WHEN 11 young men from Victoria Estate never returned from the war in France, their grieving families and community, with the support of CSR Sugar, built a special church in honour of their sons, brothers and friends. 100 years on the All Soul’s Church – a local landmark with its iconic canon – is still standing.
The tiny idyllic Anglican church of All Souls’ at Victoria Estate is set to mark 100 years in a special weekend of remembrance, reflection and celebration on August 5, 6 and 7.
The church, nestled amongst the raintrees across from Victoria Mill is symbolic to the Hinchinbrook region and holds a rich history that will be on display over three events – Friday night drinks, nibbles and storytelling at Conroy Hall; Saturday afternoon Garden Party High Tea on the church grounds with live entertainment by ‘Ukes Amondo’; and Sunday morning church service of thanksgiving starting at 9:30 am.
All Souls’ Church Centenary committee member, Cassandra Trovato is excited for the weekend which has been in planning for the past year.
“We have been planning this for many months and talking about it for years and I feel very grateful to be a part of such a significant historical event in our local district,” she said.
“It is very much a team effort and our small committee of ten have have been working together to get the weekend events organised as well as the restoration of the 75 mm Schneider gun, new footpath and church works completed on time.”
The centennial celebrations will honour the 11 men who never returned from Word War I 100 years ago and the strength and resilience of the families and friends who built and cared for the sacred space.
The three events will also pay tribute to the successive generations that have celebrated and commemorated life, love, faith and community within the red brick walls of the quaint and peaceful place of worship.
“Little All Souls’ is a hidden treasure in the Hinchinbrook area,” Mrs Trovato said.
“We will hear from some of the soldiers’ families over the weekend with touching tributes to their loved ones.
“We are very fortunate to have descendants of the soldiers still living in the district and unfortunately, we were unable to locate family members of some soldiers,” she said.
“I think there may be a mixture of emotions over the weekend events, especially during family stories, poems and reconnecting with old friends and family.”
Cassandra Trovato
The rare Schneider 75 war trophy gun that sits outside the church is one of only two in Australia and has been given to the All Souls’ committee to be refurbished as part of the celebrations.
The unveiling of the refurbished gun, revamped by local business Advanced Aqua Blasting, will take place at the Garden Party on Saturday afternoon along with new footpath, installed by Keita Services, and the 11 new soldier plaques donated by Ingham RSL.
Mrs Trovato, like many in the district, has a deep connection to All Souls’ with fond childhood memories of attending the church and celebrating family weddings and other special occasions.
“All Souls’ holds a special place in our hearts with many Fuller and Allingham family members married and christened there and it also has been the backdrop of our family reunions.
“I also remember attending Sunday church services and participating in the 75th anniversary celebrations as a GFS [Girls’ Friendly Society] member dancing the maypole and helping with the fashion parade,” she said.
Former Ingham Anglican Church Minister, The Venerable Dr Rosemary Dunn, who will lead Sunday’s thanksgiving service said that All Souls’ “is a real gem of a church and a very important part of Australia’s military and social history.”
“It is great that this weekend will bring people together to see what this special community did to survive the tragedies of losing the eleven boys from the village. It is inspiring.”
The Venerable Dr Rosemary Dunn
“Even when dozens of houses were moved from the Estate, the church remained the heart of what was a special north Queensland community,” she said.
“The families of the men who died still worship here and have baptisms and weddings here.”
Mrs Trovato said the committee is thankful for the contribution and sponsorship from Wilmar Sugar of the weekend.
“I must mention the very kind contribution and sponsorship from Wilmar Sugar.
“They have helped make our weekend celebrations and restoration projects become a reality and we are extremely grateful.”
Mrs Trovato is hopeful the event will put “our tiny, quiet church on the map and encourage more locals and visitors to stop by.”
“Maybe it will become more of a feature in the local tourism scene – time will tell.
“Moving forward, there will be informative signage around the church regarding the gun, church and soldiers for visitors to read and enjoy,” she said.
In a time of increasing stress and uncertainty, the spirit and resilience of the gentle All Souls’ Church is living proof that the power of love and community can withstand tragedy to become a place of healing, celebration and peace.
In remembrance of the 11 young men: Leslie Henrik Alm, Rowland Evelyn Alston, Frederick John Barnes, John Ellendaff Beatts, Arthur Reginald Cummins, Henry Edward Hembrow, Walter Edward Kelley, William Markey, William Evelyn Dunhill Rankin, Percy William Ross and George Roderick Skinner.
Tickets are on sale until Wednesday August 3 and can be purchased online at https://hinchinbrooktickets.com.au/event/15891
A centenary booklet will also be available for purchase over the weekend celebrations.
All Souls’ Church services are held every Sunday at 7:30 am.
Such a celebration at All Souls Anglican Church to honour the 11 young men who did not return from WW1, and give thanks to them for their sacrifice.