The congregation may have been sparse on the afternoon of July 17th but the footprints of generations of the Welsh migrants who were drawn by the prospect of wealth to this tiny part of Queensland one hundred and thirty-nine years ago were many, and indeed felt within those ancient timber walls when Alexis, Margaret and the Esk Community Choir came to lead in song at the heritage listed Blackstone United Welsh Church.
A warm welcome by
Chairman Errol George was followed by prayers, readings, and hymns, printed in
the first instance in that beautiful but indecipherable language of Wales…words
which nobody but the Welsh themselves have the faintest idea whatsoever of their
meaning…not a clue! However, there was
no loss in translation when it came to the joy of their singing on this
wonderful day of celebration, some choir members even having a good crack at
the Welsh pronunciations during some mellifluous singing of the Welsh hymns,
led by organist, Eirys Jones.
Officiating on this day,
Rev. Robert Howells, from the Leichhardt Baptist Church spoke of the power of
prayer and faith; of the origins of this Church and the members who, for as
long as they can remember, have celebrated their heritage and their ministry to
God within its walls every Sunday.
On this day, the Esk
Community Choir was honoured to be invited to perform and partake of this very
special 139th anniversary and so to an appreciative congregation
who, being of good Welsh stock love their singing, the sounds of choral singing
soared to the wooden rooftop. Following
the service, choir and congregation were invited to partake of a delicious
afternoon tea in the vestry.
Sometimes great things
come in small packages and when something as great as this little Welsh Church
reaches the age of one hundred and thirty-nine, by golly every year is worth
celebrating and we of the Esk Community Choir sincerely thank the Angels of the
Blackstone United Welsh Church for their welcoming fellowship and wonderful
hospitality.
By: Sue Walker
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| Christina and Jo enjoyed the fellowship after the service |
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| Our amazing Margaret sharing afternoon tea. |
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| Nola set to enjoy the Welsh hospitality. |
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