St Linus Centenary Photos - St Linus Centenary Photos

Home > St Linus Centenary Photos

Last additions - St Linus Centenary Photos

1990 March - Local member Bob Hawke with vicar John Simpson15 viewsThe 1990 Federal Election was held in March of that year and St Linus was one of the Wills Electorate polling booth. Prime Minister Bob Hawke was our local member and dropped in and is pictured here in the church with vicar John Simpson.Sep 10, 2025

1983 - Moyle Organ Appeal Launch - Prime Minister Bob Hawker with vicar Alan Cadwallader.21 viewsIn 1982, a project commenced to restore the Moyle Organ, a small chamber organ built for a residence, previously used in St Cuthbert’s Brunswick. The organ had been stored by Christ Church Brunswick for some time. St Linus’ expressed a degree of interest in the instrument in 1978. Matters slowly progressed and eventually an appeal was launched under the auspices of the Organ Historical Trust of Australia, with the then local member for Wills, Mr Bob Hawke, and the Archbishop joint patrons of the appeal. The organ was stored in pieces in the hall, the vicarage kitchen cupboards and in local garages until restoration commenced.

The organ appeal was officially launched in November 1993 by the then Prime Minister Hawke, in the company of parishioners, invited guests and journalists, a large number of police and security people and a group of uranium protesters who had followed him from a meeting at the Coburg Town Hall. The afternoon was a great occasion for the parish and the ensuing publicity was of benefit to the appeal. Sep 10, 2025

1940s - Army Mission visit to St Linus - back page of flyer8 viewsThis leaflet advertises a Church Army Mission, to be based at St Linus' Church, from June 3rd to 13th, year unknown but almost certainly some time in the 1940s.

Between 1934 and 2010 over 230 men and women were trained and served as Church Army evangelists across Australia. Capt and Mrs Maxwell were amongst those trained missioners.

Sadly, although the Church Army continues to operate in other parts of the world, In 2024, the decision was made to formally wind up the Australian branch of the Church Army, after efforts to revitalise it failed.Sep 10, 2025

1940s - Army Mission visit to St Linus - front page of flyer9 viewsThis leaflet advertises a Church Army Mission, to be based at St Linus' Church, from June 3rd to 13th, year unknown but almost certainly some time in the 1940s.

Between 1934 and 2010 over 230 men and women were trained and served as Church Army evangelists across Australia. Capt and Mrs Maxwell were amongst those trained missioners.

Sadly, although the Church Army continues to operate in other parts of the world, In 2024, the decision was made to formally wind up the Australian branch of the Church Army, after efforts to revitalise it failed.Sep 10, 2025

The St Linus Baptismal Font - Plaque2 viewsIn November 1932, the church was the recipient of the magnificent gift of a marble font made secretly by Mr Hubert J Thornton over 2 years. It was dedicated on Wednesday 23rd November at 8 PM by the Rural Dean, Canon Rowed. The first baptism in the new font followed immediately, that of Mr Thornton's granddaughter, Patricia Joan Murray. The font has been much praised over the years and has pride of place in the large window of the completed church building, inviting passers-by to enter God’s kingdom through baptism. Jun 24, 2025

The St Linus Baptismal Font - Plaque3 viewsIn November 1932, the church was the recipient of the magnificent gift of a marble font made secretly by Mr Hubert J Thornton over 2 years. It was dedicated on Wednesday 23rd November at 8 PM by the Rural Dean, Canon Rowed. The first baptism in the new font followed immediately, that of Mr Thornton's granddaughter, Patricia Joan Murray. The font has been much praised over the years and has pride of place in the large window of the completed church building, inviting passers-by to enter God’s kingdom through baptism. Jun 24, 2025

ICHTHUS Stained Glass Panel4 viewsThis stained glass panel was designed and created by Christian Johanesen, using glass recycled from the old windows in the Church Hall. Unfortunately, it has not found a permanent display area in the church but sits against one of the church's stained glass windows.
It is based on the fish symbol used by early Christians to identify themselves and as a profession of faith. The church remains very thankful to Chris for this lovely gift of his skill.Jun 24, 2025

