Result of praying in faith
Restoration of the Church of St Simon and St Jude
The Anglican Church of St Simon and St Jude is situated on the Channel Highway in the middle of Woodbridge. Being in a prominent position it can be clearly seen by visitors and those passing through.
The rapidly deteriorating building was of concern both to the parish and to the village community. It was clear that urgent work would be needed if the building was to be restored. It was also clear that there were insufficient funds available to carry out the work needed to be done and little possibility that the Parish would be able to raise what was needed.
The need was brought before the Lord in prayer and the small congregation that were unable themselves to do the work, prayed with faith as there seemed no way that this could happen.
The hand of the Lord in this project soon became apparent.
A group of three people offered to assist a member of the congregation to make an application for a grant from the Tasmanian Community Fund. In a meeting with the Fund it was made clear that a grant would not be made unless the church was a place of significance in the community, indicated by an active commitment to be involved in the restoration.
The Woodbridge Community Association called a public meeting to discuss how they could support a project to fully restore the church. At the conclusion of the meeting over $1500 and more than 800 hours of work by volunteers were pledged. This is in a community with a population of approximately 250.
On the same evening Parish Council set aside $5000 to carry out urgent work. Quotes were obtained for painting and restoring the outside of the church and the amount finally donated together with Parish Council funds was $100 more than was needed for the accepted quote.
God answered our prayer in a way we could not anticipate.
The Tasmanian Community Fund made a grant of $19 800 to complete the project. The restoration of the exterior of the church has almost been finished. A Works Committee of local residents including an architect and two builders, along with others who offered their skills, is now continuing the project.
With the help of the volunteers they expect to finish by 1 November when the church will celebrate its 125th Patronal Festival. It has continually met for worship since its consecration and has been involved in the life of the community through good and bad times – it has been the only church in the Channel to survive three major bush fires. It is an important part of the life of the village as indicated by the enthusiastic support for its restoration by non-church members.
We praise God for the wonderful way He is restoring the Church of St Simon and St Jude.
Judy Redeker wrote in the Cygnet and Channel News in July this year,
In 1884 the best way to travel to townships in the Channel was by boat, and this is how Bishop Daniel Fox Sandford travelled to Woodbridge to open the Church of St Simon and St Jude. On November 1 Bishop John will preside over the anniversary celebrations. ‘It was shaping up to be bigger than Ben Hur, but we couldn’t get enough chariots!’ said Norman Kelley.
Bishop Harrower will arrive, as did his predecessor, by boat and process to the church to conduct a service and for the celebrations. With the skills, talent, enthusiasm and funding promised, this project has inspired the community and the celebrations promise to be something else!
It is proposed to publish a booklet on the history of the church. However, it has proved difficult finding records relating to its life in the community. We are looking for photographs, anecdotes and names of past rectors and members of the congregation. (For exampe there may exist photographs of baptisms and weddings.) Are there stories of the youth dances that were held on a regular basis?
We are also looking for a photograph of the original church that did not have the sanctuary and baptistry attached. Does anyone know who attended the Sunday School in the small room at the back?
Please contact Julie Kelley on 6267 4903 if you can help.
The Revd Norman Kelley, WoodbridgeParish of Channel and Cygnet