Great witness in little church

The Anglican Parish of Cressy originally formed part of the huge district of Norfolk Plains which covered an area from Campbell Town to Bass Strait, and from Perth to Deloraine.

To this enormous area King George IV sent the Revd R.R. Davies as Chaplain in 1830. With headquarters in Longford, he was responsible for the erection of 11 churches, one of which was a little chapel erected in 1838 for Cressy.

It was officially opened the following year by the Governor, Sir John Franklin.

During the week it was used as a school, but is only remembered now by Bell Post Corner to the South of Cressy township. Whenever clergy could not be present, a Lay Reader (usually the teacher) would conduct services in the chapel.

J.D.Toosey Esq. gave the land in Cressy for a new church and burial ground. The new church was designed by Bp. Nixon and cost 434 pounds.

Work began on its construction in April 1857 and the first services were conducted by a Government Chaplain, the Revd R. Strong. Bp Nixon consecrated it (debt free) on May 19 1858.

The first Marriage Service was for Charles Nichols and Mary Cowrie on 15 July 1858 and the first Baptism was of Charles James Allen on 13 June 1858.

For 150 years this little church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, has borne witness to the Christian faith in the district of Cressy so it is fitting that 18 May was a special day of celebration.

The day began with a Communion Service with Bp John preaching and dedicating new windows, processional cross, prayer desk, altar linen and new amenities block.

Then followed lunch in the hall which was decorated with as much memorabilia as we could find. There was time for sharing stories and renewing friendships and the day ended with Evensong and afternoon tea.