Moderator Dan Wootton recently opened the new home for the synod Archives Centre in Malvern East.
The relocated Archives Centre has a wealth of material (research information and historical church artefacts dating back to the early 19th Century) now available for researchers and the broader UCA community.
Historical items include parish and congregational histories, original film footage, paintings, prints, century old photographs, honour boards, church stained glass windows and Rev John Flynn’s original work desk.
Speaking at the opening, long serving volunteer Alison Head gave thanks for the dedication and hard work of all who assisted in the process of relocating the synod’s archive operations.
Ms Head also highlighted volunteers as an essential aspect of preserving Church and broader Australian history for future generations.
“From the very beginning of establishing the archives a lot of the work has been done by our dedicated volunteers,” Ms Head said.
“Volunteers have indexed the Methodist paper The Spectator, which is indexed from 1857 right up to the time of Union.
“They work in the library, assist with the photo collection and really help out with whatever needs doing.”
Ms Head encouraged Church members to take advantage of the various resources available at the Archives Centre and to consider the possibility of volunteering.
“I would encourage Uniting Church people, particularly those interested in Church history, to get involved with this great Uniting Church resource.
“It’s fantastic that we’re now here in our new home with a new archivist.
“But we do still need churches to get involved and new volunteers would be most welcome to join our happy family.”
The Archives Centre, located at 54 Serrell Street Malvern East is now open for visitors on Thursdays from 9.00am – 4.00pm and Fridays by arrangement.
For more information on the Archives Centre or to volunteer please call telephone 03 9571 5476 (Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays) or email archives@victas.uca.org.au.
Image: Synod Archivist Jennifer Bars, Moderator Dan Wootton and Alison Head at the opening of the new Archives Centre.
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