From W.H. Ullmann, 6 Spavnon Terrace, Enmore Road, To the Chairman of the Boundaries Committee:

"That the matter of the boundaries of the parish of Enmore be referred to a Committee to consist of the Dean, the Chancellor, the Revd. Canon Stephen, Edward Knox and C. Rolleston, Esqs to report to Synod during the present session."

"the boundary line between these parishes should be fixed as nearly as possible equidistant from the sites of the two churches". 

"Petition to the Very Reverend, the Lord President of the Standing Committee - The Petition of the Incumbent, Churchwardens and other Parishioners of Christ Church Enmore for the boundary at Holt Street."

The Church Opening - Detail: Back to Place on Main Church History Page

Chapter Two: 1960-1965: Christ Church becomes St Luke's Enmore

Christ Church in Decline

The inner city suburbs in the 1960's, were in a state of decline, as were the churches in the area. The postwar newly marrieds were moving to the outer suburbs like Epping, Chester Hill, Bankstown, Greenacre and Penshurst. Still living in the inner suburbs were the long-established elderly residents, people in flatettes (large stately homes now turned into boarding accommodation) and single people needing cheap accommodation.

The Parish of Christ Church Enmore suffered from this shift in population and was finding it difficult to stay viable. In the Parish Messenger, August 1960, the Rector, the Revd. Lloyd Newton, raised the matter of survival with the headline "Christ Church could go out of existence - would you care? Again in April 1961 the Parish Messenger posed the questions "Do you want our Church to continue with all the services it at present offers? Do you want the Church in Enmore to continue as a full Parish? Letters were sent to Parishioners in early 1961 in an attempt to arouse people to the problem. A special meeting of parishioners, addressed by Archdeacon H.M. Arrowsmith, Director of the Diocese of Sydney's Department of Promotion, discussed the idea of "committed giving".

The difficulties were not resolved, In June 1962, the Rector, Lloyd Newtown resigned to go to St Stephen's Kurrajong. An Acting Rector, the Reverend Hugh Linton, was appointed. In his eighties, Hugh Linton had been ordained for fifty-five years. As "a man of immeasurable understanding and energy... an able priest and pastor", he provided wise leadership in this uncertain time for the Parish of Enmore. In the Parish "Messenger", Fr Linton wrote encouraging people to support both the outreach work of the Church in the Parish (The Home of Peace and the Home Mission Society) and also overseas (Bush Church Aid Society, ABM and CMS).

Continuing lack of money meant it was difficult to maintain the church properties adequately. Parishioners attempted to keep the Parish functioning but times were difficult. Working bees were organised in an attempt to keep the fabric in repair, especially from the white ants; the ladies ran street stalls, selling jams and "old wares" and handicraft classes were held in the hall. The future of Enmore Parish was in the balance. Discussions were held between Bishop Clive Kerle, Archdeacon Goodwin and the Rector of the neighbouring parish of All Saints Petersham, Eric Champion.

It was decided Christ Church Enmore would come under the care of the Rector of Petersham, who would have the assistance of a Curate (one of his own choosing). The arrangement allowed Enmore to retain its identity as a Parish. Petersham Parish would pay part of the Curate's stipend and travelling allowance. In return Mr Champion would have assistance with religious instruction in the Public Schools, ministry to the Home of Peace, Stanmore and pastoral visiting.

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The Appointment of Brother John Green

The man appointed as Curate was Brother John Baines Green of the Brotherhood of the Good Shepherd. The Parish of Enmore warmly welcomed the forty-two year old Brother John in February 1963 as "our own resident priest". The Enmore Parish indicated to Bishop Kerle its gratitude for his "far-sightedness and friendship". The name 'John Green' became synonymous with change.

In his first week Brother John introduced a daily early morning Eucharist. On the first occasion of this innovation "quite a few people came to see the new bloke". Brother John had the gift of imparting to the worship at the Eucharist a sense of awe and wonder. To his delight a few people came to the week-day Masses. One or two parishioners made their rule to be present each morning. The Church building was left open for daily prayer and it was proposed to create a Chapel for week-day services.