2000 Bishop Jeremy Ashton retires at the age of 70 years7 viewsIn November, 1995 Bishop Jeremy Ashton was placed in charge of the parish. Bringing a strong personal spirituality and a commitment to the local community, a driving interest in a number of ethical issues, including aboriginal welfare and an involvement in inter-church activities, Jeremy offered care and stability to the congregation during the 5 years of his ministry at St Linus.Jun 24, 2025

1950 St Linus Church Anniversary Calendar7 viewsThis yearly calendar, produced in 1950 to mark the 25th anniversary of St Linus's founding, shows the vast amount of activity within the fledgling church, with multiple Sunday and weekday services, along with weekly choir practice and meetings of the Girls' Friendly Society, the Mothers' Union, The Guides and the Ladies Guild.Jun 16, 2025

St Linus - Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacra in Volterra2 viewsThe Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art is located inside the Church of Sant’Agostino in Volterra, Italy, and conserves works of art coming from the Cathedral Basilica, churches in the city and other religious institutions in the diocese. Amongst the most important works on display is a glazed terracotta bust of St. Linus, the second pope and patron saint of Volterra, made by Giovanni della Robbia in 1521.Jun 08, 2025

1980s Brother Rodney Godden Anglican Franciscans10 viewsA event of note occurred in July, 1966, when a long-standing parishioner, Rodney Godden was congratulated by the Vestry on the occasion of his profession to the Society of St Francis, thus following in the steps of parishioner Sr Phillipa who had joined the Community of the Holy Name at Cheltenham. In time, Brother Rodney became the Provincial of the world-wide Anglican Franciscan order in New York. Rodney is far right in the back row.
This photo was probably taken in the 1980s and was given to us by Ian Pollard.Jun 08, 2025

St Linus - Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacra in Volterra4 viewsThe Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art is located inside the Church of Sant’Agostino in Volterra, Italy, and conserves works of art coming from the Cathedral Basilica, churches in the city and other religious institutions in the diocese. Amongst the most important works on display is a glazed terracotta bust of St. Linus, the second pope and patron saint of Volterra, made by Giovanni della Robbia in 1521.Jun 08, 2025

2002 Norma Lion Margaret Johanesen Rev Tim Fox Alex Koenders Coleen Wetzel9 viewsThis 2002 photo, taken on the front porch of the St Linuc Church, shows Norma Lion, Margaret Johanesen, Rev Tim Fox, Alex Koenders and Coleen Wetzel.
Photo supplied by Ian Pollard.Jun 02, 2025

2002 Margaret Johanesen, Rev Tim Fox, Eileen De Moore8 viewsThis photo, taken on the St Linus Church front porch, shows curate Rev Tim Fox with St Linus parishioners Margaret Johanesen and Eileen de Moore.
Photo supplied by Ian Pollard.Jun 02, 2025

1968 St Linus U14 Basketball team11 viewsAnother photo from Ian Pollard showing the 1968 St Linus U14 Basketball team. Players are
11 Neil Cooper, 34 unknown, 8 Alan Bell, 7 Alan Whiteside, 4 Neil Pollard, 12 Stuart Cooper, 30 John Percival, 9 Geoffrey Maunder, 21 Trevor Sibbald, 6 John Lewis, 20 Michael Crivelli, 33 Greg Lambert, 30 Garry Percival and 24 John Young.
Photo supplied by Ian Pollard.Jun 02, 2025

1968 A Festival Day at St Linus12 views1968 A Festival Day at St Linus
Front row:Peter Godden with thurifier, Ron Cruickshank, unknown, Martin Evans with Fr Oliver Hole
Back row: David van Cuylenberg, unknown, Robert King, Ian Pollard and Charlie Newman
Photo supplied by Ian Pollard.Jun 02, 2025

1966 St Linus U16 basketball team 10 views1966 St Linus U16 basketball team
Players: 7 Ian Pollard, 4 Graeme Lukey, 8 Robert King, 14 Alan Trewatha and 5 John Shallard
Photo supplied by Ian Pollard.Jun 02, 2025

1965 BBQ at Creswell family home in Shorts Road - Charlie Newman and Ray Evenden13 viewsParish stalwarts Charlie Newman and Ray Evenden are shown in this 1965 photo of a parish BBQ at the Creswell family home in Shorts Road.
Photo supplied by Ian Pollard.Jun 02, 2025

1960s - Old St Linus Altar9 viewsA very nice shot looking towards the old St Linus altar end of the church, before the 1978 renovations were done.
Photo supplied by Ian Pollard.Jun 02, 2025

