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april 2011

CONNECTiONSpariSH

We welcome back the Reverend Elaine Farmer, currently from the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn, as our preacher for the Holy Week and Easter program.

Elaine gained her BTh at the Sydney College of Divinity through St Mark’s National Theological Centre, Canberra, and her MTh at Charles Sturt University.

Some of the Elaine’s extensive preaching engagements have included:

• In the USA, at Trinity Episcopal Church, Wall Street NYC; The Church of the Transfiguration NYC; Christ Church New Haven Connecticut; 2006 All Saints’, Pontiac, Illinois, Holy Week Series; Church of the Good Shepherd, Blue Springs, Virginia and The Church of the Transfiguration, NYC

• In New Zealand, cathedrals in Auckland, Dunedin and Wellington; and various parish churches

• In Indonesia, University Pelita Harapan Chapel, Lippo Karawaci; Christmas and Easter Eucharists at Ambassador’s Residence.

• In Malaysia, St Mary’s Anglican Cathedral and various parish churches.Workshops and conferences on interfaith relations particularly involving Sisters in Islam.

• In Australia: St George’s Cathedral, Perth; St Peter’s Cathedral,

Adelaide; St John’s, Reid, Canberra; All Saints’ Ainslie; 2008 Holy Covenant Jamison Holy Week Series; St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne, Three Hours Devotions; St Paul’s Manuka Three Hours Devotions; various parish churches in the ACT, NSW, Victoria and South Australia. And of course here at St James’, including the 2004 Holy Week series.

Elaine is an experienced leader of retreats and quiet days, and has been the keynote speaker at various Australian and international conferences.

In the early 2000s, Elaine was a tutor in Homiletics and Ministry Formation at St Mark’s National Theological Centre while leading the St Mark’s Anglican Ministry Formation program for future Anglican clergy. She was also Associate Editor of St Mark’s Review, and from 1999–2002, Acting Editor. All this while performing her responsibilities as Honorary Associate Priest, St Paul’s Anglican Church Manuka and Director of Liturgy.

In 2009 Elaine was literary editor of the English translation of Defeat and Victory, a trilogy about life and politics in WWII Japanese-occupied Indonesia, by leading 20th century Indonesian philosopher, writer and linguist, Sutan Takdir Alishjahbana.

Her other publications include:

• “…And the Angels Held their Breath. Sixteen Reasons for

Exploring the God-Option”, Australasian Theological Forum, 2006. A translation in Bahasa Indonesia was published in 2008.

• “Kindlers of Fire, Lighters of Firebrands” in Don’t Put Out the Burning Bush; Worship and Preaching in a Complex World, Boland OP, Vivian (ed.), Australasian Theological Forum, 2008.

• “Aids & the Bible”, PNG Medical Journal.

• “Women and the Bible”, material used in UNFP.

With this level of insight and experience we welcome Elaine for Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter. Her theme, “A passionate tale for a God-haunted world” is sure to challenge and provoke as well as stimulate our understanding of this seminal week in the Christian calendar.

EaSTEr guEST prEaCHEr: ElaiNE farmEr

ST JamES’ pariSH CONNECTiONS april 2011

EaSTEr SErviCES 2011HOly wEEk 17–21 aprilpalm SuNday — 17 april7:45am* Holy Eucharist10:00am* Choral Eucharist & Procession of Palms

mONday TO wEdNESday — 18–20 april12:30pm Holy Eucharist6:30pm* Parish Eucharist

mauNdy THurSday — 21 april12:30pm Holy Eucharist6:30pm* Choral Eucharist & Footwashing

THE EaSTEr Triduum 22–24 aprilgOOd friday – 22 april 9.00am Stations of the Cross Noon* Solemn Liturgy for Good Friday7:30pm Tenebrae for Good Friday

HOly SaTurday – 23 april9:00am Morning Prayer

EaSTEr day – 24 april 5:00am* The Great Vigil of Easter with procession

and reaffirmation of baptismal vows9:00am* Sung Eucharist of Easter with procession

and reaffirmation of baptismal vows11:00am* Choral Eucharist of Easter with procession

and reaffirmation of baptismal vows

Join Sydney Chamber Choir, renowned Middle-Eastern lute (oud) player Joseph Tawadros and The Marais Project for a special 2-part concert on Palm Sunday, April 17, beginning at 3pm in the Great Hall of the University of Sydney. Lamentations draws on the gentle, wordless eloquence of the oud and the baroque viola da gamba, dissolving the boundaries between cultural, musical

and spiritual traditions in a journey of hope, from the ancient world into our own lives. Plus, hear a special performance of Paul Stanhope’s Exile Lamentations with oud interludes.

Performers: The Marais Project at 3pm (with Megan Cronin and Belinda Montgomery sopranos) and Sydney Chamber Choir (Paul Stanhope conductor) at 6.30pm

Other music includes Lecons de Tenebres - Couperin, Lamentations of Jeremiah - Tallis, Civitas sancti tui - Byrd, Hear my prayer - Purcell/Sandstrom and The Denial of St Peter - Charpentier

Further information:

Ū www.sydneychamberchoir.org

Ū phone 1300 661 738

Ū [email protected]

* guEST prEaCHErThe Reverend Elaine Farmer will be the preacher at services marked with an asterisk.

LAMENTATIONS – SydNEy CHambEr CHOir iN CONCErT

april 2011 ST JamES’ pariSH CONNECTiONS pagE 3

‘What is a cynic?’ asks Cecil Graham in Oscar Wilde’s Lady Windemere’s Fan. To which the reply came: ‘A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing’.

We need to be challenged on how we put a value on the things around us. Over the years we seem to have become more and more obsessed with possessing and consuming things, and have put a monetary value on so many aspects of our lives, including our homes, our time and even our relationships.

