Story Of Victoria Hall

The story of

Victoria Hall (Rosebank Peninsula Church) 212 Rosebank Road, Rosebank Peninsula Avondale, Auckland 1897 - 1987

Much of the following originally published in the 90th anniversary booklet produced by the Avondale Union Parish, 1987, based on the records of the Victoria Hall committee, as researched by Mr. Kurt Brehmer. Compiled by Lisa Truttman, local historian, 2001- 2002 Re-published 2011 All rights reserved.

Ann Fletcher Jackson – “Pioneer Resident Minister” (1833-1903) The story of Victoria Hall starts with Ann Fletcher Jackson and her husband Thomas, who lived at a small farm along present day Avondale Road called “Meliora” — from the Latin melior, meaning “better“ — (now 103 Avondale Road) from 1893 to 1899. Ann was born on 27 February 1833 in Leigh, Lancashire, the eldest child of John and Mary Fletcher. At age 11 Ann was sent to a Society of Friends School (Quaker) at Ackworth, studying there for 3 years. She recalled later in life that once she had come home from the school, a Thomas and Ann Fletcher Jackson, ministry Friend paid a visit to her home and c. 1897. told her the following: “I hope dear thou wilt be faithful to the call of the Lord, for I believe He will call thee to special service for Him, to preach the Gospel in distant places and be a comfort to many far and near; only be faithful.” Ann was to remember this as a basis for her later ministry work in New Zealand and Australia. She married Thomas Jackson, from Ulverston, Lancashire, in 1859, and 3 years later the couple moved to Birkenhead in Cheshire. Thomas Jackson worked as a boot seller there. In 1878, he “took from his pocket some papers containing information respecting some land in the province of Auckland in the North Island of New Zealand.” [The Story of New Zealand Quakerism, 1842-1972, by Margaret West & Ruth Falwell, 1973, p.7.] Short on funds, and with a family of seven children surviving of eleven, Thomas and Ann Fletcher Jackson were barely able to scrape up enough to cover the cost of their fares to New Zealand, leaving 3 October 1878. The arrived in Auckland 12 January 1879, taking up land at Otonga, north of Whangarei, called “Home Farm”. “They invited neighbouring settlers to share their gatherings, though their ways were not always understood.” [West & Falwell, p.8] In 1883, Ann applied for a position as teacher at a local school, working there until April 1885 (only leaving because of the school board’s decision to make the position a part-time one for male teachers only). In 1885, she made the decision to start active ministry work, and was granted a certificate to travel on religious service the next year, starting the couple’s travels in October 1886. These included a trip to Australia and journeys around the mining towns there

1

from 1888-1889. For the rest of her active life Ann travelled extensively around New Zealand on Friends' business, sometimes with her husband Thomas but often alone. At this time most roads were poor to impassable (to nonexistent!), so her journeys involved coastal ships, horseback, and a great deal of time. She was instrumental in the establishment of a nationwide network of Friends, and in encouraging the establishment of regular Meetings for Worship in a number of places. [ Internet Website: quaker.org.nz/ whoweare/ history.htm, the site for the Society of Friends in New Zealand, December 2001] Ann Fletcher Jackson was a dedicated correspondent, and spent many often painful hours communicating with fellow Friends. About this time (1888) Ann F. Jackson had so much correspondence that she speaks of having 40 letters in arrear. Some of her friends suggested that she should write a circular letter, but she said that it would not be like ‘heart speaking to heart’ and circumstances and surrounding were so different, in different homes. A letter from her son Fletcher says, ‘Mother’s handwriting is not so good as formerly, it is partly due to her large correspondence but principally from inability to hold the pen, the forefingers of her right hand seem to have got beyond control.’ “Soon after this Ann F Jackson’s hand got worse. She took medical advice and was told she had ‘writer’s cramp or palsy’ and should wear a strap round the wrist. [Sarah Jane Lury, Ann Fletcher Jackson, Pioneer Resident Minister in the Society of Friends, New Zealand, London, 1904, p.24] Improving technology helped Ann Jackson considerably in 1894. Ann F Jackson wrote in 1894: ‘To-day I have received the type-writer; I am delighted with it for indeed it is a most valuable and acceptable present, for which I am more grateful than words can tell, for the kindness of the dear friends though I know not who they are, who are thus enabling me to continue the correspondence which I believe to be part of the work which the Lord has called me to do.’ In the first letter written with the typewriter she says, ‘It is so nice to be able to write or rather type a letter without pain, for even when writing with my left hand, the pain in my right hand and arm was sometimes very distressing.” [ibid, p. 39] The establishment of a [Society of Friends] Meeting had been the hope of the Jacksons since their arrival in the Colony … After advertising, and much perseverance on Thomas’ part in seeking where Friends were living, they succeeded in having most Auckland members attend two Meetings on Sunday, 1st November 1885. [West & Falwell, p. 8]

