THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF NORTH WEST AUSTRALIA PO Box 2783, Geraldton WA 6531. Ph (08) 9921 7277 email [email protected] NORTHNORTH WEST WEST NETWORKNETWORK September 2010 No. 81 Guests from Uganda Challenge and Inspire

In Romans 1, Paul says to his readers, "I long to see you questions regarding his diocese and its ministry. Mama so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make Margaret told how she came to faith in the Lord Jesus, a you strong - that is, that you and I may be mutually powerful testimony that touched the hearts of many". encouraged by each other's faith". How true that is of The next stop was Carnarvon for the Centenary Weekend the visit of Joseph and Mama Margaret to our (July 3-4). Bishop Joseph shared at a meeting of the diocese from the Diocese of Karamoja. All who met them Diocesan Council. At the dinner on Saturday evening he were encouraged by their unshakable faith in Christ and and Bishop signed the 'Memorandum of Understanding' between the two dioceses. Archbishop Roger spoke at the Dinner and Bishop Joseph preached at the Centenary Service on the Sunday. During their leisurely visit to the Karratha/Dampier area, our special guests attended and spoke at a crowded parish BBQ and the Pilbara Aboriginal Church in Roebourne at which the Bishop spoke passionately for over an hour! Reflecting on the impact of their visit, Tim Mildenhall in Broome says, "Broome Anglican Church was deeply moved by the visit of Papa Bishop Joseph & Joseph and Mama Margaret. Their passion for following Jesus, the fearlessness with which Mama Margaret Abura's they addressed people and issues, and their visit an outstanding success! love of people was evident at all times. Despite the weight of responsibility and the lack of resources in Karamoja, this brother and sister are a beacon of faith in Christ and joy and service." their love and care for the people of their diocese. On his return to Karamoja Bishop Joseph wrote: Their trip began with meetings in Perth and then Dear Brethren, Greetings from Karamoja, Moroto. Geraldton and the Midwest Deanery, where Bishop Abura gave a bible study challenging the church to have a It was all joy and great experience to be with you in the prophetic voice and not to be afraid of following the Lord Great Land of Australia. We felt truly honoured and indeed and challenging modern day idolatries within the church. wanted. We didn't and we don't have words to express Mama Margaret was able to share about her family and our gratitude. work. The climax was when Bishop David and I signed the Bishop Joseph preached at the Centenary Service at the Memorandum of Understanding between our two Cathedral on Sunday 27 June on not merely listening to dioceses - the signing witnessed by Archbishop Roger and God's word but doing what it says (James 1.22). Dean the Council members of DNWA. So the link was born as Jeremy comments: "He was warm and direct. Mama the Almighty God has allowed and blessed it. Margaret joined leaders and children in the hall to take We sincerely thank those of you who gave us gifts for part in the children's programme. As we got to know personal use. May the spirit of love and hospitality abide them during their time in Geraldton we were inspired and in you all. May the Lord God bless you all. humbled by their dedication to serve the Lord Jesus Christ Bishop Joseph and Margaret. in the face of abject poverty." In each place Joseph and Margaret visited they shared A luncheon followed the service, at which Bishop Joseph their love of Jesus and joy in following him. They & Mama Margaret were each presented with an Akubra challenged us in our own walk with God and how we Hat (donated by Akubra) and a gift from Mr Ian Blayney could live for Him in our daily lives. Let us commit MLA on behalf of the West Australian Government. ourselves to prayer, support and practical help for our The journey north began with a visit to Kalbarri. Des friends in Karamoja. Burgess said "St Mark's was blessed by the visit from Revd John Jenner Bishop Joseph Abura and his wife Mama Margaret. The Bishop spoke at a fellowship dinner and then answered Parish of Paraburdoo/Tom Price From the Bishop Page 2