Some people appear to have become particularly concerned with ‘getting value’ out of the relationships they have with those around them and are happy to end a relationship when it becomes ‘too costly’ to maintain. One may well ask then, ‘what is the value of a relationship?’

The Bible contrasts the relationships of two people in the life of Jesus – Mary Magdalene and Judas Iscariot. Mary was a devoted and caring person who had come to know God’s love and forgiveness. Indeed, she could be extravagant in expressing her love for Jesus, such as when she poured perfume upon him before his death.

Judas, on the other hand, was offended by Mary’s behaviour as he thought it a waste of money. Of course, Judas was the keeper of the funds for the disciples; however, they came to realise that he was a thief and in fact spent much of the money on himself. Indeed, not only was Judas self-centred and greedy, but it was also he that betrayed Jesus to his enemies for money.

Here are described two relationships among the close circle of Jesus’ friends that are worlds apart in their motivations and behaviour. Such it is for many of us; for it is often said that we only know our true friends when all goes wrong.

When we face the effects of uncertainty or crisis in our lives then our relationships may well be tested. In such times we need people around us whom we can trust and who care for us, not because of what we can do for them but because they accept us as we really are.

The Bible reminds us that the nature of God is love. Such love was expressed in the person of Jesus. As we approach the celebration of Easter we will be reminded that the loving relationship between God and his

Photo: Christopher Shain

fr aNdrEw SEmpEll rECTOrTHE priCE Of a rElaTiONSHip

people is costly. As Jesus says: ‘you are my friends, there is no greater love than this, than to lay down your life for your friends’. We are called to do likewise. So when do we put ourselves out for others?

We are called by God to express extravagant love - to give without expectation of reward and to love without expectation of reciprocation. So let us persevere in our calling and be generous with it.

St James’ Networkers are a group of parishioners who keep in contact with other parishioners on a regular basis. This can be in the way of a phone call or a chat at church. Most of the people on the networkers’ lists are regular parishioners, but some are no

longer able to come to St James’ and a phone call helps them to feel connected. Sometimes we go through difficult times in our lives which make us feel alone and isolated, and receiving a friendly call from a fellow parishioner can make all the difference.

If you are a parishioner who would like to have regular contact, or if you would like to join the networkers’ team and be part of this important ministry, then please contact Chris Cheetham 0407 017 377 or email [email protected]

THE miNiSTry Of kEEpiNg iN TOuCH wiTH EaCH OTHEr


Karen Finch has been appointed to the new position of Administration and Communications Assistant. This part time role (three and a half days a week) will be assisting the Director of St James’ Institute, the Head of Music and the Rector in the areas of project/program development and promotion and the production of pewsheets and orders of service. Karen will also be responsible for the coordination of Parish Connections when Thomas-Andrew retires at the end of May.

A friend of Karen’s once described her as a multi-disciplinary arts practitioner. She is a practicing artist with a studio based visual arts degree, majoring in sculptural ceramics. More recently, she has picked up her drawing again and is hoping to be exhibiting again soon. Following her degree at art school Karen completed a Master of Arts in art history at the University of Adelaide. A spin off from those studies resulted in a freelance writing practice that focuses mainly on decorative arts and contemporary design, but also includes Holocaust education, Judaism and food writing.

Karen’s art studies and practice were preceded by music studies at the Elder Conservatorium in Adelaide – first as a French Horn player, and later as a

singer. She sang in the chorus of the State Opera of South Australia for fifteen years. She also worked with the Company as an art finisher on costumes for the 2004 production of The Ring and set design and decoration for the Young Artist Program studio productions.

Since relocating to Sydney at the end of 2005, Karen has worked as an educator for Opera Australia and The Sydney Jewish Museum. She also tutored bar and bat mitzvah students at Emanuel Synagogue.

Karen was a recipient of the Beutel Fellowship in 2008, an intensive lay leadership training seminar in Jerusalem, Israel. She trained, on the same trip, as a Holocaust educator at Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. The combined time of both courses allowed her to spend six weeks in Israel, with enough trips on both courses, and some extra curricular travelling in the gap between the two, allowing her to travel over much of the country.

She has a keen interest in interfaith activities – her first encounter with St James’ Church being as a member of the Emanuel Ensemble, singing in an interfaith concert that included choirs from the Greek Orthodox and

Catholic communities as well as the St James’ Choir.

She comes to St James’ with a varied background of arts, event management, education and administration and is looking forward to the challenges of a position that supports a number of crucial elements in the St James’ ministry.

wElCOmiNg karEN fiNCH TO THE STaff Of ST JamES’

The Choir of St James’ & Ironwood, with Developing Artists

Sat 30 April, 5pm& Thu 5 May, 7pm

St James’ King St

$48/40 - tel 8256 2222 - cityrecitalhall.com

Works include Handel’s Coronation Anthems

riendsof at SJAMES

riendsof at SJAMES


There are many books about Jesus, but most are written with a ‘from above’ perspective, and deal with who he is as God-man, his teachings and how he fulfills salvation history. Joshua is one of the few books I have encountered that is written ‘from below.’ (Another is Deepak Chopra’s Jesus.) The author doesn’t go back 2000 years to Palestine to describe Jesus’ daily life but places him in a small American town in the 20th century. His purpose is not to replicate the Gospel stories about Jesus’ human life but to make Jesus human. As the author says in his Introduction: “The book was written with the hope that Jesus would become real in our lives once again, and might affect the way we treat one another.”

frOm my bOOkSHElfJOSHua: a parablE fOr TOdayby JOSEpH f girzONE

between how stereotypical religious people see God’s reality versus how Jesus sees the same reality. Joshua does not seek conflict, but when one of the pastors asks him why he goes from one church to another, he answers bluntly, “Jesus prayed fervently that his people would be one, and you have torn it asunder with your bickering and petty jealousy. You have kept the Christian people away from one another and forced them to be loyal to your denomination rather than Jesus.” The pastors are stung by his criticism, and end the meeting by agreeing that Joshua would no longer be welcome in their churches until he made up his mind to which religion he really belonged. Girzone is obviously drawing the parallel

21st century? Many of the situations Girzone describes are ordinary and easy to relate to: How does Jesus handle interruptions when he is doing

Jim brOwN

How does Jesus handle interruptions when he is doing an important work project? How does he handle conflict?

