St Paul's Anglican Church Ilford

St Paul's Ilford

August 3, 1874
The foundation stone of a Church of England was laid at Ilford on Wednesday last, by Mrs James Readford, of Woodlawn. A large assemblage of persons were present at the ceremony, including the Rev Canon Gunther, and the Rev Mr Benyson, who delivered suitable addresses on the patient. As soon as the latter rev gentleman had concluded his remarks, Mrs Readford was presented by the Rev Mr Benyson with a silver trail, with which she laid the foundation stone. This being done, Mrs Readford said: "Ladies, and gentleman, I have now performed the highly honourable duty to which you kindly invited me, and to which I most sincerely thank you, of laying the foundation stone of the Church of England. I fervently trust that the church you are about to elect will be the means of bringing year to the Almighty God. I have seen the plans of the proposed building, I have no doubt it will be creditable to Ilford. I am informed that funds are short, and I have much pleasure in putting a few coins on the stone. If any of you will do the same it will be thankfully received. I don't think if the honour of being invited to lay the foundation stone of this church, which I sincerely trust will prove a great blessing in this table." After a cloth was laid upon the stone, and a considerable sum collected, and the proceeding terminated with a very successful team meeting, which as the Rev Canon Gunther remarked was the best spread he ever saw (Australian Town and Country Journal, Saturday, 8 August 1874, page 32).


 April 9, 1875.

The new Church of England. In this town, which has just been completed, was opened with considerable éclat on Tuesday, the sixth instant. The consecration sermon was preached by the Right Rev the Bishop of Bathurst, the service being conducted by the Rev Messrs Benson (Rylstone) and Gunther (Mudgee). Mr Benson expressed his intention of attending Ilford every month in future, for the purpose of holding divine service in the new building. The church, which was commenced in July last, is a plain stone building was shingled roof, without any pretensions to architectural elegance, and was built by Mr Martin, contract, on a piece of ground the gift of Mr W Russell of Ilford, one of the churchwardens. The churchwardens are Messrs S McCully, S Brown, E W Turley, W Russell, and T Corduroy. About 300 persons assembled at the opening and sat down to a sumptuous repast – consisting of tea, cakes, tarts, fruits, &c. – As tables supplied and presided over by Miss McCully and Mesdames Turley and Russell. The interior of the church was tastefully decorated with flowers and evergreens, and a display of bunting lent a somewhat gala appearance to the outside. On the whole the opening was a complete success, and a very enjoyable afternoon was passed. At the close a collection in aid of the building fund was made, and the sum of £11 collected (Australian Town and Country Journal, Saturday, 17 April 1875, page 10).