The first settlement at the Anakies was Frederick Griffin‘s station. His name is perpetuated by Griffin‘s Hill the bold and commanding height at the end of the Steiglitz Road.
Geologically, the Anakies district is an exceedingly interesting one. There are about a dozen exhibits from the Anakies in the London Geological Museum. The area was once known as The Anakies after the three hills, referred to as the three sisters. In 1903 the name Anakies officially became Anakie.
In Bailliere‘s Victorian Gazetteer in 1865 described the Anakies as a postal village in the road board district of Meredith, with a hotel the Mt Anakie run by Mr.James.Tucker, two schools, and two blacksmiths‘ forges. The population of the area, 500 engaged in agricultural and pastoral pursuits. Twenty fours later in 1879 the population had fallen to 200. In 1919 the district was described as dairying and a creamery had been established. The Anakie gorge is a popular spot for picnics and bush walkers. Today Anakie is largely a grazing area and the village atmosphere still prevails, although its brick works and the children‘s attraction, Fairy Park have made the place known to many Victorians.
In May, 1857 a request was made for one hundred pounds for a school at the Anakies..
Dean Hayes, on September 10 of the same year, forwarded plans of the building and added that in the event of land being refused by the Government, the parishioners will purchase what might be required.
Tenders for the Anakies school will be the same for the Little River school, and they will both be wooded buildings to cost two hundred and ten pounds each. The buildings dimensions approximately 25 feet by 12 This building was used as a church under the patronage of St James.
The Catholic school Number 21 opened on September 19, 1859 with John Byrne as head teacher.
A reserve at the Anakies was not made until late in the sixties, yet in 1857, allusions were made to a site having been granted that year. No records, however, are extant in the Lands Department. The site selected was on the east side of Mt Anakie and thought to have been in the Sth West cnr of Maurice Troy‘s block Number 82. The report of Inspector Sasse who visited the school in 1863 stated the school building to be in good repair, has a shingle roof. There are windows on two opposite sides.
The teacher is Mr.O‘Doherty- he holds an Irish certificate. He keeps the school in a satisfactory condition.
The local committee visits very rarely.
James Francis Hogan was appointed to the charge of the Anakies Catholic school in 1871 at the age of a month or two over seventeen, whereas eighteen was the regulation departmental minimum. It appears he was a bit of a pet, or favourite, with Mr.Inspector Main, then in charge of the Geelong district, afterwards the permanent head of the Education department. He had known Mr Hogan at St Mary‘s Geelong and had said or written some kind things about him; so when his nomination to St Bridget‘s, Anakies, was submitted for his official endorsement, he turned a blind eye to the irregularities, and promptly transmitted his cordial concurrence to the secretary of the Board of Education in Melbourne. The present Anakie brick church had just been completed.
It had only been used for a ball, which proved so successful that the building was cleared of debt. James Hogan wrote we were engaged for the first week moving the church and school furniture and equipment from the frail , weatherbeaten, wooden structure, in a hollow between two of the hills. Mr Inspector Main, who paid an early visit, wrote a report expressing his pleasure and satisfaction. Although primarily and essentially it was a combined Catholic church and school, Protestants were not debarred from attending. The average attendance in J.F.Hogan‘s time was about 45, of whom 30 were Catholics and the rest Presbyterians.
The school closed on June 30, 1877, when John Gleeson, who had been in charge since 1874, became head teacher of the new State School No 1910.
J.F.Hogan writing in the Advocate dated April 8, 1916
As far as secular instruction was concerned, I did not segregate the non-Catholics or make any distinction whatever between them and the children of the elect. The only difference was that they got away every day half an hour earlier. They were dismissed at half-past three, while the Catholic children remained half an hour longer for religious instruction. I remember one old Presbyterian farmer who came one day to express his gratification at the progress his two daughters were making. After leaving and walking away a few paces, a more or less felicitous afterthought occurred to him, and he returned to communicate it to me: “And I say, you can keep them for the religious instruction afterwards if you like. I have been comparing your catechism and ours, and I don`t see any particular difference between them.”