Joshua arrives in the small town of Auburn and quickly becomes friends with many of the people. The drama in the story is, as you might guess, Joshua’s conflict with ‘organised religion,’ specifically with the pastors from the six mainline churches in Auburn. Joshua’s view of religion, discussed at length with these local clergymen, is meant to create questions in the reader’s mind. The author emphasises the contrast

between Joshua’s conflict with the pastors of Christian churches and that of Jesus with the Pharisees. The story doesn’t end, however, as you might expect.

Girzone puts Joshua into a series of everyday situations and describes how he thinks and acts. Through this storytelling technique, we are prompted to examine our own beliefs about the ‘mind of Jesus.’ Does Joshua match the Jesus we know? Are we living life as he would live it, in the

an important work project? How does he handle conflict?

Joshua is a great way to introduce friends to Jesus without evangelising. It is a simple, well written story that will attract many diverse people to its main character. You will not learn the actual life of Jesus when you read Joshua, but you will gain insights into his character. I highly recommend buying a few copies and giving them away to people who don’t yet know Jesus.


Introducing the 2011 and 2012 budgets at the AGM, I emphasised the urgent need for the parish – and by that I mean the wardens, parish councillors, clergy, staff and parishioners, to work together towards solving the discrepancy between income and expenditure.

The stark reality is that the current model has overwhelmingly relied on distributions from St James’ Hall to cover all annual costs. Excluding this amount (which currently funds 42% of expenditure), the operating deficit for 2010 was $603,000 and is forecast to be the same for 2011 and slightly less for 2012.

What this is indicating is that the parish would need to cut ministry and services by more than one-third if this flow of funds from the Hall did not exist.

The Ordinance distribution in dollar amounts is decreasing. In 2009 it was $715,000 and despite the herculean task of obtaining an increased in distribution percentage from 64% in 2009 to 80% for the period 2010–2014, there is less money. Why? Because of the need to reduce debt on the Hall, provide for essential capital expenditure and pay off the loan for the roof restoration over ten years.

The other caveat to this is that it is quite clear that, in the future, the Standing Committee of Synod will only sanction the majority of the funds distributed from the Hall being allocated to building and not to ministry.

The simple truth is parishioner contributions fall far short of covering the cost of running the ministries at and from this place.

There is an expectation of excellence at St James’ of the very best in liturgical worship and ministry, and this is delivered year in and year out, but it has been highly subsidised up until now. I strongly suggest that this must change before the next Ordinance negotiations in 2014 and it needs to commence now.

The parish will be using up its reserves over the next couple of years to maintain (and develop) ministries but if no changes are made, it will go into net debt within three years.

buSTiNg THE myTH THaT THiS pariSH SuppOrTS iTSElf

THOmaS-aNdrEw gENEral maNagEr

In previous issues of Connections and in this year’s Annual Report, I have been urging a major rethink in the way the parish operates. The challenge commences now to ensure that my prediction of cash imbalance in future years does not materialise.

I repeat my message - a call to all parishioners to consider the importance of St James’ and the ministry that it provides and to honestly assess the financial (and other) support provided. If the current model does not change in the timeframe of this Ordinance, there may very well may be a different model of ministry at St James’ in four years time.

60%

40%

The gap in funding the parishexcluding building related costs

Offertories and Donations Gap in direct funding


ruTH mCCaNCE, CHair, SlH maNagEmENT COmmiTTEE

March 8 saw a wonderfully enthusiastic group of parishioners from CCSL and SJKS meet to share good food and good company in support of St Laurence House. This event has been a key part of the calendar for our charity for many years. It raises funds for and awareness of the work we do in helping homeless teenagers find their way: through giving them a home, developing the fundamental skills for living and most importantly enabling them to find a valuable place for themselves in the world. My joy in volunteering with SLH is in seeing how the young people we help transform their lives.

We raised just over $1200 which will go directly to supporting this work.

The dinner also gave us an opportunity to give thanks for the

many volunteers who, over the years, have supported SLH Opportunity Shop. Sadly, the shop ceased trading on 19 March as it had been running at a loss. This doesn’t alter the fact that, for many years, it was a vital part of our success - funding the position of co-ordinator and other running costs. St Laurence House owes a significant debt of gratitude to that community of volunteers including Fr Stephen Williams who founded SLH, Fr Eric Hampson for his significant work with the Op Shop along with Gwen Constable, John Pollard, Frances Candlish, Mrs Drake, Don and Lal Franks, Jean Bradshaw, Robert Alexander, Howard and Trisha Graham, Richard Gillard and many, many more.

2011 is a pivotal year for SLH. We are remodelling our funding strategy and

we will keep you informed about this. We are also restructuring in response to legislative changes to enable us to continue to support our core constituency - the vulnerable teenagers who need a home and our care. Change brings risk. However, with your support, I’m confident that SLH will not only thrive, but be in a better, stronger place to help those in need.

SHrOvE TuESday paNCakE diNNEr

Jessica McLiesh and Howard Graham

The meeting opened with prayer.

‘It was agreed that a cheque for 3/3/- should be given to the Sacristan as a bonus for good work during the past year.

