By JOYCE MARSH (WOODENBONG CORRESPONDENT)
THE clock turned back as the people of Urbenville gathered to remember a moment of history 100 years ago.
On Sunday 26 April 2015, the community of Urbenville came together to celebrate the centenary, 100 years of serving the community, of the St Marks Anzac War Memorial Anglican Church in Beaury Street, Urbenville.
St Marks was originally dedicated on 25 April 1915, the day of the Gallipoli landing by Anzacs.
On this windy day, 100 people attended a special church service that was officiated by Archdeacon Sally Miller, Deacon Ron Miller and retiring local priest, Reverend Thea Archinal.
Visitors included Tenterfield Shire Council’s Mayor Peter Petty and Councillors Gary Verri, Mary Leahy, Toni Hull, Carol Schiffman and past parishioners who then commemorated the Anzac tradition by the planting and dedication of a Lone Pine seedling (sourced from the Australian War Museum) in the church grounds.
All then joined for a luncheon at the Urbenville Bowls Club.
The the original small wooden church served the community of Urbenville faithfully until a freakish whirlwind blew the roof off in the spring of 1963.
Plans had already been in the offing to construct a new church and the original one to be relocated to the rear of the land and be utilised as a hall.
The destruction of the old church altered these plans. On 25 April 1965 the Anzac connection continued, with the foundation stone for the new building being laid.
How pleasant it was to see Reg Spencer of Woodenbong, the builder of the new church, being a part of the celebrations.
The new church has continued serving Urbenville through all the changes within the community, Upper Clarence parish and the Grafton diocese.
As on the day, a display containing the original church door and other items supplied by the local historical society is on display set in the foyer of the church.
This display will remain for viewing on Sundays until mid-June.
