Verdun Mack Memorial Uniting church

Foundation stone 21 Dec 1935 by Florence Mack, widow of Albert Walter Mack, opened 28 Mar 1936 as Verdun Mack Memorial Methodist church, became Uniting 1977, closed, used as art gallery. District first known as Stanley Bridge, then Grunthal, name changed to Verdun 1917 due to anti-German hysteria in WWI. First church opened Jul 1879 as Stanley Bridge Bible Christian.

 

“The will of Mr. Albert Walter Mack, late of Verdun, orchardist, who died at North Adelaide on February 21, has been admitted to probate. The estate is sworn not to exceed £11,995. There is a bequest to the Verdun Methodist Church trust of £800, the money to be applied towards the building of a new church.” [Chronicle 6 Apr 1933]

 

“The church has been erected in memory of the late Mr. Albert W. Mack, who was for many years an active worker in church matters in Verdun, being trustee of the old church and superintendent of the Sunday school for 25 years. Mrs. Mack, widow of Mr. Mack, will lay the foundation stone, and the new building will be known as the 'Mack Memorial.'” [Advertiser 21 Dec 1935]

 

“The church, which is of red brick, with a porch attached, has a seating accommodation of 150, and also a choir platform. The pulpit and seating are of Queensland maple, and give a very fine effect to the interior of the building. There are three leadlight windows on each side of the building, while behind the pulpit is a very beautiful memorial window in colours depicting Christ as ‘The Light of the World’, while underneath is the inscription, ‘To the glory of God and in loving memory of Albert Walter Mack, who entered into rest February 21st, 1933. He being dead yet speaketh.’” [Aust Christian Commonwealth 1 May 1936]

 

“MACK. —On the 21st February, at the Memorial Hospital, Albert Walter Mack, of Verdun, dearly beloved husband of Florence, Adelaide, aged 52 years. Sadly missed. Interstate papers please copy.” [Advertiser 22 Feb 1933]

 

“Mr. Albert Walter Mack . . . was a pioneer settler of Verdun. He owned an extensive orchard, which provided considerable employment to gardeners and fruitpickers. The fourth son of the late Mr. John Mack (at one time Mayor of Glenelg). . . He became a director of the Balhannah Cold Stores. Mr. Mack was an ardent worker for the Methodist Church, serving it for more than 25 years as lay preacher, Sunday School superintendent, and in other capacities. Recently he and Mrs. Mack went to New Guinea and South Sea Islands. He is survived by his widow (formerly Miss Florence Fraser, of Glen Osmond), mother, and two brothers.” [Advertiser 25 Feb 1933]

 

STANLEY BRIDGE BIBLE CHRISTIAN CHAPEL

Opened Jul 1879 as Stanley Bridge Bible Christian, by 1884 known as Grunthal Bible Christian, Methodist after Union 1900, extensions foundation stone 3 Apr 1903 by Rev I Perry, re-opened 21 Jun 1903, enlarged 1915, kindergarten room 1922.

 

“The quiet little township of Stanley Bridge, which lies a short distance from the Grunthal Mine, has for many years boasted only an inn, a store, and post-office, although the traffic along the road over the bridge is very large. Some nine years ago the residents appealed to the Mount Lofty Bible Christian Circuit to conduct divine service on the Sabbath in a detached room provided for the purpose, and it was attended by a large number of those who worked on the mine, as well as the residents, until the collapse of the mine, when the service was given up for a short time, but resumed in a room belonging to Mr. Jno. Clarke, until that also was required for other purposes. For the last two or three years there has been no service, which being deemed a great privation Messrs J. W. Clarke & Son, assisted by Mr. Radford, of Bridgewater, obtained a piece of ground and erected thereon a neat and substantial stone building.” [Chronicle & Weekly Mail 6 Sep 1879]

 

“A special effort was made on .Easter Sunday and Monday, March 28 and 29, to reduce the debt on the Bible Christian Church recently erected at Stanley Bridge. On Sunday divine service was conducted, in the afternoon by Rev. J. Dingle, and in the evening by Mr. F. F. Knight. On Monday a picnic tea was provided in a beautiful spot near the Onkaparinga River, and was patronised by a large number of persons. In the evening a public meeting was held in the chapel.” [Advertiser 31 Mar 1880]

 

“The anniversary of the Bible Christian Chapel, Stanley Bridge, Grunthal, was held on October 5 and 6. . . Proceeds,

sufficient to pay circuit expenses, and reduce the debt £10.” [Christian Colonist 17 Oct 1884]

 

“The foundation stone of the additions to the Grunthal Methodist Church (which was (riven by Mr. Bom, of Hahndorf) was laid by the Rev. I. Perry on Friday. Although the weather was unfavourable, there was a fair attendance of residents and friends from other districts.” [Adelaide Observer 11 Apr 1903]

 

“The reopening services of the Grunthal Methodist Church . . . conducted by the Rev. H. J. Pope and Mr. T. Oliver. . . Miss J. Tucker acted as organist. A vote of thanks was passed to Miss Tucker for the assidous [sic] way in which she had carried out the duties of secretary to the building fund, and to those who assisted with donations and labour.” [Adelaide Observer 4 Jul 1903]

 

The honor roll was unveiled in the Methodist Church, Grunthal, on Sunday evening, April 2, by Mrs. Wasley, in the presence of a crowded congregation. A service of a special character was conducted by the minister (the Rev. W. T. Wiltshire). There are many young men in this district, but only' three have enlisted. Others will probably go at the close of the fruit season. The three names on the honor roll are A. L. Wasley, Andrew Korber, and H. R. Radbone.” [Mount Barker Courier 14 Apr 1916]

 

Done