‘Also that a sum of 3/10/- be paid to the Newsboys Club Committee to take them out of any difficulties in the finances of the Club, which we understand is to be closed at the end of May.

‘It was agreed that the duties of

the Wardens should be that Mr A H Bird should keep the books and do the Correspondence. Capt Grainger should keep the pew rent and seat letting arrangements and the bank business in connection with them and look after the letting of the hall and keep the Minutes.

‘Mr S H Young being centrally situated can be consulted in the case either of the forgoing should not be on hand and as he lives so

far away it is not convenient for him to take up any active duty as warden.

‘A desultory conversation ensued and the meeting closed with the Benediction.

‘It was understood the Salaries of the Assistant Clergy be the same as in the past and that as the Rector cannot live on his salary a sum of 50/-/- per annum extra be paid him.’

SNippETS frOm THE arCHivES

COliN’S COrNEr100 yEarS agO From the minutes of the Wardens’ Meeting held on April 27, 1911


EaSTEr aT yOrk miNSTErNaNETTE daNkS

What a place to celebrate Easter!

We had begun our Holy Week at Gloucester Cathedral on Palm Sunday, where we had processed with palms from the next door church of St Mary de Lode, through an archway of ancient origins and into the Cathedral. From there we processed after the service into the grounds and committed our selves to a great big wooden cross.

As we were driving through England it was not so easy to be ‘holy’ throughout the week by way of daily observance, but we did visit innumerable churches, most of which were very accessible and many were set up for teaching the Holy Week story to local school children. Areas within the parish churches would have a diorama of the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, Golgotha and the Empty Tomb and paper ‘footprints’ leading up to the cross, all carrying petitions written on them by the children.

On our way to Yorkshire we spent time visiting Pugin’s masterpiece at Cheadle, St Giles’ Church; an incredibly ornate church at Hoar Cross and both great Liverpool cathedrals before finally arriving at St Margaret’s, Ilkley for the Maundy Thursday service and Vigil. (St Margaret’s produced Bishop Wylde of Bathurst.)

On Good Friday we heard the Bishop of Bradford leading meditations in his cathedral.

Holy Saturday was fun. We were in the Yorkshire Dales and the traditional Easter card scene was every where around us; bright green fields, covered with wild daffodils and frolicking lambs abounded. We started at Boulton Abbey and were welcomed by all the flower arrangers and cleaners and do-ers! It was all quite familiar, but it was a treat not being a do-er this year.

It was the same at Ripon Cathedral and at several smaller parish churches. At Holy Trinity, Little Ouseburn, an elderly couple was putting in the flowers although the services were all to be in a neighbouring village church this year. “Can’t have the church without flowers at Easter!” they said. (Their son lives in Blaxland!)

We checked into our hotel in York and then set off for the 8pm Vigil Service. Very little lighting as we were shown seats in North and South aisles along with about 300 other people, whilst the Archbishop of York was being introduced to the confirmation candidates and their families. Then hush and total darkness whilst the Old Testament passages were read and the St William’s Singers sang. Then the Service of Light began and the new fire was lit beneath the mighty vaulting at the crossing and the Pascal Candle was lit. Slowly the light was handed to all of us and we were invited into the quire and the Light of Christ was proclaimed three times.

The ancient Exultet was sung and then the Ugandan born Archbishop, spectacular in white and gold and somewhat disembodied betwixt mitre and cope, shouted out the Easter Acclamation. The congregation responded with enthusiasm before a fanfare sounded and bells, clackers, organ and tribal drum all made a joyful noise. Altogether wonderful!

After the New Testament reading and Gospel we were then invited to process, with our candles and still with no artificial light, down into the crypt for the Service of Baptism and Confirmation. The only font in the Minster is in the crypt, hence the venue. A very tearful and noisy baby was brought forward for baptism. The parents, we were told, had had trouble starting a family, but after a powerful spiritual experience in

the Minster the previous Easter they returned to their German homeland where he is a Lutheran Pastor.

A baby was subsequently conceived and they had chosen to return, with thanksgiving, to York Minster for his baptism. There was hardly a dry eye in the congregation at this point, the service was so emotionally charged; then followed a very poignant and unhurried confirmation of about a dozen people.

The exchange of peace relaxed everyone for the final procession back into the body of the Cathedral where the very large Easter Garden, placed beneath the Five Sisters Window in the North transept, was blessed.

We floated back to our hotel through the ancient city, not wanting to break out of the transcendence that had been ours.

Easter morning dawned and we were bright and early for the Choral Eucharist and with more than half an hour to spare we were still three quarters of the way back and that only because we spotted two seats in the middle of a row. About 3500


people responded and sang with gusto as we proclaimed that Christ was indeed, risen.

A typically lovely, well ordered Eucharist followed with the Archbishop, The Most Rev’d and Right Hon. Dr. John Sentamu preaching and presiding. The choristers would have preferred a shorter service as they had a very quick turn around before Matins and they also had Evensong to sing at 3pm. The latter was broadcast live on BBC. No wonder the choristers had not sung the previous night. Their Easter Sunday commitment was huge.

It was not until after a very beautiful Evensong that we had a chance to explore the Minster and ooh and ah over the new banners. They were recently dedicated works of art. They were made of silk and gold embroidery and appliqué of the most

intricate design. We were captivated by them.

The Minster is undergoing restoration – again or still – and the great east window just doesn’t look right. It is not until you get close that you realise that it is a HUGE photograph which covers the entire area whilst the window is being repaired. Lots of gargoyles are on

display as they are crafted, ready for

installation in the future.

Outside the sacred space the secular

was celebrating also. A carnival

atmosphere abounded in the narrow

alleyways that make up York. Street

artists, shops, pubs, coffee shops were

all doing a wonderful trade and we

had a wonderful time.