2

The combination of the distance from Whangarei to Auckland, over often impassable roads, plus Ann’s increasing poor health, led the family to sell “Home Farm” in January 1893, and move to Avondale, just 7 miles from Auckland and the Friends meetings there. In her letter to E. R. Ramsay in England from the new home in Avondale in May 1893, Ann wrote: “We wish to thank thee for all the kind interest thou hast taken in reference to our removal from Otonga and getting settled here, and may we through thee, send a message of very grateful thanks to the Hardshaw Meeting and to the other kind Friends (we do not know to whom we are indebted), who have so generously helped us to carry out what has been for a long time laid upon our hearts to do. We were often sorely puzzled, for as regards coming to live near Auckland, there seemed the command to ‘Go forward’, and yet for a long time we could not see how we were to do it, unless we could sell the ‘Home Farm’ for its full value, so “Meliora” - a gathering of the congregation in the 1890s. the only thing we could do was to commit the whole matter into the Lord’s hands, and leave it with Him to fulfil His promise in His own time and way. ‘I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight.’ And then thy kind letter came telling us of the arrangement that had been made, for making up the deficiency, if we had to sell our place at a sacrifice. After that, the difficulties disappeared, the farm was sold, and this one was just ready for us at the right time, so we were able to come here at once. We can truly say ‘Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.’” [Lury, p. 37] When, in 1893, Ann and Thomas Jackson were able to move to a small property at Avondale [103 Avondale Road], only a few miles out of Auckland City, they were able to give even stronger support to the Meeting [once Victoria Hall was established later in 1897.] A typical weekly round went thus – First-day, Adult School at 9.30 – Meeting for Worship at 11 – drive back to Avondale – hurried dinner – Sunday School in Victoria Hall – home to tea – Mission Service in Hall at 7. Second day – Washing, churning, etc. – Third day visiting in Auckland and neighbourhood, staying the night and returning by noon on Fourth day – At home in afternoon, Cottage Prayer meeting in evening – Fifth day –

3

Band of Hope meeting – Sixth Day – Musical evening (monthly). [West & Falwell, p.13] In 1896 J. J. Neave wrote: “I spent two or three days with Thomas and Ann F. Jackson at Avondale; they are doing a great and blessed work in a quiet way, not only among the Friends and others in Auckland, but also among their neighbours. I was at a meeting in their house on First-day evening, which was well-attended and a time of blessing; also at the First-day School with the children. They greatly need a little mission room. They are about 1 ½ or two miles from the nearest place of worship, and their neighbours do not go to those places. It is marvellous to me how Ann Jackson accomplishes all the work she does, in the way of visiting the sick or troubled ones, and attending meetings of various kinds.” [Lury, p. 57] One of her sons wrote: ‘Summer and winter, mother would drive into town every First Day morning, in time for the Adult School, and she usually spent every Third Day in visiting Friends and attending the Bible Class in the evening. She also commenced a First Day School in her home but this quickly became too large for a private house, and as the need of some services in the neighbourhood on First Day evening was very much on her mind, she interested herself in getting a hall built with the assistance of Friends at home and in the colonies. This quickly became a centre of Christian work and is so still. [Lury, p. 35] [The Jacksons] saw the need for a place of worship in Rosebank. So they offered their home for that purpose. When the attendance grew too large, they motivated the purchase of the Rosebank Peninsula Church [known then as Victoria Hall]. [Kurt Brehmer, from his speech to Avondale Community Board, 28 November 2001]

(left) The gravestone for Thomas, Ann Flethcher and Harry Jackson, within sight of Victoria Hall; (right) the original place of worship for the Rosebank Peninsula congregation, ‘Meliora’, both in 1987. Photos courtesy of Kurt and Nola Brehmer.