1948 - The 2nd Merlynston Girl Guides (St Linus Church of England)12 viewsThe 2nd Merlynston Girl Guides (St Linus Church of England) was officially launched on Sunday 31st October 1948, under the captaincy of Miss Joyce Lincoln. In a special ceremony, colours were dedicated and presented to the new members. The Church of England Boys Society branch was launched, under Mr E Gibbs, just over a year later, on 6th February 1950. They were amongst a number of groups which used the Church Hall. It was also used for elections, parties, lectures and dances.
Even now, the St Linus Hall plays host to the Fawkner Girl Guides who meet there each Thursday evening.May 30, 2025

1940s St Linus Procession11 viewsDuring the early years of St Linus, many church groups provided support for generations of parishioners - Sunday School, CEBS (Church of England Boys Society), GFS (Girls Friendly Society), Mothers’ Union and YAF (Young Anglican Fellowship) - as well as contributing vital funds to the ongoing support of the parish.
This photo, from the 1940s, shows the groups processing to the Church as part of some formal occasion. Thoughts anyone?May 14, 2025

1925 December - Official Opening of the St Linus Hall13 viewsAt a meeting on 1 July 1925, it was resolved that a new hall be built to provide church services for the Anglican people in North Coburg. The hall was built by volunteer labour. The building was begun on 15th August 1925 under Messrs C Ezard, V Black and Henderson, with 30 workmen, and was completed in 14 weekends. Owing to the urgent need for the hall, paid labour was used in the latter stages, and the first service in the hall was conducted by Mr Ball on Sunday, 6 December 1925, with 68 present. Within 7 months of the first Anglican service in Merlynston, the energetic members of this still-rural community were worshipping in a new hall. May 14, 2025

2016 Blessing of new St Linus Hall10 viewsThe old St Linus Hall had been built in the late 1920s and had well and truly reached it use-by-date by the early 2000s. Under the guidance of then vicar Rev. Jo-Anne Wells, funds were sourced and a new hall was built. The photo shows the official opening on Sunday 25th September 2016.May 14, 2025

2004 Rev. Willy Maddocks reads a story to the children14 viewsRev. Willy Maddocks was the vicar of St Matthew's Glenroy from 1995 to 2001 and then became the vicar of the newly combined parish of St Matthew's Glenroy with St Linus' Merlynston. Willy had a very active vision of extending the service to include the younger members of the parish. Here she reads a story to the younger congregation members at St Linus during one of her Sunday services.May 14, 2025

2004 Rev. Sophie Watkins with Norma Lyon8 viewsRev. Sophie Watkins acted as Locum Priest for the period between Rev. Wili Maddocks finished in 2004 and Rev. Stuart Gardiner took over the reins in 2005. This photo, taken in 2004, shows her with Norma Lyon, one of our oldest and most committed St Linus parishioners.May 14, 2025

2002 Rev. Timothy Fox leads a St Linus Church Sunday service11 viewsRev. Timothy Fox became the curate of our parish, under vicar Rev. Willi Maddocks, after the amalgamation in 2001. This photo shows him leading a Sunday church service at St Linus.May 14, 2025

2001 Amalgamation Service - Locum Noel Delbridge, Bhp Andrew Kernow, Jeanette Keeble9 viewsThis 2001 Service at St Linus marked the formal amalgamation of the Parishes of St Linus Merlynston with St Matthew's Glenroy. This photo shows Rev. Noel Delbridge, Bhp Andrew Kernow and Jeanette KeebleMay 14, 2025

2001 Amalgamation Service - Locum Noel Delbridge, Bhp Andrew Kernow, Jeanette Keeble8 viewsThis 2001 Service at St Linus marked the formal amalgamation of the Parishes of St Linus Merlynston with St Matthew's Glenroy. The photo shows, amongst others, Rev Noel Delbridge, Bhp Andrew Kernow and Rev Willy Maddocks.May 14, 2025

2000 July - Final Service at St Linus for our vicar Bhp Jeremy Ashton6 viewsBhp. Jeremy Ashton came out of retirement to take on the role of vicar at St Linus in November 1995. He spent 5 years as our vicar before retiring once again in July 2000. His final service saw many clergy in attendance, a measure of the esteem in which he was held by his fellows in the Diocese of Melbourne. May 14, 2025