Photos by Nanette and Geoffrey Danks


lEONiE CablE COpyiNg THE ST JamES’ rEgiSTErS

The records of St James’ Church are of great interest to family historians but in the 1970s this interest was becoming a burden to the work of the clergy and a threat to the preservation of the original records.

In 1976, the curates, the Reverends John Bunyan and Robert Sharwood, found they were spending a large amount of time searching the baptismal, burial and marriages registers to answer a growing number of queries from people researching their family history; and the number of queries was much increased by the fact that St James’ is the name of the city parish, as well as the church. The curates felt that their time spent searching should be used to minister to the congregation.

The Rector, the Reverend Howard Hollis, appealed to my husband and me for help. We agreed to organise a project where all entries would be copied onto index cards and sorted into alphabetical order for each of the pastoral offices.

The master cards were designed and we enlisted two others to help us.

The most difficult part of the transcribing is reading the writing of the various officiating priests, and the witnesses’ signatures in the case of marriages. Of course in the 19th century, many were illiterate, their attendance marked with a cross.

The late Hilda Douglas undertook to do the baptismal registers – some 15,833 entries covering the period from 1824-1924. When Hilda struck illegible writing, she got out the telephone directory and looked to see if the name she thought it might be, existed in present day Sydney. It mostly did. The other volunteer was Leith Davey who did the burial registers – 4125 entries covering the period from 1824-1856. In the early registers, many priests were noted as officiating at the interments recorded

in the St James’ registers, as a roster operated amongst the Sydney clergy for this duty. The cause of death is included sometimes, as is the name of the ship of arrival. The burial register ceased in 1856 when compulsory civil registration of births, deaths and marriages was started. A new funeral register was commenced in 1936. The records in this, and the subsequent [current] register are incomplete as some of the burials, cremations and memorial services conducted by the St James’ clergy are recorded in the service register rather than the funeral register.

The format of the entries changed with time. The first registers covering 1824-1825 were hand-written and the style of the wording was that used in the church in England. From 1826 there were forms supplied by the Government printer. The entries (for baptism, marriage and burial) covering 1826-1835 are bound together in one volume. Then from 1836 onwards, the three are again in separate books.

The information supplied with baptisms is little altered – dates of birth and baptism, surname, parents’ Christian names (mother’s maiden name only given when the parents were not married), address and minister. The present baptismal register in use at St James’ was commenced in 1925.

From 1824-1917 there were 6697 marriages in St James’. Dr Rosemary Annable, our archivist found three volumes where the copying onto index cards was incomplete. This work is now being done. The marriage register has been refined over the years. Today, very full details are given and all names are printed under the signatures. Following the introduction of compulsory registration in 1856, the entries for 1856-1859 asked for the religion of the parties. During the 1865-1880 period, little was recorded apart from the names of the bride and groom and the date of the marriage.

A fourth register recording the Calling of Banns was kept for the first 50 years. It has many interesting comments: banns denied as ‘he/she was already married’ or ‘because he had been transported for bigamy’.

When the present update is completed, the grand total of all the cards in this index will be approximately 34,000.

The index card transcriptions continue to be used when answering research queries and have been critical in preserving the original registers, which are an irreplaceable part of our heritage. The registers have also been microfilmed.

Further information about the registers is available on the parish website, follow the links from the Home Page: About Us – Our History – Information for family historians.

Left: The original stamped leather label on the first St James’ marriage register

Below: The names of the witnesses to the marriage of Percy Owen and Catherine Hervey on 14 July 1885 pose something of a challenge to the transcriber...


NEw pariSH COuNCilRector’s Warden: Beverley Simpson

Elected Wardens: James Balfour Richard Gillard

Elected Parish Councillors: Penelope Burton Christine Cheetham Robert Daley Daniel Ferguson Holly Raiche Michael Robinson

Rector’s Appointed Councillors: Christopher Brooks Christopher Waterhouse

Parish Nominators: Richard Cogswell Beverley Horsburgh Phillip Jones Mary Sanders Ian Westbrook

Synod Representatives: Tricia Blombery Holly Raiche

As part of approving the business plan and budgets for 2011/12 at its March meeting, the Parish Council endorsed the following priority goals. They are not listed in any order of priority since all are deemed important over the next 3-4 years. If you would like to have more information on any of these please contact the Rector, any of the wardens or the General Manager.

Encouraging a change to cultural spirituality – emphasising the personal journey integrated with that of the larger group (“What binds us together”).

Chaplaincy in the church – a team of retired clergy providing this ministry to visitors and locals who may want to connect a bit more deeply than sightseeing.

An additional full time priest – part time in 2011 and full time from 2013 to attend to the growing pastoral needs of the parish and of the city.

Chaplaincy to the city (from 2012) – incorporating the suggestions that have come out of the work undertaken by our consultant Toni Wren on developing a social ministry to our neighbours.

Further enhancements to delivery of effective communication and information – including a new Website and data base in 2011 .

Extending the reach of SJI through networking – with Charles Sturt and St Mark, St Paul St George, St Francis colleges and producing podcast and DVD recordings.

Yearly workshops for staff and for parish councillors to be outcomes focussed and purpose driven .

Extending and encouraging the Ministry of Music through worship and by offering concerts and recitals to the city.

implEmENTiNg THE STraTEgiC plaN: 2011–2014 priOriTiES

THOmaS-aNdrEw gENEral maNagEr

Further fostering of children’s ministry and extending it to the 11 am service and to teenagers.

Completion of the roof restoration and stonework and identified renovations in the crypt.

Selling Lindfield and purchasing a suitable third house in Inner West for third priest.

Ensuring resource allocation based on efficient and effective delivery of ministry while reaffirming sustainability for the longer term.

Strengthening the governance processes in the parish.

