|
|
|
|
|
|
2002 has seen continued interest in our
history by people in Baptist churches throughout Queensland. Membership
of the Society has increased slightly, and we look forward to
further interest, as more and more people realise the importance
of discovering and remembering our Baptist heritage. There is,
however, a need to inspire more of our young people to take an
interest in our historical roots, as one way of minimising the
pressure to follow the latest fads in church life and worship.
Officers elected at the Annual meeting in November, 2001 were:
President: Mr Eric Kopittke; Secretary, Dr Ken Smith; Treasurer:
Rev. Vince Chataway; Sales officer: Rosemary Kopittke
There has been continued demand for our publications throughout
the year. The revised version of "Baptists in Queensland
--- A Guide to their Life and Faith", launched at the Annual
Convention in 2000, continues to be one of the most popular, though
sales have slackened off from the high point immediately following
the launch.
This year has seen two major public meetings: one about the church
planting efforts of one of our early churches in Queensland, and
the other to launch a biography of William Higlett, Pastor and
Secretary of the Union from 1890 to 1902.
On 18 May 60 people gathered for tea at the Centenary Church,
followed by a meeting attended by approximately 70. The work of
the Jireh Church in establishing a number of churches scattered
throughout the Brisbane area was celebrated, with people from
many of these churches taking part, and giving us information
about the present state of their work. All who heard the story
were impressed by the evangelistic zeal shown by the Jireh Church.
On 17th October, during the Annual Convention at the Ashgrove
Church, and on 19th October in Toowoomba, a biography of William
Higlett, written by the Union Archivist Rev. Dr David Parker was
launched. Both these events were well-attended. The publication
of the biography was sponsored in part by John Church, grandson
of Rev. Higlett, and the New South Wales Baptist Historical Society.
Mr Higlett served with distinction as Secretary of both the Queensland
and New South Wales Unions, though at different times, as well
as being deeply involved in pastoral work. The initial printing
of 250 copies of the biography has almost sold out. The Society
is very grateful to Rev. Ken Conwell and other people from the
Union office for assistance with the launch of the book.
The list of our publications now totals 20. There are still many
areas in which a consolidated work would be helpful, and it is
hoped that as we approach the 150th anniversary of the opening
of the first Baptist church in Queensland, more people will be
encouraged to look to our heritage and unearth the many treasures
which have, in some cases, passed from living memory. We need
to continue to impress on people the importance of keeping accurate
records of events, so that in the future people will be able to
look back and be encouraged by our successes, as well as giving
thought to reasons for any lack of success.
As we move forward into a new year, we look forward to continuing
the work of recording and analysing our history, so that, aware
of what has gone on in the past, we may take note of our errors,
and preserve and remember the good things, to the glory of our
Lord.
Ken Smith, Secretary
Society News:
The financial situation of the Society was reported at the annual
meeting to be in good shape. To maintain it in that way, it was
decided to raise membership rates for 2003 to cover increases
in postage and xeroxing to $10 for individual and $15 for family,
with church/organisation remaining at $20. The present officers
were re-elected for a further term of service. The meetings of
the BHSQ for 2003 were set down for 1 March, 14 June and 1 November.
At the meeting of 1 March 2003 changes to the BHSQ constitution
which were tabled at the 2002 Annual General meeting will be moved
for adoption. For a copy of the changes, please contact the secretary.
It was also decided that a new history of Baptists in Queensland
should be prepared for the 150th anniversary of the commencement
of the work, due to be celebrated in 2005. The new history would
include material on the period since the last one (by Rev John
White) was done (1977) as well extra more comprehensive coverage
on earlier periods
The South Brisbane Baptist church recently celebrated the 130th anniversary of its founding in 1872 with a good display of photographs and historical material. Among the items of interest were booklets of communion tokens for three different years and the accompanying communion attendance book - but more about that later.
The Scottish Heritage
During the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries communion tokens were
used mainly in Scottish-related Presbyterian churches, though
their history goes back earlier. They were usually made of lead
or white metal, occasionally of copper or silver. They were distributed
to the congregation by a visit from a church elder beforehand
and collected at the communion service. In some larger churches
they had the number of the table you were to sit at. Tokens were
denied to persons “not judged to be in good standing”
with the church at the discretion of the elder who often would
listen to the village gossip. As well as being used in the various
Presbyterian churches (Church of Scotland, United Presbyterian,
Free Church of Scotland etc.) they were used in churches which
retained their allegiance to bishops (Episcopal Church of Scotland).