The proximity of Catholic and Presbyterian children did lead to one or two embarrassing little incidents. I remember a young curate just fresh from All Hallows who paid us a visit. With the proverbial zeal and impetuosity of youth, he started a tour among the children, sitting down and carrying on a subdued conversation with each. I was rather apprehensive that he would broach the subject of religion, and so, when he squatted by the side of a big Presbyterian lassie, I took the precaution of whispering in his ear: “That girl is a Protestant.” He jumped up as if he had received an electric shock, and his countenance assumed an expression of incredulous astonishment. What ! Presbyterian children receiving their education in a Catholic church dedicated to St Bridget, within a few feet of alter and crucifix, and Catholic pictures staring at them from the walls ! It was a revelation to our young, newly ordained visitor. Just arrived from Ireland, he could hardly conceive such a spectacle as within the bounds of possibility. It would certainly have been very difficult, if not absolutely impossible, to come across anything like it within the four corners of his own native Emerald Isle. A new generation of Victorian Catholics has grown up since those distant days a generation that has seen a Catholic school financed and supported out of the annual Parliamentary education grant. It was during my Anakies period that my connection with “The Advocate” commenced. I generally spent my evenings in writing or reading. I sent not only prose, but “poetry” to “The Advocate” from my bush retreat, and some of these juvenile verses were actually printed. My sojourn at Anakie had a rather interesting sequel in later years at the opposite end of the earth. One of my pupils was a smart and studious youngster, who walked four miles to school every morning. He afterwards obtained a position in one of the big softgoods houses of Flinders-lane, Melbourne, where he succeeded so well that he was eventually selected to take charge of the London branch of the business. When I was first elected a member of the House of Commons, he saw my portrait in the papers, and recognized the features of his old master. He promptly came down to Westminster Palace, sent in his card, and we had a cordial reunion and a pleasant chat about old times in the bush.
Rev.W.Ebsworth writing in The Advocate dated September 25, 1946
History is indebted for the preservation of these addresses to a famous young Geelong native named James. Francis. Hogan. He took notes during delivery- the “free and flashing sword” speech was recorded in his prayer-book- and forwarded them to “The Advocate,” where they were published in full.
Mr.J.F.Hogan was a brilliant scholar, who graduated straight from school to the teaching staff of St Mary‘s, where he became headmaster. He resigned at the end of 1880 to join the literary staff of the “Victorian Review,” his place being taken by T.C.Way from the college at Ballarat.
Years later, he went to Ireland, and early in the eighteen-nineties was elected member for Clare in the British Parliament, a seat he held for many years. He was long the valued contributor to “The Advocate” of the “The London News Letter.”
From the files of the Land‘s Department
18th January,1870 Rev.Dr.Fitzpatrick applied for the reservation of two acres at the Anakies for R.C. purposes
30th September 1870 The following were gazetted as trustees of the site reserved:
Bishop.Goold, Rev.M.Downing, Messrs. William Murphy, Thomas Carroll and James Hayes.
Archdeacon Slattery was gazetted as a trustee on 5th April, 1872 in the room of Rev.M.Downing resigned by death.
July, 1881 Application for power to sell, dispose of the site. It appears that there is a brick chapel, and a wooden dwelling on this site.
30th August,1881 Power to sell, dispose etc approved.
In 1871 J.L.Shaw architect called tenders for a new brick church/school building.
The first Mass in the St Bridget‘s church, was celebrated on Sunday, 30th, July 1871. The opening was reported in the Geelong Advertiser on Tuesday, August 1st,1871.
On Sunday last, Mass was celebrated for the first time, in that beautiful little edifice, the new Roman Catholic Church of St.Bridget, Anakies. The morning was all that could be wished for. Visitors from the neighbouring townships began to arrive, and at half-past eleven, when the holy sacrifice was begun, the church was filled. At the end of Mass, when Father.O‘Callaghan turned to address his people, he observed that he could not help feeling very thankful to the Almighty when he saw before him so many earnest worshippers. By this time a great many late arrivals had taken up their position in the porch, and around the door.
The Rev.Father preached from the gospel of the Sunday and those who heard him several times before, and who now listen to him for the first time in their neat new chapel, were unanimous in declaring that he excelled himself, or as some of them said when all was over, “ The little Father excelled himself today;” they were more than once moved to tears. At the conclusion a collection was made, when the very handsome total of thirty one pounds ten shillings was received. A small debt is still due on the church, but we feel confident that Father.O`Callaghan will not be long in clearing it off. The building is of brick, neatly roofed and floored. The dimensions are 34 feet by 18, with a porch.
The Anakie parishioners never knew if they were going to have Mass or Benediction when under the care of Fr.Ronald.Rankin, pastor of the Little River mission, due to the uncertainty of his time of arrival.