Reinvigorating stewardship ministry and developing additional avenues of funding.

Implementing a yearly maintenance and risk review as well as preventive maintenance programmes.

Undertaking a critical review of parish operations and especially the way funds are used and the basis for resource allocation.

The Rector, the Reverend Andrew Sempell, and Associate Professor Michael Horsburgh at the parish AGM


ST JamES’ iNSTiTuTE prOgram

wHy i STill rEad THE biblETuesday 10 May 2011 from 6.15pm-7.30pm

Ivan Head will talk through reading the Bible today as an activity that exposes us to ‘one big idea’ amongst the many ideas that compete for attention. As Isaiah Berlin, one of the great 20th century minds, said of an old parable, ‘the fox knows many things, but the hedgehog has one big idea’.

The Reverend Dr Ivan Head has been Warden of St Paul’s College for 15 years and has just marked 30 years as an Anglican priest. He holds a PhD from Glasgow University (1984) on the topic of Miracle Stories. He is a philosophy major from UWA and Melbourne University In keeping with his primary vocation he thinks of himself as a ‘generalist academic’ with wide interests. These cover questions of general history, poetry, art and aesthetics, theology and the history of ideas.

Cost: $32 ($16 full-time students & Centrelink pensioners) including refreshments

Venue: St James’ Hall, Level 1, 169 Phillip Street, Sydney

The provision of hospitality is an important mission of any church, but particularly here at St James’. We are very fortunate as parishioners that we have the chance to combine spirituality with socialising, which has led to the forming of many friendships (and marriages!) over the years. As one begins to form these connections it is often an overlooked matter that newcomers to our parish need to be welcomed too. Sometimes people come to St James’ alone, or without knowing how to connect to the “inner circles” of our parish and even though some may not wish to connect, there are some who do but just don’t know how to go about it. When you think about our stirring liturgy and sermons, the ever-inspiring music and the many extra opportunities for exploration such as The St James Institute and the Spiritual Formation Group, it’s no surprise that newcomers pass though our doors every day of the week.

The Rectory Repasts Plan is the idea of Andrew and Rosemary Sempell and is basically an open invitation to dinner or lunch at the Rectory.

The aim is to provide a relaxed and friendly location for groups of up to 20 people from the parish to meet and share a meal. Guests contribute by bringing along part of the meal to share with others (eg. nibbles, entrée, main meal dishes, desserts, cheese, chocolate, wine or any other specialty), or by offering assistance with setting up or cleaning up.

Parishioners are invited to select a convenient time from the following Repasts dates:

Anne Cogswell and Jessica McLiesh are the coordinators of the Repasts and can be contacted to find out more information, or to RSVP.

Anne Cogswell: 9810 2448 or [email protected]

Jessica McLiesh: 0419 612 015 or [email protected]

rECTOry rEpaSTS 2011

Saturday May 21 Dinner 6.00 for 6.30pm (RSVP May 15)

Saturday June 11 Dinner 6.00 for 6.30pm (RSVP June 5)

Sunday July 31 Lunch from 1pm onwards (RSVP July24)

Saturday August 20 Dinner 6.00 for 6.30pm (RSVP August 14)

Saturday September 17 Dinner 6.00 for 6.30pm (RSVP September 11)

Saturday October 22 Dinner 6.00 for 6.30pm (RSVP October 16)

Sunday November 20 Lunch from 1pm onwards (RSVP November 13)


During Holy Week this year, the Choir of St James’ will feature music by Spanish composer Tomás Luis de Victoria. Victoria died 400 years ago this year, and is rightly considered to be one of the greatest of all Renaissance composers. Born in Ávila, Spain, in 1548, he spent much of his childhood as a chorister in the cathedral choir where he studied with some of the great composers of the time. In the mid 1560s he was sent to the Jesuit Collegio Germanco in Rome, and went on to spend most of his working life there, initially as a singer, organist and teacher which in turn led him to the priesthood. In the 1580s he returned to Spain to work at the Monasterio de las Descalzes de S Clara in Madrid where he was chaplain to the Dowager Empress María, daughter of Charles V until her death in 1603.

Today, Victoria’s reputation largely rests on his Officium Hebdomadae Sanctae (music for Holy Week) of 1585 and Officium defunctorum (Requiem Mass) of 1605 written for the funeral of the Dowager Empress María. This collection of music for Holy Week was composed during his time in Rome, where Victoria would almost certainly have studied with Palestrina. It contains music written for Palm Sunday through to Holy Saturday, with the majority of the music devoted to the Easter Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, and particularly to the Tenebrae services traditionally held during the night. Victoria composed lamentations and responsaries for tenebrae each night, and our choir will be singing these Lamentations at Tenebrae on Good Friday evening as well as at the lunchtime concert on Wednesday in Holy Week. This concert will also feature a new commission by one of our own choristers, Joseph Twist. Joe is one of Australia’s leading young composers,

TENEbraE: a SpECial SErviCE fOr gOOd friday EvENiNgThe name Tenebræ (the Latin word for ‘darkness’ or ‘shadows’) has for centuries been applied to the ancient monastic night and early-morning services (Matins and Lauds) of the last three days of Holy Week, which in medieval times came to be celebrated on the preceding evenings.

