Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

The Rev. G. Wilson Brown began his work in the Provisional District of Bulahdelah from the 1st May, 1913. He had previously been Curate in Scone Parish. (1911-12) He was present and welcomed to the Provisional District on the same day in May that his predecessor, Rev. Keith Norman was farewelled. In June, 1913 there was a Concert on behalf of the Church. The proceeds were to go towards the Sale of Work later in the year. It was expected to be a success but even the most optimistic did not expect the success it proved to be - long before the third item came on the room was packed, several having to stand on the entrance steps. Everyone unanimously called it the ‘best ever held in Bulahdelah'. The net profits amounted to twelve pounds, fourteen shillings and six pence. The singing of God Save the King, concluded the programme. (104) The aforementioned Sale of Work was held in mid September, 1913 on a Friday evening. The Sale of Work was opened by the Rev. Wilson Brown. Much credit was given to the kind ladies who worked so hard and so unselfishly. The Sale was held over two nights - the net profit reaching a very satisfactory sum of seventy one pounds and some odd shillings. (105) After some unavoidable delays, the staining and varnishing of St.John’s was in progress at this time. In November, 1913 a Competition Cricket Match between Bulahdelah and Boolambayte (at Boolambayte) resulted in a victory of 56 runs for Bulahdelah. The Rev. Wilson Brown topped the list with 28 runs. (106) The same year he was recorded as being Vice President of the School of Arts Hall. In the Gloucester Examiner dated 3rd April, 1914 it is recorded that the Bungwahl district had recently been detached from Wallamba parish and added to Bulahdelah.(107) Bishop Stretch had to make quite an effort to visit around his vast Diocese. On the 8th December, 1914 he is reported as going by launch to Tea Gardens - where he was met by the Rector and in spite of the festivities of a wedding in the morning, they had a full church and an interesting Confirmation, On the next day (Wednesday) he started on to Bulahdelah at 10.30 a.m. ~ arriving there after 5 hours on lake and river. He reported that 'the heat or something was too much for me and owing to ptomaine poison developed a very high temperature which forced the abandonment of the trip to Bungwahl. Sunday the 13th December, 1914 was as hot as the 6th, however, he managed to dedicate the new church at Bulahdelah in the morning and to take Confirmation in the afternoon. He rose at 2.30 a.m. on Monday morning and started out at 3.30 a.m. - watching the daylight slowly 31 show itself over the river. After travelling in three steamers, a motor bus, a ferry and a cab, he reached home at 1.30 p.m. (108) In February, 1916 the Bishop reported that 1915 had been a 'very trying and anxious year' and that the graver causes for our anxiety are as pressing as ever - a terrible drought still in places lingering ... coupled with the pressure of war .... but we should be thankful of a magnificent wheat harvest.(109) The Rev. Wilson Brown resigned Bulahdelah on the 30th June, 1916. He married Dora Best and had no children. He was absent on leave from the Diocese and in November, 1918 he is reported to have received his appointment as a Chaplain to the Forces (A.I.F.) and he left for the front. By November, 1920 he is recorded as having accepted an appointment as Assistant Minister in the Parish of Chesterton (England) - previously having been on staff of Dewsburgh Moor, Yorkshire.

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