4

The Victoria Hall was obtained for inter-denominational service with the assistance of funds collected by English Friends and still stands today, being vested in the Council of Churches, and used by a number of denominations on Sundays, and by a variety of community groups on weekdays. [West & Falwell, p.13] Ann Jackson’s story can be read in the twelve volumes of her journals recording her progress in the spiritual life and her service to the Society over a period of forty years. As does not seem unlikely for a mother who had borne eleven children in fourteen years, she suffered considerable bodily weakness, but regarded the desire for rest as a temptation. She was generally successful in resisting such temptations, often to the distress of her family, her son Fletcher once writing to her, “Please remember that Ann Jackson has a body.” [West & Falwell, p. 9] The end of the time spent by the Jackson family in Avondale came with sadness. In 1899, Ann suffered a serious illness, reducing her physical strength considerably and confining her to her home. The same year, her youngest son Henry died in August after a bicycle accident: In referring to the death of their youngest son, Henry, she say: “When my husband went to the hospital to see him, dear Harry, forgetful of his terrible sufferings, wanted his father to ‘go back to mother’. I was in a very critical state at the time, the doctor having very little hope of my recovery. Though our hearts ache and are sorrowful, as we realise that we shall not look upon dear Harry’s bright, happy face again, still on his account we can rejoice, for we believe that he has gone to be ‘for ever with the Lord’ … I could not go to the funeral, which was largely attended, several spoke at the graveside.” [Lury, p.41] Henry Jackson was buried in Rosebank Cemetery. In October 1899, the family sold “Meliora” in Avondale and, after a three month rest in Rotorua, moved to Mt Roskill, only three miles from the City, and called their new home “Eureka”. Later in 1899, Thomas Jackson took cold while the couple were travelling to Colyton and New Plymouth, and died after a short but severe illness on 4 January 1900. In January 1903, Ann fell, hitting her head on a chair, and suffered a stroke, paralysing her left side. Conscious of her disability, she ceased to meet with others as she had done. In September that year she had another seizure which took away her speech and left her practically paralysed completely. Ann Fletcher Jackson never recovered from this final illness, and died on 15 October, 1903, aged 70.

5

According to Sarah Jane Lury, the first to write a brief biography on this hardworking woman, Ann Fletcher Jackson in her time living in New Zealand, either with her husband, friends, or alone, had travelled over 50,000 miles in the colonies on religious service. Both Thomas and Ann are buried alongside their son Henry in Rosebank Cemetery.

6

1897 May 1 Purchase of the site near cemetery. July 7 Vesting of site in Trustees: P. Robertson, I. Wymer, T. Jackson, W. Knight, B. A. Fransham; for “Religious, Temperance, Educational, and Scientific meetings”. July 15 Purchase of Hall including 12 seats for £40 with the help of 90 subscribers. According to the Challenge of the Whau (Ron Oates, Avondale History Group, 1994), the Victoria Hall was originally sited in Eden Terrace in Auckland Central, and used as a Jewish synagogue ... “A large number of Rosebank residents, keen to have a local venue for social as well as religious activity, contributed the necessary money.” However the earliest synagogue in Auckland was in use in Emily Place in 1858, a wooden hall at first leased by the Hebrew Congregation, and then bought outright in the mid 1860s. In the 1880s, the old hall at Emily Place was replaced by a purpose-built synagogue at the corner of Princes Street and Bowen Avenue, and still stands to this day as a bank. Further investigation is needed to check the provenance of the Victoria Hall. October 20 Opening of Victoria Hall –with a concert and addresses, 250 guests attending. The church was hauled out by a team of horses to the corner of Orchard Street and Rosebank Road, and opened on Saturday October 20th, 1897. [Challenge of the Whau, p.41 (1994)] On Wednesday last, a most enjoyable evening was spent at the opening service in connection with the Victoria Hall, Rosebank Road, Avondale. The building was packed with an appreciative audience, who testified their approval of the various items contributed. Mr Manners presided over the meeting, and admirably carried out his duties. After the opening prayer by the Rev. A McLeod, the Secretary (Mr Knight) read an interesting report as to the inception and completion of the scheme for providing a hall suitable for philanthropic, religious and temperance work. Miss Rimmer followed with the solo, “The Gift of Rest,” and rendered it