Methodist churches were not strong in Scotland but three Methodist
tokens are known. Although Baptists there often adopted the eldership
form of local church government rather than the more common congregational
pattern, only one church issued a communion token, the LOCHEE
BAPTIST CHAPEL in Dundee. None are known for the American or other
British colonies.
The Australian Experience
So it comes as a surprise to find that in the 19th century two
churches in Australia used them briefly, though in cardboard-paper
form rather than metallic.
The Jireh Baptist in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, was established
in 1861 in a strict Calvinist tradition to cater for those who
were unhappy with the “open to all” stance of the Wharf
Street church. It also reflected the theological and geographical
mix of Baptists in “the old country” from Strict and
Particular to virtually Congregational. Communion at Jireh was
only available to members of that church. Tokens were used for
a few years, though just when and for how long is not known.
The other paper token shown was used rather strangely at the Sydney
Baptist church known as Bathurst Street church (now Sydney Central
in George Street). It is dated 1883 and includes a membership
number. Presumably a record of attendees was kept. There is no
mention of the practice in AC Prior’s history of New South
Wales Baptists, Some Fell on Good Ground (1966). Their use occurred
during the ministry of the Rev WM Clare (1881-1884) who came from
Flinders Street church in Adelaide, and retired due to illness
in August 1884. Why he introduced them is a mystery. The little
known of his background yields no answer. Their use was probably
confined to one or two years.
With the coming of the 20th century the use of communion tokens
in Presbyterian churches had been largely discarded both in Scotland
and in countries such as Australia with the exception of some
Free churches. Two Australian examples are shown. The Presbyterian
Church of Eastern Australia now embraces the former Free churches.
St George’s church in Sydney used tokens till 1970.
South Brisbane Baptist church
We return to the South Brisbane Baptist church and its use of
tokens over several years in the early 20th century. Firstly a
brief account of its early history.
In the early 1860’s South Brisbane as a town rivalled North
Brisbane for a time. Baptists worshipped happily at either the
Presbyterian or Congregational churches particularly as a Baptist
lay preacher ministered at the Presbyterian church for a prolonged
period. Though a Sunday school was started as early as 1857, there
was no move to begin a church till 1872. The initial membership
included Ebenezer Hooker*, unofficial pastor, Samuel Grimes* (MLA
for 24 years), church secretary, T B Stephens* (prominent business
man and land owner), church treasurer, and Richard Kingsford*,
(business man), deacon. Initial services were held in the Mechanics’
Institute but a church building in Vulture Street was opened in
1874.
Over the years the church has been fortunate with its ministry.
The Rev Wm Poole ministered for 30 years (1880-1910); Rev Wm Bell
MA (1910-1931); Rev P F Lanyon (1931-1936); Rev T C Warriner MA
(1937-1940) (both Mr Bell and Mr Warriner became Principals of
the Baptist Theological College). Membership peaked at 214 in
1908 and continued around the 100-150 mark. World War II proved
a critical time for the church, the membership reaching as low
as 46 in 1942. During the ministry of the Rev Norman Mergard (1961-1977)
there was a steady rise in membership from 58 in 1961 to 132 in
1969. Reconstruction of the old building began in 1966 and adjoining
property was secured in 1969. Today with the changed character
of the area and inner suburban status the now small church continues
its witness.
Though the church would not be classed among the stricter variety
of Baptist churches, the Communion Roll Book shows that attendance
at the monthly communion service was considered very important.
Members were issued with a number and book of tokens to cover
the calendar year. For each month there was a thought to ponder.
Members would insert their number, tear off the token which would
be collected during the communion service and later entered against
their number in the record. Those missing three such services
in a row could have their membership suspended or cancelled altogether.
This practice was introduced by the Rev Wm Poole and continued
under the Rev Wm Bell till after World War I.
These days an open invitation is given to all Christians but the
tokens are a reminder of stricter days.
References:
South Brisbane Baptist Church 100th Anniversary booklet 1972
R Dick, Scottish Communion Token. (non-established churches) 1902
AC Prior, Some Fell on Good Ground, 1966
JE White, A Fellowship of Service 1977
MC Williams, Cameos of Baptist Men in 19th Century Queensland,
1995
* Cameos of all four of these men are in the above book available
from BHSQ