Mr Jack Tucker the Anakie blacksmith made the tie rods to hold the walls together, for the extensions made to the church in 1914. Mrs Ryan was the sacristan for many years. Breakfast was provided for the priest over a number of years by the Tucker family.
Going to Mass in times past required an early start to the day, with cows to be milked and animals to be fed, before harnessing up the horse and setting off for the church. Mothers would often pack a hamper of food to take along.
The Advocate December 18th, 1915.
On Sunday afternoon 14th, December, 1915 Archbishop Mannix drove to Anakie, and confirmed 23 children and seven adults, the sponsors being Miss C.Murphy and Mr.F.Murphy.
Mr.P.Cahill read the address of welcome from the Catholics of Anakie.
His Grace, in reply thanked them for the address, and expressed his pleasure at being with them that day.
He was more than compensated by the warm welcome tendered him, and by the beautiful 16 miles drive through what he believed was typical Australian bush. He congratulated them on their sentiments, as expressed in the address, regarding Catholic education- sentiments which were backed up in a practical way by the financial support they gave to the Catholic school in Meredith. The Catholic Federation had achieved great results, and he was pleased to know that the Anakie branch was in a most flourishing condition. He was surprised to find at Anakie such a fine brick church with a good congregation, who, he was assured, were most practical in the discharge of their religious duties. He hoped to have the pleasure of visiting them again.
Five hundred people mostly former parishioners, attended the centenary Mass on November 14th,1971 celebrated by parish priest Fr.P.Neyens. Eighty-two year-old former altar boy, Frank Murphy of Melbourne was in the congregation. In its time St Brigid‘s has been part of the Little River and Werribee parish.
During the missions at Anakie the Redemptorist priests stayed with the Coyne family, and later on with Bill and Eileen Ryan. Mrs Ryan was the church sacristan for many years. In recent years an organ has been installed in the Anakie church, and Mrs.Lindorff is the organist.
On the final morning of the mission, and at the suggestion of the priest, the Anakie parishioners came up to receive Communion in family groups. On returning to their seats, they split up again, sitting on opposite sides of the aisle.
MOVEMENT FOR A CATHOLIC SCHOOL AT ANAKIE.
During the mid 1950‘s, there was a concerted effort by a few Anakie parishioners to re-establish a Catholic school in the area. Lack of funds precluded the building of a school, so the church itself was put forward as a building for schooling the pupils. The condition of the church at the time, however, was deemed as very poor and not fit for the purpose. The lighting was wrong and dampness was a major problem, (for many years). Fr.McCarthy was certainly in favor of a Catholic school for Anakie but the balance sheet was “barely on the credit line”. “For the present therefore, I should advise parents in Anakie to teach the children themselves and in the future-possibly- God will provide the means”.
Memories of a parishioner at Anakie.
My first priest was Fr.Conlon (P.P.1922-1928) who had to drive over very bad roads from Meredith each month. I think he drove a single seater Fiat car. We had a very kind catechism teacher at the Staughton Vale S.S., Dot Giles, who prepared us for the Sacraments as the priest was unable to come down our way.
We nearly all travelled to the church yard by horse drawn jinkers and buggies. It was a bit cold or hot depending on the prevailing conditions. I do remember going to the Little River opening of their present day church, I think it was to see Dr.Mannix really. The Melbourne papers usually had a report on the Monday of the Archbishop‘s remarks at these gatherings, he was a very fearless man and wasn‘t afraid to have his say about the country and the conditions. On the late Mass day (11 o‘clock) at Anakie, Tuckers,a very kind family next door to the church, provided the priest with a light breakfast of tea and toast, brought on a silver service, which he would enjoy, because he had fasted since mid-night. This family were of another faith and did this for some years to their credit. I well remember the mission priests who carried out the week long sessions. We had to attend Mass each morning and return each evening for the Benediction and of course the very straight forward sermons. In a small church like Anakie, those days we had no difficulty hearing the preacher. We used to have much fun trying to light the place up as there was only kerosene lighting then. Hughie Giles and I were the altar-boys at one time. We could not get out of the job for a long time or until my children started to climb under the altar-rails up to me. During the years after the War we had many children making their presence heard, but now I‘m afraid we rarely have any young people here. The big improvement in todays church at Anakie is the installation of power for lighting and a water supply for the early Mass cup of tea. Once in the good old days we would draw our water from the house next door. Improvements were few and very slow in coming from the old timers. They did not enjoy any changes happening at all. Anyway the old church is still standing as it was 129 years ago, and I hope it survives many more years.