2000 July - Final Service at St Linus for our vicar Bhp Jeremy Ashton7 viewsBhp. Jeremy Ashton came out of retirement to take on the role of vicar at St Linus in November 1995. He spent 5 years as our vicar before retiring once again in July 2000. This photo shows him delivering his final sermon in his final service in July 2000.May 14, 2025

1984 Rev. Allan Cadwallader on the guitar13 viewsRev. Allan Cadwallader was the vicar of St Linus Merlynston from 1983 to 1988. Here Allan provides the music at St Linus Kindergarten Christmas Carols in 1984.May 14, 2025

1980s Rev. John Simpson with the St Linus Girls Friendly Society11 viewsRev. John Simpson was the vicar of St Linus Merlynston from 1988 to 1990. This photo shows him with Elizabethy Berridge and the girls from the St Linus Girls Friendly Society.May 14, 2025

1979 Rev. Peter Whyte11 viewsRev. Peter White was the vicar of St Linus Merlynston from 1979 to 1983. May 14, 2025

1950 St Linus Altar13 viewsThis photo, produced for the St Linus 25 Year anniversary, showcases the alter which was richly decorated with tapestries and banners.May 14, 2025

1950s St Linus Nativity Play8 viewsThis 1950s photo shows a Nativity Play taking place in the St Linus ChurchMay 14, 2025

1925 December - Official Opening of the St Linus Hall15 viewsAt a meeting on 1 July 1925, it was resolved that a new hall be built to provide church services for the Anglican people in North Coburg. The hall was built by volunteer labour. The building was begun on 15th August 1925 under Messrs C Ezard, V Black and Henderson, with 30 workmen, and was completed in 14 weekends. Owing to the urgent need for the hall, paid labour was used in the latter stages, and the first service in the hall was conducted by Mr Ball on Sunday, 6 December 1925, with 68 present. Within 7 months of the first Anglican service in Merlynston, the energetic members of this still-rural community were worshipping in a new hall. May 14, 2025

1930 Merlynston Junior Football Club12 viewsBy the late 1920s, Merlynston had football and cricket teams. In fact, in 1931 St Linus Church formed its own cricket team which subsequently won the 1933 Coburg Districts Cricket League grand final. Over 300 people attended the club's annual presentation awards in the St Linus Hall to celebrate the win.Mar 19, 2025

1929 Merlynstnon Public School opening16 viewsMerlynston State School 4328 opened in a new three-storey red-brick building on Bakers Road in 1928, set in grounds that won the A.N.A. garden prize. A large reserve adjoined the school on two sides. The opening was a grand affair, as this newspaper spread attests.
It closed at the end of 1993 and was promptly sold for $1.15m. In 1995 it became the secondary campus of King Khalid Islamic College (now known as Australian International Academy). Fortunately, the Academy retained the imposing red-brick building, which did not have heritage protection at the time.Mar 19, 2025

1921-1923 Merlynston development estates25 viewsThe original 1921 and 1923 development estates are shown in this hand drawn map.Mar 19, 2025

1920s Merlynston Estate typical houses27 viewsHouses on the new Merlynston estates were mostly brick, costing more than houses elsewhere in Coburg. Mar 19, 2025

1920s land sale advertisement showing the Bain home35 viewsIn 1919 Donald Bain bought the 31 hectares Station Heights Estate, immediately west of the Coburg North railway station. In 1921, He subdivided it into 200 housing blocks and began to sell land and build ‘spec’ houses, firstly from his home in Boundary Road and then from his newly built residence at 21 Orvieto Street. He called the new estate Merlynston, after his daughter Merlyn.
Bain eventually became a local councillor and president of the Merlynston Progress Association which had a hall in Novian Street. The railway station was renamed Merlynston and the street to its immediate east is Bain Avenue.
This land sale advertisement shows Bain's then home on the corner of Merlyn St and Boundary Rd. This house was demolished in 2008.Mar 19, 2025