The Parish Paper continued to be an important means of communicating with parishioners. It was also the means of explaining the Church's teaching on a number of topics: eg the reason for the practice of performing Holy Baptism within Public Worship or understanding terms such as "high" and "low" church. The early challenge Brother John gave the Parish was "we have to serve as missionaries together - there will have to be changes". He likened the Parish situation to the "few" in the Upper Room.

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Christ Church Becomes St Luke's

It was at this time that the name of the parish changed from Christ Church to St Luke's, with the change part of the metamorphosis of the Enmore Parish, the effects of which are still easily recognisable today. For a number of years the Churches of Christ denomination had had a high profile in Enmore. Even the local bank manager confused the Anglican Christ Church, Enmore with the Churches of Christ, to the extent of even naming the Christ Church Enmore Account as that of the Church of Christ. (Marrickville Library has material relating to Christ Church, Enmore under the heading of Church of Christ. )

The situation was raised with the Archbishop, Hugh Gough. He suggested parishioners should discuss the matter at the Annual Vestry Meeting. There was lengthy discussions on why the name Christ Church should be changed. Finally it was decided the reasons for change were stronger than for retaining the old name. The Archbishop had suggested that the new dedication be St Luke. The twenty three Parishioners present at the Annual Vestry Meeting unanimously resolved "that His Grace the Archbishop of Sydney be respectfully asked to approve the title dedication of the Church be changed to that of St Luke, Enmore; in lieu of Christ Church Enmore". In June 1963, the Archbishop issued the required Faculty for the name change as from St Luke's Day, October, 1963.

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St Luke's Deviates from the Prayer Book

Deviations from the Prayer Book were the cause of a stern rebuke from the Archbishop of Sydney to John Green shortly after his arrival in the Parish. This matter was a carry over from the previous year. In October 1962, Archbishop Gough had written to all clergy in the Diocese stating (among other things) that if a Parish wished to practise deviations from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, a special meeting of the parishioners had to be called and resolutions passed outlining the precise nature of such deviations. The resolutions were then examined by the Archbishop who would decide whether they would be approved.

Specific guidelines were laid down and the Parish was to reply by November 1962. This had been the period, when Mr Lloyd Newton had left the Parish and the Revd. Hugh Linton was Acting Rector. No reply had been sent from Enmore Parish, and following reminders from Bishopscourt the matter was raised at the 1963 Annual Vestry Meeting, when the Rector, the Revd. Eric Champion was in the Chair. The meeting carried a resolution that "the matter of minor Prayer Book deviations, such as practised, be left in the hands of the Rector and the Parish Council."

But nobody had defined "minor". Brother John inherited the "powder keg". The Archbishop was informed that the Services proposed in the 1928 Prayer Book for Holy Baptism and Holy Matrimony were being used and the New English Bible for the lessons. Matins and Evensong were said on Sundays according to the 1662 Prayer Book, with deviations which had been indicated as acceptable in the Archbishop's October 1962 letter. Holy Communion on Sunday was from the 1662 Prayer Book, a hymn was sung whilst the Celebrant and Server said the Preparation, the anthem and Benedictus was said following the Sanctus and Agnus Dei after the consecration. The Gloria in Excelsis was omitted during Advent and Lent, emphasising the penitential of these two Seasons. The weekday service of Holy Communion was shortened.

The Archbishop was told of the 1963 Easter Vigil which had been celebrated with the lighting of the Pascal Candle. Thirty five people had been present. Evensong had been said before the Vigil Ceremonies. Archbishop Gough replied to the very long submission that had been given to him. Some of the requested deviations were permitted, but other matters were referred back to Brother John.

