The glint in their eyes and the camaraderie
amongst the Congregation told of some long standing and loyal members of
Blackstone's United Welsh Church, members who for as long as they can remember
have celebrated their heritage and their ministry to God every Sunday morning
in a little wooden Church the walls of which speak of the memories of the
generations of Welsh families who were drawn by the prospect of wealth to this
tiny part of Queensland 129 years ago.
On Sunday, 15th July, the ESK COMMUNITY CHOIR was honoured to be invited to perform and
partake of their 129 year anniversary celebrations, and so amid an appreciative
congregation who, being of good Welsh stock love their singing, the sounds of
the Esk Choir soared to the wooden rooftop.
They even had a good crack at the Welsh pronunciations during some
mellifluous singing of the Welsh hymns led by their organist, Judith Jenkins. Following the prayers, readings and an
entertaining but poignant Sermon by the Guest Minister, Rev. Robert Walker on
the flippant misuse of the word "love" in today’s world, everyone
gathered for a delicious afternoon tea provided by the Ladies in the Church’s
anteroom.
Sometimes great things come in small packages
and when something as great as this little United Welsh Church reaches the age
of 129 years, by golly every year is worth celebrating and we of the Esk
Community Choir sincerely thank the Blackstone United Welsh Church for their welcoming
fellowship and wonderful hospitality.
However, for the last word on the subject of
the Sermon, Rev. Bob... It is true to
say that when you love, your eyelashes go up and down and lots of little
shining stars come seeping out of you and that's what happens when we
sing!! Ergo...We love to sing!!
By Sue Walker
