A History of St Thomas Church at Coalstoun Lakes 1934 - 2021
As remembered by Vi Rackermann
Beginnings
It was in 1927 when it was suggested but Rev J W Nommesen that the time was near for the inauguration of a church building fund for Coalstoun Lakes. Large congregations attended church services already being held in the Memorial Hall. It was time to give the community a church of its own.
Coalstoun Lakes had quite a reputation for well conducted dances, many a two shilling evening was held and a considerable sum of money was raised. The Ladies Guild was already raising funds for the car fund and the costs of church services.
A meeting of Parishioners was held on 24th January 1934, when it was decided to form a building fund committee. Those elected to the committee were Chairman G L Hunt, Secretary S G Tipping, others being G Harberger Snr, J Bott, C Walker, P Fowler, R Ott and A Summers. The site and land for the new church was donated by G Harberger. Tenders were called for and the tender from Albert Littledike was accepted for $233. The amount already in hand was $240.
A stump capping ceremony took place on 9th October 1934, conducted by the Assistant Bishop of the Brisbane Diocese the Right Rev H H Dixon. Mr I Fletcher donated the stumps and offered to give $10 if five others gave $5 each. Cash was paid for everything and the church was built free of cost, totaling $245. Cost of the furnishings was approximately $195.
Dedication of the New Church
At the end of December Bishop Dixon visited the Parish again. This time to dedicate the new St Thomas’ Church Coulston Lakes on the 30th December 1934 at 2pm. During the service, Natalie Cocrane Bundock was baptised, following the service, the ladies guild provided the afternoon tea in the Memorial Hall. Gifts donated to the new church included cloth for the credence bracket by Miss Murrell (school teacher), collection plate from Mrs Ott (Manager of the Cheese Factory), alms dish from Miss Kimber in memory of her brother and sister. Later communion rails and organ stool were added, and these were dedicated on Sunday 17th February, 1935.
Early Days
Keys for the church were kept by Mr Renfrey at White Bros Store and were given to anyone who wished to enter the church. The first wedding was that of John William Brennan and Amy Ellen Fowler held 14th January 1935. The first funeral was for Alfred John Ridge on 1st June 1935. The first Communion Service was held by Rev A Hunt in November 1936. There were seven candidates.
Coalstoun Lakes was a district where most people working as dairy farmers supplied milk to the local cheese factories at Coalstoun Lakes or a little further down the road at Dundarrah. Some residents owned two or three farms and with some farmers moving into the area, this boosted the population numbers, the school grew as well as the church and the Sunday School.
Vi Rackermann recalls seeing the church almost full most Sundays. Night or Sunday afternoon services were held or a Wednesday night under the light of lanterns. Jessie Fowler was the organist for a long time and another was Elaine Hunter. The ladies church guild held many functions raising money for the upkeep of the church.
Some of the functions held included tennis tournaments, dances, ballerina balls, florin afternoon teas including cooking competitions, musical items, fashion parades for adults and children. Most residents had lovely flower and vegetables gardens. The delicious afternoon teas were served on tables using fine china.
2004 Onwards
For some years now there has been no regular church services held of offered to Coalstoun Lakes. But in July 2004, Beverley Perry, the Mothers Union President of Gayndah introduced the Gayndah Annual Friendship day held at St Thomas’s Church, Coalstoun Lakes. The local residents were invited along with the Mothers Union members from Gayndah, Biggenden and Childers. The Rev Robert Petty conducted the church services and each year we filled the church with joyous singing. Then all adjourned to the Memorial Hall for morning tea followed by an interesting guest speaker, the day concluding with a delicious bring and shared lunch. These days were most enjoyable with much friendship and fellowship shared and continued until August 2019.
Memories
Many families have very happy memories of functions at St Thomas’s Church. Most locals were married in the church including myself, VI Rackermann as well as my sisters Joy Gibbs and Gay Dowling and many of our friends. Many baptisms including my grand children and great grand children. The last baptism on 1st May 2021 was two great grand children Ella Rackermann and Darcie Hignett.
The baptismal font was presented to the church by Lieutenant George Wilton in memory of his wife. He had been a prisoner of war in the Second World War and had brought two properties within the district of Dundarrah. A memorial to him can be seen outside the Memorial Hall and on Wilton Road where he once lived.
Looking at the buildings and assets that became Coulston Lakes, the School, St Thomas’s Church and the Memorial Hall, it is sad that the church is no longer was it was. Although we move forward, we who know the history of the church will remember its presence in our community. Thanks to those who were able to attend the closing.
A Service of Thanksgiving and Closure - St Thomas’s Anglican Church Coalstoun Lakes was held on Saturday 9th October 2021 at 11am. The Right Rev Jeremy Greaves, Bishop of the Northern Region presiding.
To the Rev Sue Baker, thank you. To the ladies for a lovely lunch, thank you. To the Archdeacon of the North Burnett the Vin Keith Dean Jones, thank you.
To the people of Coalstoun Lakes for the support for the upkeep of the church over many years, to each and everyone, thank you.