How does a Diocese celebrate a which they come. Centenary without it becoming You will read brief reports of simply a matter of navel-gazing? their visit and see several Upon conferring with others, photos in this edition of The Archdeacon Bill Ross came up with Network. Our Diocesan Council lots of ideas. I remember him meeting in Carnarvon on July 3 saying to me "How about bringing and 4 unanimously decided on in an international Bible teacher and a programme of partnership take him around the Diocese?" The with our new friends. While we Rev Matt Brain contributed his slant have benefitted enormously on this suggestion: "Why not form from their visit, we trust that a link with a needy African Diocese the link which has been and bring their Bishop as our established will help spread the international speaker?" Good News of the Gospel in And that's exactly what has this financially challenged happened. After 18 months of Diocese of Karamoja. While we emailing one another, Bishop are in reality a "Missionary Joseph Abura and Mama Margaret Joseph and David after signing the Diocese" depending on the from the Diocese of Karamoja in Memorandum of Understanding between generosity of Anglicans from Uganda arrived in Geraldton on the Dioceses of North West Australia and outside our Diocese, we have June 26 as our special guests to Karamoja, Uganda. come to realize how rich we all begin a three week visit which are personally and as a Diocese would see them travel 3,000km by road, visiting nine of by comparison with our link Diocese. How can we but our Parishes from Geraldton to Broome. share God's generosity with them? Leaving their six children (aged 7-20) and seven others for Many thanks to those who have been praying for our whom they care back in Moroto, this gentle and Godly Centenary Celebrations. I am personally thrilled with the couple commended the Lord Jesus and won the hearts of events so far and especially with the visit of Bishop all whom they met. The Bishop challenged us all on many Joseph and Mama Margaret. occasions from the Bible and Margaret gave her Sincerely, testimony. Both spoke of their own Christian commitment David Mulready and painted a picture of the Diocese and nation from Pray Without Ceasing

Bishop David writes - "What a prayer-warrior and encourager praying (including Jocelyn and Bill Ross) and learnt more Mavis Hudson is. I know that there are many who pray for about the intriguing country and its people. I became Maureen and me regularly, some daily, and that really makes fascinated with the work of the Diocese and now use its a difference. Mavis also sends a brief monthly email. I asked prayer diary along with various others in my daily prayers. her to write about her quiet but vital ministry": When I entered the age of technology I began emailing my When I had to take early retirement in 1992 I was facing a prayer encouragements to people worldwide. Every now and totally different lifestyle. From being very active I became again the Lord encourages me when I hear how much a sedentary as I was at home caring for my mother and her certain card or email has meant to someone. two sisters (all over 80 years of age). So I looked to the Lord I still have two aunts alive for how I could still be involved in His work. and I still sit around a lot! I could pray and the Bush Church Aid and Church Missionary But I can still pray - as I Society prayer diaries became my constant companions. am for your Centenary Mentioned in the BCA notes was one Catherine Ross. That Celebrations. I hope that had been my grandmother's maiden name so I wrote to her one day I'll be able to namesake to tell her I was praying for her. About the same return to the North West time I learned how to make butterflies and so began my card to soak up its atmosphere making career! Gradually I was sending cards to more and and see just what God has more people. A kind lady in my church at the time bought me been doing. a box of stamps as her part in the work. A few people Mavis Hudson replied saying how much they appreciated the reminder that they were not alone but the value of my cards became apparent to me when my mother spoke to a BCA missioner from the North West who said that the cards had a habit of "Therefore encourage one arriving just when he was 'down' and that they cheered him another and build each and his wife enough to face another day of loneliness. other up". In 2002 I was able to be part of the BCA bus tour of the 1 Thessalonians 5:11 North West. I met some of the people for whom I was Page 3 Yalgoo saves the Day for Aussie Anglicans