Geologically, the Anakies district is an exceedingly interesting one. There are about a dozen exhibits from the Anakies in the London Geological Museum. The area was once known as The Anakies after the three hills, referred to as the three sisters. In 1903 the name Anakies officially became Anakie.
In Bailliere‘s Victorian Gazetteer in 1865 described the Anakies as a postal village in the road board district of Meredith, with a hotel the Mt Anakie run by Mr.James.Tucker, two schools, and two blacksmiths‘ forges. The population of the area, 500 engaged in agricultural and pastoral pursuits. Twenty fours later in 1879 the population had fallen to 200. In 1919 the district was described as dairying and a creamery had been established. The Anakie gorge is a popular spot for picnics and bush walkers. Today Anakie is largely a grazing area and the village atmosphere still prevails, although its brick works and the children‘s attraction, Fairy Park have made the place known to many Victorians.
In May, 1857 a request was made for one hundred pounds for a school at the Anakies..
Dean Hayes, on September 10 of the same year, forwarded plans of the building and added that in the event of land being refused by the Government, the parishioners will purchase what might be required.
Tenders for the Anakies school will be the same for the Little River school, and they will both be wooded buildings to cost two hundred and ten pounds each. The buildings dimensions approximately 25 feet by 12 This building was used as a church under the patronage of St James.
The Catholic school Number 21 opened on September 19, 1859 with John Byrne as head teacher.
A reserve at the Anakies was not made until late in the sixties, yet in 1857, allusions were made to a site having been granted that year. No records, however, are extant in the Lands Department. The site selected was on the east side of Mt Anakie and thought to have been in the Sth West cnr of Maurice Troy‘s block Number 82. The report of Inspector Sasse who visited the school in 1863 stated the school building to be in good repair, has a shingle roof. There are windows on two opposite sides.
The teacher is Mr.O‘Doherty- he holds an Irish certificate. He keeps the school in a satisfactory condition.
The local committee visits very rarely.
James Francis Hogan was appointed to the charge of the Anakies Catholic school in 1871 at the age of a month or two over seventeen, whereas eighteen was the regulation departmental minimum. It appears he was a bit of a pet, or favourite, with Mr.Inspector Main, then in charge of the Geelong district, afterwards the permanent head of the Education department. He had known Mr Hogan at St Mary‘s Geelong and had said or written some kind things about him; so when his nomination to St Bridget‘s, Anakies, was submitted for his official endorsement, he turned a blind eye to the irregularities, and promptly transmitted his cordial concurrence to the secretary of the Board of Education in Melbourne. The present Anakie brick church had just been completed.
It had only been used for a ball, which proved so successful that the building was cleared of debt. James Hogan wrote we were engaged for the first week moving the church and school furniture and equipment from the frail , weatherbeaten, wooden structure, in a hollow between two of the hills. Mr Inspector Main, who paid an early visit, wrote a report expressing his pleasure and satisfaction. Although primarily and essentially it was a combined Catholic church and school, Protestants were not debarred from attending. The average attendance in J.F.Hogan‘s time was about 45, of whom 30 were Catholics and the rest Presbyterians.
The school closed on June 30, 1877, when John Gleeson, who had been in charge since 1874, became head teacher of the new State School No 1910.
J.F.Hogan writing in the Advocate dated April 8, 1916
As far as secular instruction was concerned, I did not segregate the non-Catholics or make any distinction whatever between them and the children of the elect. The only difference was that they got away every day half an hour earlier. They were dismissed at half-past three, while the Catholic children remained half an hour longer for religious instruction. I remember one old Presbyterian farmer who came one day to express his gratification at the progress his two daughters were making. After leaving and walking away a few paces, a more or less felicitous afterthought occurred to him, and he returned to communicate it to me: “And I say, you can keep them for the religious instruction afterwards if you like. I have been comparing your catechism and ours, and I don`t see any particular difference between them.”