7

beautifully. Mr Jackson explained in a short address the former needs of the district in regard to accommodation for carrying on mission work, and expressed a desire that everything carried on in the building would redound to the glory of God and for the good of our fellow men. The instrumental quartette, “Gloria in Excelsis”, by Mr. J. E. Taylor and the Misses Taylor was much appreciated. Miss Smith then favoured the audience with “Ora Pro Nobilis”, which was listened to with rapt attention. Mr A. C. Brown gave an address in which he pointed out the appropriateness of the name given to the hall. He said that no more fitting momento of the record reign could possibly have been decided upon. Mr Robertson’s fine voice was heard to advantage in “The Bugler.” A recitation by Miss Amy Taylor, “The Road to Heaven”, was given in her usual impressive style. During the interval which followed, a bountiful supply of refreshments was provided. On resuming Miss. M. Taylor sang, “The Promise of Life” admirably. An interesting address on the value of home influence was given by Mr. Tomlins. The Taylor family again delighted the audience by selections from Handel. Miss Smith sang “Calvary”, and if possible this item was more appreciated than her previous selection. An interesting address by the Rev. A. McLean of the appreciativeness of the age for goodness was listened to with much attention. The vocal quartette, “The Future Lies Before Me,” by Misses Harper and Jackson and Messrs Crafts and Jackson was ably rendered. Miss Rimmer’s next song, “He Wipes the Tear From Every Eye,” was one of the gems of the evening, and in response to demands she sang, “When the Pearly Gates Unfold,” in exquisite style. The usual votes of thanks were passed. [Auckland Evening Star, Friday 22 October 1897] October 21 Inaugural service. Mrs Jackson's text was David's preparation for the building of the temple. from 1897 Management Committee organising services for Sunday evenings, Sunday School, Band of Hope. Organ purchased. Harry Jackson makes 8 additional seats. Band of Hope – group formed by local residents in order to pursue the principles of Christ in the community, literally to provide hope and community

8

spiritual care. According to Mr Kurt Brehmer, the Salvation Army also held services at the Victoria Hall, prior to the building of their own hall in the 1920s. 1899 Death of Harry Jackson. 1900 Mr Ford elected a Trustee. 1900, 1903 Deaths of Thomas and Ann Fletcher Jackson. Family grave in Orchard Street cemetery nearest Hall. 1902 Library of 88 books of "good moral character" located in the hall . Pitt Street Methodist Church conducts morning services. 1903-1906 Only one administration meeting per year for this period. No records for 1907 to 1913. Hall repainted in 1904.

“Gravestone of THOMAS JACKSON and ANNFLETCHER JACKSON who died in January 1900 and October 1903 respectively. In the cemetery at corner of Rosebank Road and Orchard Street, Avondale.”

1915 Piano purchased for £35. After weeks of preparation by willing hands, the bazaar in aid of liquidating the debt on the piano at the Victoria Hall, Avondale, was held at the Public Hall on Saturday last. Owing to the bad state of the weather and the tightness of the money market, the bazaar was not such a success it might have been, a large amount of various goods being left over. These will have to be disposed of in other ways. The general report from the various stall-holders was that although the people admired the various articles and considered them very reasonable, many did not seem to have the available money to lay out. In the competitions in the evening, it was found to be hard to get entries for a number of them, some having to be struck out, as no entries could be secured. No musical programme was attempted as previous experience was proved this to be unsatisfactory, owing to the people moving about, and other noises in the Hall. The Committee were put to a good deal of unnecessary inconvenience, owing to there being no available water supply at the Hall, and they hope that the Board will see to this,

9

and have the water laid on. Mr Robinson, from Grey Lynn, was in charge of the punch and judy show. This was well patronised by the little ones. A good deal of amusement was created by the children, in their endeavour to find Uncle Ned and Aunt Maria. Uncle Ned was quickly found in the body of the hall, the lucky boy in this event being A. Robinson. Aunt Maria proved considerably harder to find, but was at last found near the stage, by Joan Demford. In the blindfold competition, putting on a donkey’s tail,. Master Harold Ainger succeeded in winning the prize after two dead heats with other children.