The Revd Arthur Williams and his wife Pat, BCA miss a missional opportunity, the Bishops agreed that the missioners in the Parish of Mt Magnet made their way into mission agencies be approached to supply. Only BCA the Synod Hall in Geraldton in December 1961. responded in the positive. The Society had at the time They knew it was to be a watershed meeting of national neither the necessary monies nor the manpower but the significance, called especially to sign off the draft opportunity to open up a new gospel work galvanized the constitution for the formation of an Australian Anglican Organising Missioner Tom Jones to take on the challenge. Church in its An appeal for two men and £12,000 was made both own right. locally and through BCA's sister agency the Colonial and As Arthur went Continental Church Society in the UK. In 1956 Jones to take his seat, announced this as a 'real work'; something that the a challenge rang Society 'was lacking' at the time. Don Douglas and Bill out from the Rich put up their hands to go and the Col and Con then Rector of contributed a significant sum. Geraldton. Problems abounded. Lack of infrastructure, houses, Arthur was vehicles and meeting places meant the men left stopped in his with the plan of establishing the work without their tracks. It was families who were to follow many months later when all rightfully was in order. These two pioneer families led the way, claimed that many others were to follow, and it appears that there Arthur as were just enough priests in the Diocese at the time of the Rector of Mt first synod, crucial for passing the Constitution. The Magnet was not North West at the time was experiencing an a member of unprecedented mining boom so the Society sent more the Diocese and clergy and their families to meet the growing demand to had no right to reach out in Christ's name. It was clearly a pioneering Rev Arthur Williams who went to be with be at the North ministry which BCA was pleased to be part of. It reached the Lord earlier this year. West Synod; a peak commitment at one time, of 13 supported BCA something workers, clergy, counsellors, administrator and youth which Arthur had no idea about. The transfer of deeds for worker. the Mt Magnet parish from Perth and Kalgoorlie Dioceses Today the Diocese has been firmly established and is now had not been actioned decades before when the North able to determine much for itself. The Society has been West's boundaries were changed in an attempt to make it pleased to support so many ministry initiatives over the more viable. Hence Arthur was technically a minister of past six decades in the North West - from the seeding of the Diocese of Perth and so barred from making up the small gospel work in work camps, church planting in necessary numbers for the crucial North West Synod. towns as they sprang out of the beautiful but remote Deeply hurt Arthur and Pat turned for the door. The landscape, the shaping of the Diocesan administration and Bishop, John Frewer, was not flummoxed and requested infrastructure through to individual gospel and missional Arthur to tarry. Taking a page of his writing paper he endeavours which have touched the lives of so many for wrote out a licence appointing Arthur as the Priest in Christ. Charge of the Parish of Yalgoo, a small historic mining All who have gone out under the BCA banner to the North town in the Diocese. Arthur was the only person to ever West have in hold such a position. The licence, a keepsake treasured by their own way Arthur and Pat, is now safely housed in the BCA archives. pushed forward The drawing up of the Constitution for the Church of to reach England in Australia had been hotly debated in church Australians for circles ever since Federation and after years of haggling Christ. the big dioceses had agreed on the detail. All was set for Congratulations it to become the rule in January 1962 but all dioceses in on reaching your Australia needed to adopt the draft before this could 100th year North happen. West Australia The Diocese of North West Australia, athough set in place from the BCA in 1910, had never held a Synod because they lacked the Family. requisite number of priests and hence, in the mind of some, was never properly constituted. As far back as 1955 discussions had taken place at the national Bishops' meetings on how to raise the number of priests in the North West Diocese so that it could call a Canon Brian Roberts, Synod. Led by the Primate Howard Mowll, one not to National Director BCA

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS The Diocese of North West Australia is a safe place for all. If you have a complaint or a question about Website: www.anglicandnwa.org sexual abuse or inappropriate behaviour please contact the Director of Professional Standards. Mr Bernard Hill. Ph: 9325 7455. Email: [email protected] 100 years of gospel ministry in NWA Page 4 1910’s 1920’s Establishment of Diocese of North Commencement of the amazing 25 year West Australia by Statute of Perth ministry of violin-playing Henry Wood Synod 1910 and enthronement of Simpson in Broome and from 1926 till his first Bishop, Gerard Trower in death in 1946 aged 71 in Roebourne as Carnarvon 4th July, before settling in Archdeacon of the North West. He travelled Broome with the Church of the tirelessly, by motor bike and T model Ford Ascension as the pro-cathedral. around Pilbara towns, stations and mining Forrest River Mission (now camps, conducting services, baptisms and Oombulgurri) was established in 1913 weddings, teaching children the Bible, and by Rev Ernest Gribble - produced first playing for dances; he was well-loved by all Aboriginal clergyman, James Noble, who knew him. A story is told of a traveler ordained 1925. coming across his car beside the road with a pair of legs protruding from undernerneath, and exclaiming in alarm, "Jesus Christ!" to Bishop Trower which the ever-alert priest replied, "No, just one of his humble disciples." An apt 1930’s description of the man indeed.. Beginning of the ministry of John Frewer, as bishop for 36 years. He travelled extensively throughout the diocese, mostly by plane and retained a Archdeacon Simpson remarkable memory for people he met. Clergy were always in short supply and frequently the Bishop served as parish priest. Cicely Biddle arrived at Bluff Point and had St George's Church built. Geraldton Missions to Seamen was opened.

St George’s Bluff Point

1940’s World War II drained the North West of men and saw it come under attack at Wyndham, Broome and Port Hedland, plus the infamous sinking of HMAS Sydney off the coast from Geraldton. School hostels for Boys and Girls were opened in Geraldton. In 1947 The North West News was first published, and ran for 20 years to keep the Bishop in touch with congregations through the diocese.

