History of the Barraba Uniting Church
History Notes
by Julie Williams
Recently at the Barraba Uniting Church, someone discovered a page copied from the Barraba and Manilla News from April 1, 1899. It is headed “The New Wesleyan Church”. It describes the grand opening of the brick building, “situated on one of the best sites in the town”. It cost £188/5/4, leaving a debt of about £80. The style of the building was Gothic, with seating for about 70 worshippers. (On 3 December 2023 there were 10 people in the church.) Mr L. Bond was the contractor for labour and Mr L. McKechnie “did the greater portion of the brickwork, which reflects great credit to both artisans.” It appears there were three services for the day – morning, afternoon and evening. These were taken by Rev J. Beale of Tamworth and Rev R. Bowes. Rev Beale took the evening service and “the large congregation listened with unabated interest to the eloquent sermon, which took about three quarters of an hour to deliver.”
On the Monday evening there was a fundraiser at the Mechanics’ Institute, which I have been reliably informed was probably where there is now a private home in Maude Street. I’m rather intrigued by the title of this event – a “conversazione”. It was well attended by about 250 people! So, I looked up a couple of dictionaries. It’s a “scholarly social gathering…for discussion of literature and the arts”, says the Oxford Dictionary. However, what is described sounds like a variety performance including songs and instrumental performances by Misses Connolly, Smart, Poggioli, Ryan and Douglas to name a few. Mr D Sinclair was the secretary who presented the balance sheet and the net proceeds of the evening were £7. “Mr Bowes…sang ‘The Village Blacksmith’ in very good style, but he was not heard to advantage, for while he was singing refreshments were being handed around by the ladies who provided all the good things…” The recitation by Mr Dawson was “received in the usual manner when that gentleman appears in any good cause…”
Who else has heard of conversaziones? Is this an idea for the next Barraba fundraiser?
Meanwhile, don’t forget the markets on Saturday! It’s shaping up to be a good market. We have plants, garden pots, ornaments, herbs, candles, crystals, timber and glass giftware, sewing items, jewellery, cakes, jam, pickles, relishes, honey, macrame, wind chimes, plus the society stall. Live music, BBQ, tea and coffee. We’ll start at about 9am.