“Mrs. Coralie Leak, now aged 87 years, was associated with Victoria Hall from 1909 to 1918, and played the organ there as an eight-year-old, in 1909.” Also spoke at celebration “about her early years at Victoria Hall, particularly as student and teacher in the Methodist Sunday School in the first two decades of the century.” (Brehmer photo collection, 1987)

Mr Stewart, from Symonds St., judged the cooking, and we are pleased to say he has given every satisfaction. As no names were given the usual complaint of favouritism could not be made at this competition. Two extra prizes had to be given, owing to the large number of cakes sent in for classes not specified. The judge’s remarks on the cakes were that they were a very creditable display. ([Avondale] News, Saturday March 27 1915)

1918 First use of Hall for elections: Avondale Road Board.

1926 New Trustees elected. Mrs Chamberlain, Messrs H. E. Stenner, Louis Watson, A. Woolcott, H. Williams. Hall renovated. Choir and orchestra cantata performed. 1927 Church activities flourishing under Mrs Chamberlain's leadership, the Committee –Mr. Talmage, Mesdames Thorpe, Lousich, Watson, Murray, Burnett, Wiles, and help from B.T.I. students (Bible Training Institute). Regular anniversary celebrations.

10

1928 Plans for extension of Hall abandoned because of costs.

1930 Building of two Sunday School rooms by the Murray family in memory of Ivan Murray who died young after an active Christian life. “Original photo was lent to Victoria Hall by Betty Godso (nee Bullock) in 1987. Sunday School Class – about 1928 at Victoria Hall Methodist Sunday School. Teacher was Mr Ivan Murray (who died, aged 20, in June 1930). Girls” Mary Silva, Flossie Sly, Margaret Mitchell, Betty Bullock, Gladys Whale, Annie Bright, Ada Whale, Marell McMillan.” (Brehmer photo collection)

1932 June 25 Seventh Day Adventists began to use hall for Saturday services including Sabbath School 9.30, Worship 11 am, Lunch, young peoples meeting 2.30 pm. Leaders over their 8 years at the Hall were Mr Percy Dixon and his wife, Pastors F L Sharp and P G Glockler. November 6 Sunday School celebrates its anniversary.

On Sunday anniversary services will be held in the Victoria Hall, Rosebank Road, Avondale, in connection with the Methodist services held there. In the afternoon at 3 o’clock the Rev. H. Knowles Kempton will preside, while at the 7 o’clock service the Rev. J. Belshaw will be the minister. The children will provide special singing and a hearty invitation is extended to friends to be present. (text and advertisement from the [Avondale] News, Thursday 3 November 1932)

1940 S.D.A. group (39 Baptised members) shifted to own new church at Blockhouse Bay Road.

11

1941 Loss of Trustees. Mr. Stenner resigned, Mr. Woolcott died. Replaced by P. Jennings, L. Handy, T. Rufford. Hall offered free use to EPS Emergency Precaution Scheme (for World War II civil defence). 1944 Incorporation of Sunday School rooms, built in 1930, into Trust. 1950 Mr. Handy resigned, Mr. Haines appointed. New Constitution set up -- “Victoria Hall Undenominational services for Promulgation of Christ’s Truth and Teaching.” L. Watson pays tribute to the “Good Work” done by the Chamberlain and Murray families as well as by Messers. Handy, Robertson, Connell, Stenner, Rufford, Jansen.

12

A Victoria Hall Photo Album (part one) All photos from the Brehmer photo collection)

“Photo from 1930s.”

“Photo shows a framed certificate – certifying that the Victoria Hall Methodist Sunday School is affiliated with the Auckland Sunday School Union, January 24th, 1916. Number of teachers 5, Number of scholars 55.”

“Photo (made 1987) of certificate belonging to Mrs. Mary Jennings nee Mitchell. (1926)”

“A Christian Endeavour Group of the 1930s. Original photo belonged to Mrs. Mary Jennings.”

13

“May Chamberlain and her husband Eric Watson. August 7, 1937.”

“Wedding of Fred Jansen and Winnie Chamberlain, November 27, 1937.”

“Lucy Bright at gate of Victoria Hall, Rosebank Road, 1940s.”

14

“Left to right: Mr Fred Jansen with daughter Dorothy Graham Watson. Mr. Eric Watson with daughter Barbara. Photo taken approximately 1941. Copy of phot kindly lent by Mrs. Barbara Riddell for Victoria Hall 90th anniversary in 1987.”

“Left to right: Mr Fred Jansen with daughter Dorothy Graham Watson. Mr. Eric Watson with daughter Barbara. Photo taken approximately 1941. Copy of photo kindly lent by Mrs. Barbara Riddell for Victoria Hall 90th anniversary in 1987.”

