By JOYCE MARSH (WOODENBONG CORRESPONDENT)
ST Marks Anzac War Memorial Anglican Church in Beaury Street, Urbenville, celebrates its centenary this year.
St Marks was originally dedicated on 25 April 1915, the day that the Anzacs landed at Gallipoli Bay.
The small wooden church served the community of Urbenville faithfully through the years until a freak whirly-wind blew the roof off in the spring of 1963.
There were already plans afoot to build a new church as the old church was going to be shifted to the rear of the land and used as a hall. The destruction of the old hall hastened these plans.
To continue the association with the Anzacs, the foundation stone for the new building was laid on 25 April 1965. The new church has continued serving Urbenville through all the changes within the community, Upper Clarence parish and the Grafton diocese.
St Marks forms an integral part of Urbenville’s Anzac Day commemorations with the day starting with a church service at St Marks.
As this year is very significant in Anzac Day commemorations, St Marks Church Guild decided that the church’s centenary celebrations will be held on Sunday 26 April, beginning at 11am with a special church service, followed by planting and dedication of the Lone Pine seedling and concluding with a luncheon at the Urbenville Bowls Club.
The Guild is seeking photos and memorabilia pertaining to St Marks and its history, especially photos of the old wooden church. For more information, especially regarding booking for the luncheon, contact the Guild on 66341322 or 6634 1208.
