

Click here to view a picture of the artwork.

 

A Gift from Ted Simmons

We were very pleased that Ted, now in his nineties, could join us on the last day of the celebrations. He, along with daughter Gai Kennedy and her husband Merv enjoyed perusing the various history displays after the church service. Ted has very generously donated money to "purchase and be planted in the church garden a flowering shrub in memory of those members no longer with us."

We've actually been able to purchase two shrubs and they are happily growing in the garden near the birdbath. They are both white flowering native plants but their foliage is in contrast to each other. Melalauca linariifolia or Seafoam has fine green leaves while Austromyrtus inophloia or Blushing Beauty has dark burgundy. Please come and see our garden.

 

News Notes

A Message from Vera Buck. Vera is happily settled in Warabrook Gardens Hostel in Newcastle not far from her son Michael and his family. Vera reports that the hostel is in pleasant surroundings with a cheerful atmosphere. There are many activities to participate in and friends to get to know. She sends her love to everyone and would love a visit. Just drop her a line or phone her at:

Room 4
Warabrook Gardens Hostel
24 Casuarina Circuit
Warabrook NSW 2304
Phone: (02) 4960 9351

There will be a farewell to Jeffrey Heldon on Sunday 14th August who is leaving to attend High School in Bryn Athyn (his actual departure date is August 23rd). If you wish to stay for BBQ lunch and tennis after church please RSVP Lori Heldon on (02) 9579 5248 by Sunday 7th August.

Travelling is certainly in the family as Sam and Kristen Johnson will be leaving for a world trip on August 20th which apart from visiting relatives in North America will also include a visit to Carolyn Heldon who is working in the highlands of Scotland. And the latest news from Naomi Heldon is that she has survived hurricane Emily and was last heard of in Mexico after visiting several other nations in Central America.

Those of us left in Hurstville might like to look forward to a Society Hike in September after Bishop Peter and Lisa Buss arrive, either locally or in the Blue Mountains. The weather hopefully will be ideal for this.

Rev Doug and Christine Taylor have returned from visiting relatives in Victoria and South Australia. We are grateful that Doug will be able to conduct the service on 31st July before returning to the USA on Tuesday 2nd August.

A special thanks to Ros, Christine and Stephen Taylor for helping out with the music for church over the last few weeks.

 

August Birthdays

Happy Birthday Norm Heldon (1st), Emily Kermond (7th), Grace Horner (7th), Mark Brettell (8th), Rhonda Hall (12th), Rebekah Horner (17th), Graeme McLeay (22nd), Robert Cooper (28th) and Ralph Horner (30th)

 

 August 2005 Calendar of Events

Note: All events are located at the church at 22 Dudley St, Penshurst 2222 (off Hillcrest Ave) unless otherwise stated. Contact the Hurstville New Church on (02) 9580 1589 for more information or email us at newchurch@optusnet.com.au
All are welcome and refreshments are served after church each Sunday.

Friday

Aug 5th

7 00 p.m. Dinner & Class

Sunday

Aug 7th

10 00 a.m. Worship (Lay Service)
followed by Property Trust meeting

Sunday

Aug 14th

10 00 a.m. Worship (Lay Service)
followed by Farewell to Jeffey Heldon

Sunday

Aug 21st

10 00 a.m. Worship (Lay Service)

Sunday

Aug 28th

10 00 a.m. Worship (Lay Service)