Aside from the chant of the Lamentations (in which each verse is introduced by a letter of the Hebrew alphabet), the most conspicuous feature of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles and other lights in the church until a single candle, considered a symbol of our Lord, remains. Toward the end of the service this candle is hidden, typifying the apparent victory of the forces of evil. At the very end, a loud noise is made, symbolising the earthquake at the time of the resurrection (Matthew 28:2), the hidden candle is restored to its place, and by its light all depart in silence.

aNdrEJ kOuzNETSOv

and has written his own Lamentation of Jeremiah. Joe writes:

“It is an honour for a living composer to pay tribute to a significant musical forebear, particularly a composer whose musical contribution is so remarkable that his legacy is sustained 400 years following his death. Victoria’s Lamentations are so full of outstanding musical elements from which to draw inspiration, rich with wonderful arching phrases and ingenious part writing. As many 16th century composers paid homage to pre-existing music in a “Parody” or “Imitation” mass, I have endeavoured to adopt a similar technique in my own Lamentation of Jeremiah, literally quoting parts of Victoria’s Lamentations throughout. However as the work progresses it takes a further step - with hundreds of years of music since Victoria’s time, the incorporated Victoria is gradually juxtaposed and synthesised with musical language that borrows from 19th and 20th

centuries. Despite this, echoes of Victoria’s Lamentations are suffused throughout the work, particularly in the transitions between each section of the text as the sopranos softly reiterate the initial musical idea inspired by Victoria.”

The Choir of St James will perform the Lamentations by Victoria and Joseph Twist’s Lamentation of Jeremiah at 1:15pm on Wednesday 20 April. Entry by donation.

viCTOria wiTH a TwiST


continued on page 15

How would you like to experience the following:

Ū A swim in the Dead Sea, where it is impossible to sink.

Ū Viewing the nearby caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in the 1950s.

Ū Looking out on the wilderness where Jesus was tempted for forty days and forty nights, from Masada. Masada is the mountain peak where the Jewish Zealots who revolted against Roman rule in 66 AD fled, and where they, as the only means of escape from the surrounding Roman armies, committed mass suicide, every man, woman and child.

Ū A cruise on the Sea of Galilee stopping for a brief memorial service of the Lord’s crossing of the lake, in the “Jesus Boat”, a replica of the one in which he would have travelled.

Ū Casting your net as the disciples did who “wrought all night and caught nothing” – that is, until the Lord stepped in.

Ū Walking through the sublime Garden of Gethsemane with its 2000 year old olive trees where all is such peace now, in spite of the terrible betrayal which took place there on Maundy Thursday.

Ū A visit to the Church of the Annunciation at Nazareth on the site where the Angel of the Lord “brought tidings unto Mary” of her divine mission.

Ū Walking through the gardens where the shepherds “watched their flocks by night”. Listening to readings there of Jesus’ birth in the underground chapel in those gardens with its manger where he is supposed to have been born.

Ū Visiting the chapel at Capernaum where Jesus taught and preached; the Mount of Beatitudes from where he preached the “Sermon on

the Mount”, and walking on the lake shore below, believed to be the spot where he fed the 5000.

Ū Seeing the Holy Sepulchre where Jesus’ body is supposed to have been laid when brought down from the Cross?

Ū At the Garden Tomb joining a celebration of the Holy Communion with tour leader Fr. John presiding at an outdoor altar in Joseph of Arimathea’s garden beside one of the empty tombs where Jesus was believed buried. (Have a try at rolling away one of the stones which sealed those tombs and see what you think of the argument that the disciples overcame the Roman guards and then rolled away the stone! )

Ū Climbing the hundreds of steps of the magnificent amphitheatre at Caesarea on the coast where Herod, the Jewish puppet king installed by the Roman Emperor, built his palace. See the remains of

that palace and its indoor sea pool, and the hippodrome where chariot races were held. This was the place where Pontius Pilate later lived and from where he was summoned to Jerusalem to preside over Jesus’ trial.

If you do, why not sign up to join the tour in October being co-hosted by Fr John Spooner and Belinda Howell, a committee member of the St James Institute, who have both had previous experience of the planned tour. This is one of the activities of the Institute outlined in its programme for 2011, and it is proposed that similar tours will be planned in 2012 and onwards.

ST JamES’ iNSTiTuTE TOur Of THE HOly laNd

Belinda Howell at the Sea of Galilee

Caesarea


Here’s an opportunity to visit one of the projects supported by St James’ Outreach.

The amount of $2,791 has been committed for three years by the Outreach Committee to assist in the training of farmers in Masvingo in Zimbabwe. The project partner which is developing conservation farming is Christian Care, part of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches.

When asked if it would be convenient for a group of supporters to visit, Mr Addmore Makurna of Christian Care responded with an e-mail message, “Yipee! I’m so excited to be able to show what we have achieved with higher yields of crops and to introduce farming families who at last have food security. We are very keen to say thank you!”

The Tour will also visit Act for Peace Partners’ projects in Ethiopia and hear from the All Africa Conference of Churches in Nairobi, Kenya.

Visits to game parks, national parks, Victoria Falls, Lalibella’s rock hewn churches and ancient monasteries are also on the exciting agenda.

The itinerary is being finalised by World Expeditions specifically for Act for Peace and will be for 22 days with an estimated cost of $8,500. This includes airfares, internal transport, en suite accommodation in hotels and lodges as well as most

meals and entry fees. In addition, a tax-deductible gift of $1,000 is encouraged, and will be distributed to the project partners visited.

The tour will be led by Howard and Tricia Graham from the St James’ 7.45am service. If you would like to know more about the tour or to have a detailed itinerary, please see Howard after the 7.45 am service or call him at Act for Peace on 8259 0827 (Monday to Wednesday), e-mail: [email protected], or see Emma Halgren (11.00 am service) or call her at Act for Peace 8259 0828 (Thursday and Friday), e-mail: [email protected]

aCT fOr pEaCE afriCa STudy TOur/Safari

The tour begins with departure from Sydney airport on Saturday October 22 with arrival home on Wednesday November 2. The cost per person is $4750 AUD twin share.

Price includes: Round trip airfare Australia/ Israel return; airport assistance; English speaking tour guide in modern air-conditioned coaches; overnight accommodations in 3–4 star hotels with meals (breakfasts -

dinners) where indicated; all entrance fees; Sea of Galilee boat expenses.