Rev Don Douglass 1950’s St Andrew's by the Sea, built of shell block, opened at Shark Bay. 1957 - arrival of Rev Bill Rich in Canon Bill Rich Mt Magnet and Rev Don Douglass in Port Hedland, the first BCA supported clergymen in the North West and beginning of a partnership which continues today; Bishop Frewer awarded CBE. In 1959 the Bishop was presented with a Gold Pass for free air travel by MMA. St Andrew’s (Shell Church) Shark Bay Page 5 100 years of gospel ministry in NWA 1960's 1961 first Synod of the Diocese conducted. 1964 the erection of Holy Cross Cathedral in Geraldton. 1965 election by Synod of Howell Witt as third Bishop - known widely as the Bush Bishop - put DONWA on national Anglican map. The establishment of large scale mining of iron ore in the Pilbara, with influx of people and opening of new towns created an urgent need for Bishop Witt clergy, which was met by Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Geraldton BCA. Beginning of regular Clergy Conference, which later became clergy family conferences. 1968 Forrest River Mission closed. 1970's Bill & Jocelyn Ross commence their vital 40 year ministry in DNWA. 1980's Appointment of Stan Hummerston as Ged Muston became fourth Bishop, with 23 parishes Diocesan Administrator with BCA and 30 clergy; promoted every member ministry and lay support. Kimberley and Pilbara training programmes; introduced Diocesan parishes and clergy numbers grew Conventions; appointed Archdeacons, consecrated with agriculture and mining Bernard Buckland as Assistant Bishop and appointed expansion. Elphick Court Retirement Diocesan Youth Worker with BCA support; established Village Bluff Pt, Port Hedland and the Outback Church Foundation to build churches in Dampier Seafarers' Centres, and the seven towns - four opened in Pilbara by Archbishop of Karratha church opened. Canterbury and one in Kununurra plus Rectory at Oombulgurri re-opened. Oombulgurri. Stan Hummerston

1990's elected fifth Bishop. He spent much time and energy in recruiting clergy and funding for the diocese, and consolidating the See Fund. 1995 Retirement of Kay St Peter’s Church South Hedland Winfield after many years in the Diocesan Office; Wayne Sutton was Bishop Nicholls appointed Registrar and Joanne Klein as Secretary, they are still in office. OCF funded St Marks' Church Kalbarri; centenary of Holy Trinity Church Roebourne; Geraldton Grammar School was established. 2000's Geraldton Grammar School

Fifth Bishop David Mulready enthroned 2004, with emphasis on gospel ministry, clergy family care and fellow-workers conferences. Strong endeavour for successful recruitment of full time clergy and locums. 2008 opening of Hummerston House in Geraldton as diocesan headquarters; Carnarvon, Northampton and Broome all celebrated their centenary. 2009 death of Archdeacon Emeritus Bill Warburton and establishment of memorial fund for clergy training. Diocese celebrates Centenary in 2010. Link established with Diocese of Karamoja in The Hummerston Centre Uganda with Bishop Joseph and Margaret Abura. An Amazing Three Weeks Page 6

The Geraldton Grammar School Choir

Bishop Joseph & Mama Margaret were greeted on their arrival at the Geraldton Airport on Saturday 26 June by Bishop David & Maureen with Wayne & Gladys Sutton, holding the Ungandan flag.

During the Centenary Service in Geraldton on Sunday 27 June, Bishop David installed the Rev Ray Arthur (newly appointed WA Bishop Joseph and Mama Margaret Secretary of CMS) as cutting the Centenary Cake Honorary Canon. at the luncheon which followed the service.

Guests at the Geraldton Luncheon.

Guests at the International Lunch Interview with Glen Barndon at the at St George's Bluff Point, ABC studio in Geraldton sponsored by the Mothers' Union.

Mama Margaret with Nathanael Day at the Geraldton Grammar School.

Members of the Visiting the Kalbarri congregation Geraldton enjoyed meeting with Seafarers' the Aburas at a Centre with fellowship dinner Bill & where Bishop Joseph Jocelyn expounded Scripture Ross. and answered questions about ministry in the Diocese of Karamoja Page 7 An Amazing Three Weeks

Auctioneers Jeremy Rice & Paul Spackman Among the guests at the Centenary Dinner in Carnarvon were Rev selling Diocesan memorabilia at the Peter & Dot Harris (front) and Mrs Kay Winfield, former Registrar of Carnarvon Dinner. the Diocese of NWA.

