Hughesdale Church History.
Oakleigh Church was organised on December 7th 1929 by
Pastor L.J.Imric. Meetings were held in the Mechanics Institute, Drummond Street,
Oakleigh. There were 3 Charter Members:
All three are now laid to rest.
Of 17 Foundation Members, there are only 3 still living:
Jan 10th 1931. Meetings were transferred to the United
Friendly Society (U.F.S.) Hall, Atherton Road, Oakleigh. (U.F.S. Hall now demolished). The
rent was 7/6 per week - payable monthly, in advance! Meetings were held there for 21
years.
Feb 22nd 1931 Public mission meetings began in
Memorial Hall, Drummond Street, Oakleigh. (still in use). Brethren Jane & Anderson in
charge, a successful venture, several new members being added to the church. The revised
Advent Hymnal began use on the first Sabbath in February 1931.
30th September 1931. The Treasurer reports a balance
"cash in hand" $1.15.
What a hard time they must have had - and brave hearts - for they helped
others in need, and all the while they had The Vision to one day have a proper
church building in which to worship God. To secure funds they would labor diligently all
year for the Annual Sale of Gifts, which was held in the Oakleigh Town Hall, from
10am to 10pm. One result recorded was $204; a wonderful amount for those days. They did
not have a pastor for quite a long period.
December 1933. It was decided to commence a Building Fund,
Brother Albert Garner was appointed as collector. Application to Sanitarium Hwalth Food
was made, soliciting a donation to assist in securing a building or land for a church. The
reply stated that 'no donation could be given until the Church had raised 66% of the total
sum needed'.
Likewise a request to the Executive Committee in June 1935 to help build
a school first received a reply stating that '25% of the total cost must first be raised
by the Church'.
In 1942 it was discovered that the Congregational Church on
Dandenong Road was for sale and could be bought for the low price of $1,400. It was
realised that alterations would be needed, costing $130. After due consideration the whole
idea had to be passed in as not viable. Cash-in-hand at this point was $17.50 and
pledges for $108. Totaling $125.50. A mere fraction of the value in today's terms.
November 1942. Brother Stan Shell was appointed the Worker for
Oakleigh Church. He and his wife Glad had come to Melbourne a few months earlier. The
treasurer (Brother Ellis) reports a Cash-in-hand $37.12 and membership now at 35.
July 1946. The report contains the first mention of the purchase
of the block of land for $860. A unanimous decision was made to build the school first, at
the back, with the school and church to be two separate buildings, under one roof.
Building was started in 1948, The school and old hall were
finished in 1952. A granite plaque was dated 5th October 1952. The church
building was finished on July 19th 1958. A second plaque "Completed
by the providence of God" - E.S.Butz Pastor.
Alf Parker was the builder and all the trenches were dug by hand to save money. Mr Ball donated all the sand needed and Mr Rowell donated all the lights and electrical fittings. Doing all the electrical work free of charge.
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Preparations for the extention of the church hall were started in 1979, under the guidance of Pastor D.A.Pearce, and completed with council approval in 1981.