The proximity of Catholic and Presbyterian children did lead to one or two embarrassing little incidents. I remember a young curate just fresh from All Hallows who paid us a visit. With the proverbial zeal and impetuosity of youth, he started a tour among the children, sitting down and carrying on a subdued conversation with each. I was rather apprehensive that he would broach the subject of religion, and so, when he squatted by the side of a big Presbyterian lassie, I took the precaution of whispering in his ear: “That girl is a Protestant.” He jumped up as if he had received an electric shock, and his countenance assumed an expression of incredulous astonishment. What ! Presbyterian children receiving their education in a Catholic church dedicated to St Bridget, within a few feet of alter and crucifix, and Catholic pictures staring at them from the walls ! It was a revelation to our young, newly ordained visitor. Just arrived from Ireland, he could hardly conceive such a spectacle as within the bounds of possibility. It would certainly have been very difficult, if not absolutely impossible, to come across anything like it within the four corners of his own native Emerald Isle. A new generation of Victorian Catholics has grown up since those distant days a generation that has seen a Catholic school financed and supported out of the annual Parliamentary education grant. It was during my Anakies period that my connection with “The Advocate” commenced. I generally spent my evenings in writing or reading. I sent not only prose, but “poetry” to “The Advocate” from my bush retreat, and some of these juvenile verses were actually printed. My sojourn at Anakie had a rather interesting sequel in later years at the opposite end of the earth. One of my pupils was a smart and studious youngster, who walked four miles to school every morning. He afterwards obtained a position in one of the big softgoods houses of Flinders-lane, Melbourne, where he succeeded so well that he was eventually selected to take charge of the London branch of the business. When I was first elected a member of the House of Commons, he saw my portrait in the papers, and recognized the features of his old master. He promptly came down to Westminster Palace, sent in his card, and we had a cordial reunion and a pleasant chat about old times in the bush.
Rev.W.Ebsworth writing in The Advocate dated September 25, 1946
History is indebted for the preservation of these addresses to a famous young Geelong native named James. Francis. Hogan. He took notes during delivery- the “free and flashing sword” speech was recorded in his prayer-book- and forwarded them to “The Advocate,” where they were published in full.
Mr.J.F.Hogan was a brilliant scholar, who graduated straight from school to the teaching staff of St Mary‘s, where he became headmaster. He resigned at the end of 1880 to join the literary staff of the “Victorian Review,” his place being taken by T.C.Way from the college at Ballarat.
Years later, he went to Ireland, and early in the eighteen-nineties was elected member for Clare in the British Parliament, a seat he held for many years. He was long the valued contributor to “The Advocate” of the “The London News Letter.”
From the files of the Land‘s Department
18th January,1870 Rev.Dr.Fitzpatrick applied for the reservation of two acres at the Anakies for R.C. purposes
30th September 1870 The following were gazetted as trustees of the site reserved:
Bishop.Goold, Rev.M.Downing, Messrs. William Murphy, Thomas Carroll and James Hayes.
Archdeacon Slattery was gazetted as a trustee on 5th April, 1872 in the room of Rev.M.Downing resigned by death.
July, 1881 Application for power to sell, dispose of the site. It appears that there is a brick chapel, and a wooden dwelling on this site.
30th August,1881 Power to sell, dispose etc approved.
In 1871 J.L.Shaw architect called tenders for a new brick church/school building.
The first Mass in the St Bridget‘s church, was celebrated on Sunday, 30th, July 1871. The opening was reported in the Geelong Advertiser on Tuesday, August 1st,1871.
On Sunday last, Mass was celebrated for the first time, in that beautiful little edifice, the new Roman Catholic Church of St.Bridget, Anakies. The morning was all that could be wished for. Visitors from the neighbouring townships began to arrive, and at half-past eleven, when the holy sacrifice was begun, the church was filled. At the end of Mass, when Father.O‘Callaghan turned to address his people, he observed that he could not help feeling very thankful to the Almighty when he saw before him so many earnest worshippers. By this time a great many late arrivals had taken up their position in the porch, and around the door.
The Rev.Father preached from the gospel of the Sunday and those who heard him several times before, and who now listen to him for the first time in their neat new chapel, were unanimous in declaring that he excelled himself, or as some of them said when all was over, “ The little Father excelled himself today;” they were more than once moved to tears. At the conclusion a collection was made, when the very handsome total of thirty one pounds ten shillings was received. A small debt is still due on the church, but we feel confident that Father.O`Callaghan will not be long in clearing it off. The building is of brick, neatly roofed and floored. The dimensions are 34 feet by 18, with a porch.
The Anakie parishioners never knew if they were going to have Mass or Benediction when under the care of Fr.Ronald.Rankin, pastor of the Little River mission, due to the uncertainty of his time of arrival.