Archbishop Roger Herft (left) and Archdeacon Joe Hopkins from Bunbury (right) with the Mulreadys and Aburas.

Archbishop Roger, Bishops Joseph and David processing into St George's Carnarvon for the Centenary Service on July 4.

Rev John & Carol Jenner - Mama Maureen and Mama Margaret in Pilbara tour guides for Bishop traditional Karamojan dress in St Joseph & Margaret, on the top George's Carnarvon. of Mt Nameless, Tom Price.

Bishop Joseph enjoying a relaxed Aussie The Aburas with Archdeacon Tim BBQ with Archdeacon Les Gaulton Mildenhall outside the Broome Church. (2nd left) and members of the Members of the Broome congregation were Karratha congregation. greatly encouraged by the visit of the Bishop and his wife.

Bishop Joseph assists the Rev John Jenner in changing a flat tyre while The Congregation who attended the Centenary Service in Carnarvon. Following Mama Margaret supervises. the Service, lunch was enjoyed under the palms in the church grounds. 125th Anniversary of St John's Dongara Page 8

"John the Baptist , this is your life" were the words that introduced and concluded a skit on the life of John the Baptist presented at the High Tea following a 1662 service of Holy Communion to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of St John the Baptist Anglican Church at Dongara on Saturday 26th June 2010. About 80 people attended the service, including Barry May and Rob Healy, former rectors, Tony Nichols, former bishop of NWA, and Jennifer Warburton, whose husband, the late Archdeacon Bill had been rector of Dongara. There were also a number of former parishioners who had returned for the occasion. Members of the congregation presented the item, "King of Kings Majesty." Philip Bassett, the acting Rector preached, locating the history of St John the Baptist Dongara in the continuing history of the Christian church since the time of Jesus. After the service High Tea was held in the Shire Hall, the special guest being John the Baptist himself. With a bit of help from Dr Who and a lot of imagination by those present, John the Baptist was presented with a series of significant people recalling incidents from his life. The High Tea was also an opportunity to farewell Philip and Margaret Bassett who had been ministering in Dongara since January 2010. At the end of the afternoon the Anniversary Cake was cut by Wendy Horn and Devrey Swartzentruber, the longest serving and the youngest members of the present St John's congregation. Rev Philip Bassett St John’s Choir Opening the Doors

After 40 plus years of wandering around Exmouth, the jumping castle, balloon creations, kid's treasure hunt, Exmouth Anglican Community Church has a home! The opening service and dedication. The aim of the opening first Anglican Church service was held in Exmouth in a was to firstly honour God, secondly to honour those who caravan on 3rd September 1964. Since then services had contributed to the construction of the facility and have been held at the School, the Shire hall, the thirdly to provide an occasion where the whole Courthouse, the Naval base chapel, the Senior Citizens community of Exmouth would feel comfortable crossing centre, on the beach and in the park. Now we have a over the threshold of a church building - even if they had wonderful new, purpose-built facility of our own. The never set foot in one before. Our hope is that the 200 or grand opening was a celebration for the whole community so people that came to the opening would feel more of Exmouth. People travelled from Port Hedland, Karratha, comfortable coming back at another date, knowing what Paraburdoo, Carnarvon, Geraldton, Perth and even is on the other side of the front doors and having met Sydney to attend. some of the church "family". Since then we have The opening went very well with free hamburgers, drinks, welcomed back a number of people who came to the opening. Quite a few people in town have said they were sorry A VALUABLE INVESTMENT they couldn't be there, to which I respond "Well we are You are invited to support the Lord’s work in the Diocese open every Sunday - why don't you join us this of North West Australia by your prayers and gifts: weekend?" Our prayer is that this new facility will be a ministry tool for God's kingdom and from which the light of the gospel of Jesus may radiate out into Exmouth as  I wish to pray. Please send me the Prayer Notes people go and tell of the wonderful news of Jesus Christ  I wish to give to the Outback Church Foundation as Lord and Saviour.  I wish to give to the Diocesan Ministry Fund Rev Lachlan Edwards Please accept my gift of $ (encl) or charge to my: Mastercard Visacard

No Exp Date Left: Lachlan Signature Date welcoming visitors. Rev/Mr/Mrs/Miss of P/C Email

MAIL TO: The Office Secretary, PO Box 2783, Geraldton WA 6531 Cheques Payable to: Diocese of North West Australia