Introduction – Two churches together as one
The history of Menai Illawong Uniting Church is about 2 churches coming together as one.
On the 8th March 1992, the Menai Uniting Church and Illawong Uniting Church merged together to form the ‘Menai-Illawong Uniting Church‘ or MIUC as it is known today. The new combined church, symbolises the continuation of both and a new start together as one.
Plaque celebrating the start of the Menai Illawong Uniting Church on 8th March 1992. The first service for the new congregation was held at 9:30 that day. The minister at that time was Reverend Laurie Fitzgerald. The guest speaker was Reverend Dr Tony Chi from the Wesley Central Mission Sydney.
The ‘New Life‘ banner hanging in the church is made from pieces of materials from all the families that came together to form the new congregation – Menai Illawong Uniting Church.
To fully appreciate the history of the Menai Illawong Uniting Church, here’s a summary of how the 2 churches were formed, Menai Church in 1903 and the Illawong Church in 1961.
History of Menai Church (1903 to 1992)
In 1901, Fanny Midgley started the first Sunday school at her own home in Bishop Road. A devout Christian, Fanny had tried repeatedly to organise a Minister to come to Menai, but distance and lack of transport was a problem.
Finally, Reverend W.A. Marsh, a Congregational Minister, was prepared to come despite the difficulties. On 14th June 1903, he took the first service in Menai. He served Menai from 1903 to 1906.
He would walk from Sutherland to Woronora River, where he was taken across in a rowing boat. Then he had to climb the steep hills, and then taken by a horse and sulky to Menai. All this in his Sunday best – in all seasons.
On 8th April 1906, land was purchased for a sum of four pounds ten shillings. The church building was constructed with voluntary labour. On 2nd February 1907, the building was officially opened by Rev. Purnell of Sutherland. Church location was at the intersection of Old Illawarra Road and Menai Road.
The church was rebuilt and re-opened on 22nd March 1919. By then, the church was known as ‘Menai Congregational Church’.
First anniversary of the Menai Congregational Church new building in 1920.
On 22nd June 1977, the Menai church became part of the Sutherland Parish of the Uniting Church of Australia. The founding members of the Menai Uniting Church were recorded as such: E M Bentley, D White, D Nicolson, J Mace, G Mayman, C White, John Mace, F Midgley, D Archer, A Midgley, D Mayman, and L Fitzgerald (Minister).
The Menai Congregational Church in 1977
The Menai Congregational Church became the ‘Menai Uniting Church’ on 22nd June 1977.
On 28th May 1978. an ex-Air Force hall costing $40 was moved from Bankstown Aerodrome to the Menai Uniting Church. Six months later, the new hall was opened on 12th November 1978. It was named after Alf Midgley (who passed away in August 1978). The hall was converted into 3 classrooms, a kitchen and a large hall.
Land cleared for arrival of new hall 1978
The Eagle has landed
Renovations to began soon for church hall
New church hall completed in November 1978
On 8th March 1992, both Menai and Illawong merged together to form Menai-Illawong Uniting Church.
History of Illawong Church (1961 to 1992)
The Illawong church began on 27th August 1961 as a Sunday school founded by Marie Thurlow and John Stokes. It was held in Marie’s garage at Bignell Street, Illawong. Eight children attended the first Sunday school, and later on, transport was provided in John’s blue van, which was a real treat to the kids.
A year later, the Sunday school was moved to John and Janice Stokes property (see photo). Though the name was ‘Illawong Sunday School’, it served as a church to the community. They had worship services, baptisms and confirmations. Ministers and lay preachers were invited to lead the services. Eventually, the church was moved to demountables on the property of Graeme and Betty Stokes. Church services and Sunday school were held there until 1978.
In August 1972, Illawong became part of the Sutherland Methodist circuit. In June 1977, Illawong Community Church (as it was then known) became part of the Uniting Church of Australia. The Minister at that time was Reverend Bern Reeves who served Illawong from 1970 to 1977.
In 1978, the Lugarno Anglican Church made available their old church hall, and this was transported by road close to Thompson Avenue. The church was known in the community as the Thompson Street Church.
Approximately 250 people gathered to witness the opening of the ‘Illawong Church Thompson Street’. Reverend Jim Gallagher provided the opening speech, and Rita Fitzgerald officially turned the key.
In 1984/85, the current site was purchased, and in mid-1987, the concrete was poured ready for the builders. Many faithful volunteers contribute their skills, time and money in the building project.
The current site is at the corner of Fowler Road, near the Illawong Shopping Centre.
Building almost complete.
Illawong Church completed in 1988
The current church building was opened on the 17th April 1988 by Moderator Rev Dr Geoffrey Barnes. Ministers officiating the opening were Reverend Keith Coombes and Reverend John Robbins. The family of the late John Stokes donated sanctuary furniture as a memorial to him and his faithful work for the Illawong church. As part of the celebration, the ‘Celebrate Life‘ banner was made with fabric materials from the congregation.
Menai Illawong Uniting Church Centenary Celebration (1903-2003)
In 2003, the Menai Illawong Uniting Church celebrated its 100 years in the Menai district Community. The Centenary Committee members were: Reverend Mick Brown, Doug Archer, Judith Fuller, Robyn Young, Rita Fitzgerald and Janice Stokes.
‘Pioneer’ or Centenary Banner to commemorate Menai Illawong Uniting Church Centenary celebration. The design seeks to capture the early history of the Menai and Illawong Churches and then the coming together to form Menai Illawong.
The banner was designed by Dorothy Sproule.
The ‘Living Faith‘ book front cover and first page. For the Centenary celebration, the church produced the ‘Living Faith‘ book which documented the pioneering efforts, struggles, service and spirit of the Christian community in the Menai-Illawong area since 1903.
Many church members contributed valuable memories, photos and time to this project. The editor of ‘Living Faith’ was Rita Fitzgerald.
Source:
- Living Faith (100 years since first Christian Worship in Menai Community 1903-2003). Produced by the Menai-Illawong Uniting Church Centenary Committee. Edited By Rita Fitzgerald
- Local History – Sutherland Shire Libraries, https://localhistory.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/