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Archbishop Gough Unhappy with St Luke's Worship

The omitting of the Gloria in Advent and Lent was to the Archbishop a thoroughly undesirable practice. Although Penitential Seasons, Archbishop Gough reasoned that was all the more cause for using the words of the Gloria as an expression of our thankfulness and praise for the forgiveness of our sins and the assurance of our redemption which comes to us in the Sacrament.

There had been no objections from the congregation to the changes. However Archbishop Gough did not see this as a sufficiently good reason to change what he felt had been the character of the worship at Christ Church. He listed many specific matters relating to the worship (including the Easter Ceremonies and Vigil) which he said did not accord with Diocesan practice. In short Brother John was asked to abide by the regulations of the Diocese. Unless these assurances were forthcoming the Archbishop indicated he would not be able to visit the Parish. Easter Services continued to be significant events in the life of the Parish as did the Christmas Eve Service, which was attended by large numbers.

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Church Building is Renovated

Renovations to the Church building were an urgent priority. As alterations were done, the opportunity was taken to move the altar. It was taken forward, nearer the congregation and in front of it three steps were erected. This arrangement allowed for a number of 'ministers' to participate in the festival services at Christmas, Easter, Pentecost and St Luke's tide.

Property maintenance was a dominant and continuing concern: Who does the work? Renovations were made to the roof, guttering, and down pipes of the parish hall and the church; the hall windows were glazed with re-inforced glass; seven hundred and fifty slates on the church roof were replaced (this was not totally successful as leaks continued); electrical repairs were made to the church and hall and the back fence was replaced. Much of this work was done voluntarily by some of the parishioners, under the leadership of Gordon Green, Brother John's brother.

The interior walls of the Church were painted free of charge by Charles Giddings from Petersham. One of the most costly and ongoing problem was the white ants in the floor of the Church Nave. When the Pest Controllers properly investigated, it was discovered the floor was in danger of collapse.

The extent of the danger was hidden by the badly worn blue carpet. One Undertaker's assistant remarked "We're always worried when we carry a coffin down the aisle that there be a might crack and we'll all fall in." Brother John commented "the wonder is that we never lost a customer! Well, not that way." Four hundred pounds was the estimate to replace the church floor. This required that three quarters of the timber floor joists be replaced and the floor re-timbered. Work was done at week-ends and nights under the guidance of Gordon Green, Norman Ross and Albert Schwer.

When finished the Church floor was sanded and polished by a contractor, the cost came to just 63 Pounds! Painting of the property was also an ongoing matter. Late in 1964 Arthur Thomas and Erskine Bray painted the Sanctuary walls in time for Christmas services. A professional painter painted the vestibule and the exterior of the Parish Hall. During 1965 obsolete electrical wiring in the Church was replaced and new lighting, designed under the supervision of Sydney County Council, installed.

Around this time a Men's Group, affiliated with the Church of England Men's Society, was formed. The members were very much involved in supporting the church by maintaining the buildings and caring for the fabric of the church. Despite so much voluntary labour, money was required for the large number of repairs needed to the buildings. Where will the money come from?

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The Ladies' Guild

The Ladies' Guild was an organisation that had been in existence for very many years. Although few in number (approximately fourteen members) they worked to raise money to support the Church. Shortly after Brother John's arrival a second women's group was formed - the Christ Church Women's Club - whose objectives were the social, educational and spiritual development of members. This Women's Club met at night. It became responsible for catering for major events and gave money to lay lino on the Vestry floor. Throughout these years the women of the Parish provided financial and practical support for the survival of Enmore Parish. In 1966 they assisted in meeting the cost of the carpet in the Church; in 1967 they gave over $150 (raised from street stalls) for various Parish needs.

In 1966 the two women's groups had merged into one women's organisation. The Parish Fete continued to be the main method of fund raising between the year 1963 and 1967. All the various Parish organisations combined to run this annual event. In 1963, the good sum of Three Hundred and Eighty Pounds was raised. In 1964 the proceeds fell to 280 Pounds: in 1965, the same amount, - 280 Pounds was raised. The following year, 1966 (decimal currency) the amount reached was $725.68.