“Father Christmas visits Victoria Hall Sunday School in 1949. At centre of photo Dorothy Jansen, Barbara Watson, Lorraine Haworth, Ruth & Judith Ludgate (twins), Judy Moir (2nd girl in front of Santa) & Ted Jansen to left of her.”

15

1952 Help is sought from St Ninian’s Presbyterian Church with carrying out major repairs, i.e. shifting of and adding to the Hall. Request made that the Presbyterian and Methodist churches take over responsibility for the services at Victoria Hall, and that the Hall be run on interdenominational lines. The first and third Sundays Presbyterian, second and fourth Methodist, fifth Sundays either Salvation Army or Anglican. The management remains in the hands of Victoria Hall Committee. October 10 Vesting of Victoria Hall Trust Property in the Presbyterian Property Trustees. Rev Sefton W Campbell welcomed as chairman of the Victoria Hall Committee. He took an active interest in the welfare of the people and the building project costing £1,700. The Hall Committee included Messrs Titheridge (St Ninians) , L Watson, Jansen, Jones, Mesdames M. Watson, Rufford, Moir, Lousich, Poulger, Jansen.

“Rev. Sefton Campbell, Presbyterian minister, 1950-1955.” Photo from the Brehmer Collection.

Details of building alterations were resolved. The Cross of Iona was placed on the gable. (The Iona Cross is a symbol of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland). 1953 February 15 Re-opening service, with rededication of the Hall. Addresses by Revs. George Brown, J S Murray, S W Campbell, Glayne and J. Jensen the new Baptist Minister. 200 people attended, 5 denominations represented. Activities: Cadets and .Life Boys (20) , Sunday School of 145. The new Lectern was dedicated. Regular night services at 7pm. Mr. Harnett gave shrubs for the grounds.

16

The Sunday School organised a very successful Coronation Party -- leaders Misses McKinlay and Kiss. Mr Moir edits the "Church News". A games evening is started by Mrs Moir . A film Service showed "God and the Atom" 1954 Miss McKinlay granted use of two small rooms for primary department. Switch of evening services to morning services. New Committee – Mr. Handy, Mesdames Moir, Hood, Titheridge, Watson, Misses Kiss and McKinlay. Sunday School roll now 160, Cadets Company of 30, one of the largest in the Dominion. Social club 40; Life Boys now number 22, and their care is passed from Mrs Titheridge to Mr Harnett and Mrs Moir. 1955 Rev Campbell is farewelled, tribute being paid to his wonderful help. The new Committee included Mesdames Titheridge, Hood, Moir, Harnett (formerly Miss McKinlay) Mr and Mrs Walkley. A new floor is laid by Mr Haworth. Interim Minister Rev Anderson is welcomed. Later a welcome social is held for Rev Nicholls. The Avondale Junior Athletic Club is formed by Mr Walkley. 1956 The Hall, the home of the Avondale Kindergarten since 1950, is no longer needed as they shift to their own premises beside the Rosebank Primary school. Congratulations are recorded to Mrs Talmage for birth and Mrs Harnett for birth of a son.

17

1957 All activities continue at high level. A fair is held annually to aid fun and funds. Walkleys furnish the new Sunday School rooms on the verandah.

“15TH Feb 1953. 200 guests attended re-opening and re-dedication of Victoria Hall, Avondale. (Copies of photos lent in 1987 by Mrs. Win Jansen.)” Photo from Brehmer collection.

Kathy Kiss departs for the U.S.A., tribute paid to her help for many years.

1959 Life Boys are disbanded, Mr Harnett beinq unable to continue, and no other helpers available. Tribute paid to his valuable work Proposal to build new church in front of Hall. Concrete blocks bought for new church. Mr Walkley continues as Sunday School Superintendent. Regular annual donations to CORSO, B.T.I., Lepers, N.C.C.

1960-1969 1961 Mr Walkley proposed to build new Sunday School rooms on side of Hall. Farewell to Rev Nicholls.

