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