Parish Concerts and drama performances were another means of raising money. Those participating enjoyed the activity. The concerts further stimulated and helped develop the growing social life within the Parish.

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Significant changes to the Church's interior

As repairs to the church were to be undertaken, there was the opportunity to alter the interior layout of the Church. The interior, little changed since the beginning of the century, was typical of a pseudo-Gothic Victorian Church. The altar was against the wall; the communion rails; then choir pews facing each other; further a space (transept) across the width of the church, next the pews for the congregation. A scale model of the intended alterations to the church's interior was made by Arthur Thomas (a very active parishioner). This allowed parishioners to see the effects of such alterations.

There were four principal elements in the proposal:

(1) The sanctuary was to be enlarged and included a new Holy Table 9 feet by 2 feet 9 inches with four legs and covered by a frontal placed there;

(2) the choir was to be re-sited on the North side in the space between the front pews of the nave and the Communion rails;

(3) a side chapel for week-day use, with seating for 6 was to be established in the south corner of the building and the Holy Table, formerly in the sanctuary was to be placed there;

(4) the Communion rails were brought 13 feet closer to the Nave.

At the 1964 Annual Vestry Meeting it was resolved to seek approval for these changes. The Diocesan Faculty required for these alterations was duly issued. By early 1965 the hoped-for Chapel was a reality. The War Memorial Boards were placed at the back of the church on either side of the door. Permission was obtained from the Archdeacon of Sydney to relocate the Font to a position near the centre aisle. Consideration was given to bricking up the side door at the west end of the church, but this was not done.

A number of gifts to the Church furnishings were received during this period. The Communion Plate was refurbished; a chalice was replated and a new base attached; 70 new kneelers were made and given by Mrs Blatch; a new lamp outside adjacent to the porch was erected in memory of Arthur Ayers; a Sunday School cupboard was given in memory of Joshua and Lucy Mason; a candle-stand was given by Charles Gidding and a pair of fine brass vases were in memory of Sydney Deering and Walter Hoffmeir. A new altar cross to match the candlestick was designed by Brother John and Arthur Thomas and made by W.J. Saunders.

Mr & Mrs Johnsen (Alf and Grace) and Mrs Bowman donated the money for the cost of four Altar frontals, made by Brother John's mother. In addition Mrs Green made stoles and a burse and veil. The timber for the new Altar was donated by the Johnsen family and made by Gordon Green. New choir pews were the gift of Mr & Mrs Norman Ross; a new Bible was given by Mrs Spicer and a new Altar Services Book (1928 version) was dedicated on St Barnabas' Day 1967 in memory of William Doyle.

Several anonymous complaints regarding alterations to the interior of the Church, were made to the Diocesan authorities. Three Archdeacons came out to inspect the Church building and gave their general approval to the work which was being done in accordance with the Faculty that had been granted. In these matters the Parish was supported by the Rector of Petersham, Eric Champion.

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Candlesticks Not Permitted

Some months later, however, the Archbishop did remind Brother John Green that a Diocesan Ordinance did not permit the use of candlesticks in a Church. Apparently the decision as to whether they stayed in Enmore Parish Church was left to Brother John. They remained. The candlesticks had been placed on the altar for the first Easter celebration taken by Brother John. As the Parish was not very financial second-hand candlesticks had been purchased for six pounds.

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A New Stimulus at St Luke's: ABM Training College

A new stimulus to the life of St Luke's Church occurred in 1964. In that year the ABM Training College (The House of the Epiphany) at 111 Cambridge Street, Stanmore was restructured and new staff appointed. The Principal was Mr Philip Macfarlane, whose father had been a missionary on Thursday Island. The Chaplain & Candidates' Secretary was the Revd John Holle and Moya Holle, the Matron. They, together with the missionary trainees attending the College (young men and women from various parts of Australia), became a regular part of St Luke's worshiping congregation. Fr Holle was able sometimes to assist, and also arranged for one of the priests, at the Training College, to be a regular assistant on Sundays and week days. This allow Brother John to have days off. The Revd John Stephenson from Adelaide in 1965 and the Revd. Gary Parker (Newcastle) in 1966, assisted in this way.