1963 New church plans abandoned. School rooms built instead.

18

Rosebank Plunket Group uses Hall from now on. 1964 Entrance shelter built. Building blocks sold. Discussions on Church Union joined by Committee. Ministers there alter“Victoria Hall doorway (no awning) about 1962. Bruce Harnett (6 years).” nated between MethPhoto from Brehmer collection. odist and Presbyterian. The Methodist parish in Avondale, lower in numbers, sought union with the Presbyterian church. 1965 Tribute to B.T.I. (Bible Training Institute) students (from Fiji) for their mission in Rosebank. Bible in Schools started. Mr. Harnett donates shrubs. 1966 Farewell to Fijian friends (BTI). 1967 Rosebank Play Centre meets at Hall from now on, for 7 years. Father McGrath conducts Catholic Services on Sunday mornings. No. 1 Orchard Street vested in Presbyterian Property Trustees (from Mrs Holmes).

19

1968 Captain Peter Lloyd conducts Youth Group Sunday nights.

1969 214 Rosebank Road vested in Presbyterian Property Trustees (from Mrs Hulme.) The properties once owned by Mrs Holmes and Mrs Hulme greatly increased the church property, formerly only a single site. 1970 – 1987 1970 Rev. John Graham accepts part-time ministry at Hall. Tribute to Mr and Mrs Walkley for 17 years work at Sunday School. Sandra Astridge appointed Superintendent of Sunday School. Farewell to Peter Lloyd. Mr and Mrs Everett lead Bible Class. 1971 Tribute to Rev. and Mrs Graham at farewell gathering. 1972 Inaugural service of AVONDALE UNION PARISH at Waterview. Hall now formally known as “Avondale Union Parish, Victoria Hall.” Rev. J McKean welcomed. Mr Coyle assisting.

20

“Isaia & Ngaire Vakaruru taught Sunday School and Bible Class at Victoria Hall in the early 1970s.” Photo from Brehmer collection.

1976 “Assistance requested from the Pacific Islander’s Church in Newton to minister to the growing number of Samoans in the community, and this later developed into a team ministry.” [Union Parish historical review, 1987]

1977 “Victoria Hall Sunday School outing – to the Museum and Domain. At back: Tai, Kathyrn Bisphan, Linda Grieve, Tanys Hammond, Sandra Astridge, Mary Laing, ? Hammond. At front: ?

New roof on Hall. Rev. Roger Hey welcomed.

October A weekly “Drop-in” centre started at Victoria Hall, set up be three workers from the Avondale Citizens Advice Bureau, supported by Auckland City Council’s Community Advisor for the area as a result of constant enquiries received at the C.A.B. from people feeling lonely, isolated and in fragmented family situations living in the area. The Drop-in grew steadily, and to meet the various needs arising, small groups would meet in members homes, developing and sharing skills and companionship. From this was formed a committee to work towards establishing a Community House. The first Community House Co-ordinator was arranged by the Community advisor through the Temporary Employment Scheme of the Department of Labour, to act as a liaison person between the House Committee and various departments (Justice Dept., Housing Corp. Auckland City Council etc.). The appointment was from September 1978 to June 1979. Rosebank Community House opened at 97 Rosebank Road in July 1979, and the drop-in centre moved to there. [Community Action Groups history, Lisa Truttman, 2001]

21

1978 25 March Opening of Manse at No. 1 Orchard Street. Rev. Leao Si’itia now welcomed as associate Minister and neighbour. 1978-1984 Associate Minister Rev. H Pomeroy. 1979 Last entry in Victoria Hall Committee Minute Book. May 1 Team ministry formalised and the first service was conducted jointly by Rev Harold Pomeroy and Rev. Leao Si’itia. 1983 The Methodist Church in Rosebank Road is demolished for the new Nafanua Church Hall. The old Avondale Methodist Church forms given to Victoria Hall. 1984 Since the departure of Rev. Pomeroy the following friends from the Titirangi Parish helped to foster the spiritual life at the Hall by praying, preaching, providing music, and leading Sunday School: Ngaire Ryan, Pat Brewster, Anne and John Roche and June Raw. 1985 Rev. Judy Bedford became associate Minister and moved into the manse at 214 Rosebank Road after thorough renovations. “Rev. Judith Bedford, Dora Hod and Kurt Brehmer examine the church’s first minute book, dated 1908 after the facility had already been operating some years.” – Western Leader photo, 1987.

22

1987 22-23 August The 90th Anniversary Celebrations and keen anticipation of Victoria Hall’s continuing role in the Rosebank Peninsula. Victoria Hall church building’s 90th anniversary was celebrated by over 200 people on the last weekend of August. An afternoon tea brought to Rosebank Road a variety of community and church groups which had used the plain wooden building as their venue over the last 90 years.