Mr Jack Tucker the Anakie blacksmith made the tie rods to hold the walls together, for the extensions made to the church in 1914. Mrs Ryan was the sacristan for many years. Breakfast was provided for the priest over a number of years by the Tucker family.
Going to Mass in times past required an early start to the day, with cows to be milked and animals to be fed, before harnessing up the horse and setting off for the church. Mothers would often pack a hamper of food to take along.
The Advocate December 18th, 1915.
On Sunday afternoon 14th, December, 1915 Archbishop Mannix drove to Anakie, and confirmed 23 children and seven adults, the sponsors being Miss C.Murphy and Mr.F.Murphy.
Mr.P.Cahill read the address of welcome from the Catholics of Anakie.
His Grace, in reply thanked them for the address, and expressed his pleasure at being with them that day.
He was more than compensated by the warm welcome tendered him, and by the beautiful 16 miles drive through what he believed was typical Australian bush. He congratulated them on their sentiments, as expressed in the address, regarding Catholic education- sentiments which were backed up in a practical way by the financial support they gave to the Catholic school in Meredith. The Catholic Federation had achieved great results, and he was pleased to know that the Anakie branch was in a most flourishing condition. He was surprised to find at Anakie such a fine brick church with a good congregation, who, he was assured, were most practical in the discharge of their religious duties. He hoped to have the pleasure of visiting them again.
Five hundred people mostly former parishioners, attended the centenary Mass on November 14th,1971 celebrated by parish priest Fr.P.Neyens. Eighty-two year-old former altar boy, Frank Murphy of Melbourne was in the congregation. In its time St Brigid‘s has been part of the Little River and Werribee parish.
During the missions at Anakie the Redemptorist priests stayed with the Coyne family, and later on with Bill and Eileen Ryan. Mrs Ryan was the church sacristan for many years. In recent years an organ has been installed in the Anakie church, and Mrs.Lindorff is the organist.
On the final morning of the mission, and at the suggestion of the priest, the Anakie parishioners came up to receive Communion in family groups. On returning to their seats, they split up again, sitting on opposite sides of the aisle.
MOVEMENT FOR A CATHOLIC SCHOOL AT ANAKIE.
During the mid 1950‘s, there was a concerted effort by a few Anakie parishioners to re-establish a Catholic school in the area. Lack of funds precluded the building of a school, so the church itself was put forward as a building for schooling the pupils. The condition of the church at the time, however, was deemed as very poor and not fit for the purpose. The lighting was wrong and dampness was a major problem, (for many years). Fr.McCarthy was certainly in favor of a Catholic school for Anakie but the balance sheet was “barely on the credit line”. “For the present therefore, I should advise parents in Anakie to teach the children themselves and in the future-possibly- God will provide the means”.
Memories of a parishioner at Anakie.
My first priest was Fr.Conlon (P.P.1922-1928) who had to drive over very bad roads from Meredith each month. I think he drove a single seater Fiat car. We had a very kind catechism teacher at the Staughton Vale S.S., Dot Giles, who prepared us for the Sacraments as the priest was unable to come down our way.
We nearly all travelled to the church yard by horse drawn jinkers and buggies. It was a bit cold or hot depending on the prevailing conditions. I do remember going to the Little River opening of their present day church, I think it was to see Dr.Mannix really. The Melbourne papers usually had a report on the Monday of the Archbishop‘s remarks at these gatherings, he was a very fearless man and wasn‘t afraid to have his say about the country and the conditions. On the late Mass day (11 o‘clock) at Anakie, Tuckers,a very kind family next door to the church, provided the priest with a light breakfast of tea and toast, brought on a silver service, which he would enjoy, because he had fasted since mid-night. This family were of another faith and did this for some years to their credit. I well remember the mission priests who carried out the week long sessions. We had to attend Mass each morning and return each evening for the Benediction and of course the very straight forward sermons. In a small church like Anakie, those days we had no difficulty hearing the preacher. We used to have much fun trying to light the place up as there was only kerosene lighting then. Hughie Giles and I were the altar-boys at one time. We could not get out of the job for a long time or until my children started to climb under the altar-rails up to me. During the years after the War we had many children making their presence heard, but now I‘m afraid we rarely have any young people here. The big improvement in todays church at Anakie is the installation of power for lighting and a water supply for the early Mass cup of tea. Once in the good old days we would draw our water from the house next door. Improvements were few and very slow in coming from the old timers. They did not enjoy any changes happening at all. Anyway the old church is still standing as it was 129 years ago, and I hope it survives many more years.