2006 - Moyle Organ, built by James Moyle of Prahran circa 1855 and restored by George Fincham & Sons, Melbourne, in 198513 viewsThis organ was built, probably in the 1850s, by James Moyle, of Prahran. It is thought to be the earliest surviving example of organbuilding in Victoria. The original location of the instrument is unknown and its history is vague until its arrival at St Cuthbert's Anglican Church, Brunswick, about 1930. At some stage the pedal pulldowns were added and the hand-blowing arrangements modified. About 1975, the organ was removed from St Cuthbert's Church and stored at Christ Church, Brunswick. The organ was subsequently given to the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) by the Christ Church parish and it was decided to place the instrument, following restoration, at St Linus' Church on permanent loan.
The restoration of the instrument began in early 1984 following the launching of a restoration appeal by the Prime Minister of Australia, Bob Hawke. The work was carried out by George Fincham & Sons, of Richmond.
This small instrument, of chamber organ dimensions, has a distinctive Gothic case. There are three flats of gilt wooden dummy pipes placed within three cusped arches. The cornice of-the case is boldly crenellated and the music desk, carved in oak, incorporates a lyre motif. The casework is of pine which has been stained and finished to resemble cedar, although the latter material has been used for the keyboard assembly. The hood moulds above the three cusped arches were at some stage removed and have been replaced. The original builder's nameplate survives.Feb 24, 2025

2006 - Moyle Organ, built by James Moyle of Prahran circa 1855 and restored by George Fincham & Sons, Melbourne, in 198518 viewsThis organ was built, probably in the 1850s, by James Moyle, of Prahran. It is thought to be the earliest surviving example of organbuilding in Victoria. The original location of the instrument is unknown and its history is vague until its arrival at St Cuthbert's Anglican Church, Brunswick, about 1930. At some stage the pedal pulldowns were added and the hand-blowing arrangements modified. About 1975, the organ was removed from St Cuthbert's Church and stored at Christ Church, Brunswick. The organ was subsequently given to the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) by the Christ Church parish and it was decided to place the instrument, following restoration, at St Linus' Church on permanent loan.
The restoration of the instrument began in early 1984 following the launching of a restoration appeal by the Prime Minister of Australia, Bob Hawke. The work was carried out by George Fincham & Sons, of Richmond.
This small instrument, of chamber organ dimensions, has a distinctive Gothic case. There are three flats of gilt wooden dummy pipes placed within three cusped arches. The cornice of-the case is boldly crenellated and the music desk, carved in oak, incorporates a lyre motif. The casework is of pine which has been stained and finished to resemble cedar, although the latter material has been used for the keyboard assembly. The hood moulds above the three cusped arches were at some stage removed and have been replaced. The original builder's nameplate survives.Feb 24, 2025

Window behind organ14 viewsYou can easily miss this final stained glass window, given that it is hidden behind the Moyle organ, on the northern side of the church. It has no additional writing to indicate that it has been created in memorial of some significant person. It is simply a stained glass window, if there is such a thing! All stained glass windows tell their own story.Feb 21, 2025

Window - 1958 Go Forth14 viewsA number of gifts were received in Fr Hole’s time. A glass window – “Administering of Holy Communion to a Papuan Boy” given anonymously, was blessed 14 Dec, 1958.Feb 21, 2025

Window - 2022 Jo-Anne Wells and Lois Erickson13 views2020 saw the passing of two very significant people in the St Linus story. First, in August of that year, long serving parishioner Lois Erickson died after a long battle with cancer. Lois's association with St Linus started in the early 1950s as a small child and she spent nearly 70 years as a dedicated member of the church community, taking on roles as Vestry member, Church Council member, Church Warden, Parish Treasurer and Kindergarten President and Treasurer. The Rev. Jo-Anne Wells took on the role of vicar of the Parish of St Matthew's Glenroy with St Linus' Merlynston in November 2011 and served in that capacity until her untimely passing in October 2020. She brought much love, empathy, tolerance and compassion to her role, along with a passion for helping refugees. The members of the parish raised the necessary finances to erect this window, in memory of these two lovingly remembered people.
The window features Jesus with children, to honour Jo-Anne’s work with Playgroup and St. Linus’ kindergarten, and Lois’ tireless work with the Kindergarten, over many, many years.Feb 21, 2025

Window - 1996 Frederick Maurice Van Cuylenburg13 viewsThe van Cuylenburg and de Moore families were steadfast supporters of St Linus Parish from the 1950s onwards. Eileen de Moore was the church organist for many years, while her brother Maurice van Cuylenburg lent his legal expertise to the parish on many occasions.Feb 21, 2025

87 files on 2 page(s)