The students from "The House" performed a most useful service for the Parish when, in 1965, the undertook a house to house survey of almost the entire parish. They confirmed what most suspected. There were a great many flats and most were occupied by people from southern Europe, whose Church allegiance was Roman Catholic or Orthodox.

Many strong links were forged with these missionaries and the staff of ABM, of whom the Revd. Ken Munns was later to become the first elected Rector of the combined Parish of St Luke's Enmore with St Augustine's Stanmore. Brother John was deeply committed to the missionary work of the Church. As he had said on his arrival in the Parish "we have to serve as missionaries together". Evidence of this was that shortly after his arrival, the Parish Youth Group became affiliated with ABM's youth organisation, the Comrades of St George. The "Comrades" were primarily committed to the missionary work of the Church. They raised money to support a Korean student studying in Australia, to support a project - 'Petrol and a Pilot for a Papuan Plane' and contributed to the support of a priest in Borneo.

The Comrades were also very active in the Parish. They helped with the Parish Fete, visited the local Home of Peace as well as organising concerts and plays. In 1964 a branch of the Heralds of the King was formed. This was ABM's national children's organisation for boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 12 years. The emphasis was that the Church was wider than just the Parish of Enmore. The young people of the Parish were always encouraged to be part of the worshipping life of the Church. All the children in the Sunday School classes came into the Service at the time of the offertory, following the Sermon. Throughout Brother John's ministry, the Sunday School continued to function as a integral part of church activities. One Sunday School leader at that time said "I feel that for the first time in many years we have had the full support of our Minister and this means a lot to us."

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A Revitalised Choir

The Choir was revitalised in 1965, with the appointment of Alan Munday as the organist and choirmaster. The previous, organist Mr W.C. Scurr had been appointed in 1961. In 1965, at the age of ninety years, he resigned to take up a position at St Stephen's Newtown. Mr Scurr died in 1973 at the Stanmore Nursing Home, aged 98 years.

As well as his work with the Choir, Alan Munday became involved in other aspects of the life of the Parish; becoming, at one stage, a Churchwarden. The Choir was very faithful; practising before Evensong and then singing Evensong.

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St Luke's Emerges From Testing Times

At the end of the first twelve months, Brother John had recorded "We have emerged from a year of testing with our flag almost at full mast, and for this we praise God for His blessings (but) we have a long way to go. Yet we are making very solid progress and can - I believe - see the time coming when once again we can expect to become in all regards an independent Parish".

At the 1965 Annual Vestry Meeting parishioners indicated they wished to manage Parish affairs without outside help. However a request for a return to full Parish status was not granted. The original plan for Enmore Parish to be attached to Petersham for a period of 4 years, and then reviewed, was to be continued.

The request was premature. There was insufficient finance and the Parish was, at this time, still seeking relief from outstanding Diocesan assessment payments. At the end of four years, it was clear that the Parish status was to be restored, but with features that were to present their own special difficulties.

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Brother John Departs

Regrettably, for the Parish, the Diocesan authorities did not extend Brother John's time at Enmore. Four years to the very Sunday after he arrived in Enmore Parish, Brother John left Sydney to work in the Diocese of Brisbane. Brother John was to say many years later - "for me, those four short years were the happiest and most fulfilled years of my whole life; and I have never ceased to thank the Lord that he made it possible for me to enter into the lives of those good and Christian folk at St Luke's Enmore." Over thirty years later, it is true to say that the dynamism - the work of the Holy Spirit - that brought about the emergence of 'St Luke's' from the old 'Christ Church' has continued. The Church in Enmore was never the same after 1963.

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