“Planting the ‘Anniversary Tree’. Victor Sands with the spade; Rev. J. Bedford; Ethel Astridge; Joan Astridge.” Brehmer collection.

A roof-rattling start to Saturday evening’s programme was given by a dance group from American Samoa. It was a guest of the Reverend Leao T. Si’itia’s Samoan congregation, who share the Union parish Victoria Hall with the

Reverend Judy Bedford’s church. Varied church and community use was reflected in 14 items of entertainment, ranging from plays by Guides and Brownies to a reading from the Temperance Society. A highlight for many was the re-enactment of the Hall’s first meeting called by the Jackson family back in 1897. Organiser Kurt Brehmer said: “It was marvellous to go into our future, by making the Hall’s past part of our present, especially when a clock presented at the first meeting was part of the re-enactment.” A thanksgiving service for 250 people was held on Sunday. A large tent on the Victoria Hall’s front lawn accommodated the congregation for a celebration lunch after the service. The wet weather provided the only hitch, preventing the church’s ministers being brought to the service by the Harness Club cart. The celebration ended with the cutting of a cake by the church’s oldest and youngest members, Ivy Moir and Heather Short. Spectators included

23

Zillah Handy, the hall’s cleaner in 1918, and grandsons of the founders of Victoria Hall in 1897, Quakers Thomas and Ann Jackson. [Western Leader, 21 September 1987]

“1987: Descendants from Thomas and Ann-Fletcher Jackson … with the photograph of some of the original worshippers at Victoria Hall. Left to right: Athol Jackson, Wilfred & Margaret Jackson, Ruth Weber (nee Jackson). At back :- Rachel Jackson (daughter of Athol J.)” Brehmer collection photo.

24

A Victoria Hall Photo Album (part two) (All photos from the Brehmer photo collection)

(right) “Mrs May Chamberlain (1878 – 1971). Photo – taken 1970 – lent by Mrs Win Jansen (nee Chamberlain) to Victoria Hall in 1987.”

“Victoria Hall Cadets, approx. 1950.”

25

“Victoria Hall ‘Happy Hour’ Ladies. On steps of Pt Chevalier Beach. Back: Mrs. W Jansen. Front: 1. Mrs Ivy Moir, 2. Mrs Caston, 3. Mrs Chamberlain, 4. Mrs Rufford, 5. Mrs Hepburn.”

“Mr & Mrs Rufford (Tom & Myrtle), 1962. Mrs. Rufford died in 1997, aged 93).”

“Victoria Hall Sunday School picnic and camp at Piha, December 1969. Robin Brehmer, Mrs. Betty Newman and two Pivac girls.”

26

“In the 1960s a stall in aid of funds for lepers – organised by Mrs. Nancy Harnett.”

“In 1966 ten Fijians visited Auckland to get work to earn money for their church. They stayed in the Wesleydale orphange buildings, were befriended by Mr amd Mrs Moir, and often attended church services at Victoria Hall, and enthralled everyone with their singing. They were at the time students of the Methodist Theological College, Nausori, Fiji, and other Bible-training centres.” John Lagi Apesai Rokeduna Josua Kania Jone Kafoa Atunaisa Mua Gereimi Naruma Josevata Cama Maciu Nacaucauleiu George Bainivalu Ilaija Tuwere

27

“Copy made in 1987 of photo lent by Alfred Bisphan. Until the mid 1970s, this was No. 1 Orchard Street. The property had belonged to Mrs. Holmes who sold it to the Presbyterian Church. The house was for a time occupied by Alfred & Katheryn Bisphan, and then by Isaia & Ngaire Vaka-

“September 5, 1977. Brownies and Leaders at Victoria Hall. Back: (l to r): Angela Wright, Nadine McRee, Erin Hooper, Linda Shanahan, Pania Te Aonui, Hazel Till, Jan Deverell, Susan Hannon. Centre row: Karen Finnen, Phillipa Leahy, Tawny Owl (Mrs. Bev. Morris), Mrs Dora Hood, Diane McKenzie, Tania Fox, Christine Abbott. Front row: Robyn Cotter, Michelle Guillard, Gaynor Davies, Rebecca Sutherland, Rachel Wilson, Donna Walker.

28