Saturday, March 11, 2017

ST DAVID’S DAY CELEBRATIONS IN BLACKSTONE





One certainly didn’t have to know numbers in order to feel the many footprints of the Welsh migrants and their subsequent generations who for 123 years have been part of the ‘family’ at Blackstone’s United Welsh Church where on Sunday March 5th, Alexis, Margaret and members of the ESK COMMUNITY CHOIR accepted a kind invitation to lead in song at the celebration of St. David’s Day. 
With St. David being the patron Saint of Wales, even the dripping humidity of a misplaced Queensland Autumn could not detract from the keeping of customs.  Many of the Blackstone ladies looked resplendent in their traditional Welsh outfits while daffodils and leeks adorning clothing and tables were sure to have been plentiful.


A welcome to all by Secretary Kay Mathie which included a worthy tribute to the Bible Society for their 100th anniversary was followed by hymns, prayers and readings, initially spoken and sung in the beautiful Welsh language which sadly, nobody but the Welsh themselves could either understand or pronounce though there was no loss in translation when it came to its meaning at this wonderful day of celebration.   





 Delightful too in both voice and traditional dress were the men, women and children of the visiting Tongan United Church whose singing filled the church with joy during the Offering and Dedication. 




Then followed a both entertaining and poignant sermon by guest Anglican Minister, Rev. William Lambert, all these interspersed with the glorious sounds of the Esk Choir to the obvious pleasure of the congregation who, being of good Welsh stock, just love their singing. 

A fitting finale to a feast day of David was the delicious afternoon tea supplied by our hosts in the Church’s anteroom and we of the Esk Community Choir wish to sincerely thank the delightful folk of the Blackstone Uniting Welsh Church for their welcoming fellowship and wonderful hospitality.

by: Susan Walker  





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