Kate Strasser
21 October 2024
The sun shone, the Archbishop presided, three choirs sang, banners were resplendent, the church was packed, cakes were cut, and a good time was had by all.
A service of joy, praise and thanksgiving was held at Holy Trinity Williamstown on Sunday 6th October to celebrate 150 years since our magnificent bluestone church was completed.
HTW began its life in 1854 in a church which was prefabricated in England of cast iron. It was known as the ‘Iron Pot’ as it was boiling in summer and freezing in winter.
Read more: Christ Church’s rich traditions will be focus of 150th celebrations
Incumbent vicar the Reverend George Wilkinson recognised the growth potential of the area and fund-raised and campaigned for a bigger, better and more comfortable church.
The current bluestone church faces the water and is open every day, allowing for all to seek peace and refuge.
A beautiful new banner led the way in our service and the three choirs were the Holy Trinity singers and instrumentalists, the Karen youth choir from St Stephen’s Werribee, and the South Sudanese Dinka choir.
Archbishop Philip Freier spoke of the unbroken continuity of the church for 150 years as well as the beautiful windows filtering out the outside world.
After the magnificent service, morning tea (with champagne!) was served in the parish centre where a photo display of the history of HTW was displayed.
Vicar the Reverend Elizabeth Murray is to be congratulated on a fitting service for this important milestone at HTW.
Dr Kate Strasser is editor of HTW’s quarterly journal The Pilot.
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