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Mildura landmark to celebrate centenary

Posted on September 9, 2011

MILDURA’S Wesley Methodist Church is one of the most recognisable buildings along Deakin Avenue, with its striking Romanesque Revival architecture.

MILESTONE: MADEC chairman Bill Nicol and MADEC executive assistant Sharon Smith inside the historic building, which is still used for a range of activities, from weddings and funerals to community meetings.

It also has close ties to Mildura’s history, built by the Methodist Church as a celebration of the city’s 25th anniversary, back in 1912.

Plans are now underway to celebrate the building’s own anniversary next year.

Mildura Rural City Councillor and MADEC staff member Glenn Milne has been charged with co-ordinating the centenary celebrations, some of which will take place both before and after the big day, on April 28.

MADEC is inextricably linked to the building after purchasing the church in April, 2005.

Fortunately for Sunraysia residents, MADEC has maintained the church in pristine condition, most recently re-carpeting the building and re-covering seating inside the church.

Cr Milne said the steering committee, formed this week to drive the centenary celebrations, included family members of those involved in both the church’s design and construction.

“The steering committee is made up of people who have an interest in the church as well as people related to the original builders and designers and those who attended the church,” he said.

“We’ll also be working with the Mildura Historical Society, people involved in the Chaffey Trail and the general public.”

Cr Milne said a highlight of the celebrations would be a re-enactment of the official opening on April 28 next year, but stressed there would be a host of activities associated with the anniversary over coming months.

He said the public could play an important role in the celebrations by contributing to a series of displays to mark the centenary.

These will include displays of wedding dresses used by brides married in the church over the past century as well as photos of weddings and other major events that took place in the building.

“The various displays will be on show during the year and we’ll be trying to keep them open and available for the public during that period,” Cr Milne said.

“We also intend to hold an ecumenical church service on the Sunday (April 29), to mark the occasion.”

There are also plans to release several publications in conjunction with the Chaffey Trail Group and the Mildura Historical Society combining the 100th anniversary of the church with the 125th anniversary of Mildura.

Cr Milne urged the community to get behind the celebrations.

“We want to work in with the community on this and get everyone behind us as this building was largely built by this community and a lot of Mildura’s founding fathers were Methodists,” he said.

“We want to hear from people who were relatives of past ministers and anyone who has had anything to do with the church and can provide photos, dresses, anything they feel appropriate for the celebrations.”

People interested in becoming involved or contributing items for display are urged to contact Glenn at MADEC on 5021 3472.

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