But as they say: Wait!! There is more!

A 7 day Pre-Tour Syrian/ Jordan option, commencing on Sunday October 16, is available, which finishes in Tel Aviv on the day the main tour of Israel (above) begins. One of the most exciting items of this pre tour is travelling the ancient Desert Highway to magnificent Petra

the ancient capital of the Edomites.

The extra cost for the pre tour is

$1490. For full details, including how

to make bookings , collect a copy of

the tour brochure available at the

church.

Fr John Spooner would be happy

to elaborate on any aspects of the

overall tour; phone 9144 7499 or email

[email protected]

TOur Of THE HOly laNd continued


SydNEy uNivErSiTy graduaTE CHOir prESENTS TwO wOrkS Of gOETHE SET TO muSiC:

Die Erste Walpurgisnacht, Mendelssohn

Meerestille und Glückliche Fahrt, Beethoven

Sunday 1st May, 3pm The Great Hall, Sydney University

Christopher Bowen, Music Director

Tickets: $40 (Adults), $20 (Students, Children)

As a member I have tickets at $38. If interested, please phone me on 9743 3574. –Annette Lemercier

NExT EdiTiONThe next edition of Parish Connections will be published on Friday 6 May – all contributions to the office by Friday 29 April, please.

milestonesbapTiSmSAlexis Indie Burton Monahan ..............6 MarchJack Ingle Castles .....................................26 March

wEddiNgSAdrian Hobbs & Natalie Jenkins .........6 March

fuNEralSLouis Sammut ...........................................17 March

st James’ eats Why not come and be part of the next St James’ Eats – NEPALESE

“The Himalayan Char Grill” 41 Glebe Point Road, Glebe

Friday 3 June, 7.00pm (Put the date in your diary NOW)

Cost will be $33.00pp which includes corkage and tip. Pre-payment will secure your booking.

It is a great opportunity to meet fellow parishioners from all services.

Please contact Chris Cheetham for bookings on [email protected] or 0407 017 377

7.00pm Saturday 9 April 3.00pm Sunday 10 April

Requiem (Mozart)Lux Aeterna (Lauridsen)

The Choir of Christ Church St Laurence & St Laurence Orchestra

CHRIST CHURCH ST LAURENCE812 George Street, Railway Square www.ccsl.org.auLENTEN CONCERT 2011

Tickets: $45 / $35Bookings: (02) 9211 0560 or at the door Director: Neil McEwan


CHOir Of ST JamES’The Choir of St James’ continues to offer inspiring choral music of the highest standards. Here is their music list for this month:

SUNDAY 3 APRIL

11:00am – CHOral EuCHariSTMass setting: Palestrina – Missa ‘aeterna Christi munera’Motet: Crequillon – Pater peccavi

WEDNESDAY 6 APRIL

6:15pm – CHOral EvENSONgResponses: AylewardCanticles: Tallis – Short serviceAnthem: Chilcott – ‘God so loved the world’

SUNDAY 10 APRIL

11:00am – CHOral EuCHariSTMass setting: Byrd – Mass for four voicesMotet: Duarte Lobo – Pater peccavi

WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL

6:15pm – CHOral EvENSONgResponses: PlainsongCanticles: Morley – Evening Service (faux bourdon)Anthem: Morley – Nolo mortem peccatoris

SUNDAY 17 APRIL

10:00am – CHOral EuCHariST wiTH prOCESSiON Of palmSMass setting: Frank Martin – Mass for double choirMotet: Gibbons – ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’

THURSDAY 21 APRIL

6:30pm – CHOral EuCHariST wiTH fOOTwaSHiNgMass setting: Walton – Missa brevisMotet: Bruckner – Christus factus est

FRIDAY 22 APRIL

12:00 NOON – THE SOlEmN liTurgy Of THE lOrd’S dEaTHMusic by: Victoria, Lotti and Chilcott

FRIDAY 22 APRIL

7:30pm – TENEbraEMusic by: Victoria and Twist

muSiC @ ST JamES’ iN april

wEdNESday luNCHTimE CONCErTS Experience the peaceful atmosphere of Sydney’s oldest church as it is filled with music every Wednesday lunchtime between 1:15 and 1:45. A suggested donation of $5 helps us cover the costs of putting on the concerts.

WEDNESDAY 6 APRIL

viCTOria JaCONO – viOliN giuSEppE zaNgari - guiTar

WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL

dEviENNE QuarTET

WEDNESDAY 20 APRIL

THE CHOir Of ST JamES’

WEDNESDAY 27 APRIL

raN CHambEr ENSEmblE

WEDNESDAY 4 MAY

CHambEr playErS frOm THE SydNEy SympHONy play muSiC fOr braSS ENSEmblE

SUNDAY 24 APRIL

5:00am – EaSTEr vigil wiTH prOCESSiONMass setting: Dove – Missa brevisMotet: Byrd – Haec dies

SUNDAY 24 APRIL

11:00am – CHOral EuCHariST wiTH prOCESSiONIntroit: Gabrieli – Maria stabat ad monumentumMass setting: Dove – Missa brevisMotet: Byrd – Haec dies

For more details of all Music @ St James’ please visit www.sjks.org.au.

st James’ singersThe St James’ Singers, our new parish choir, is looking for new choristers to supplement their ranks. Tenors and basses are particularly welcome! The choir leads the singing at the 9am Sung Eucharist on a fortnightly basis, singing the psalm and communion motet.

If you miss singing in a choir, used to sing in a choir, have past experiences in choral singing or are new to choral music and want to learn about choral singing within a liturgical context, this is the perfect opportunity for you! Please send your expression of interest to Warren at [email protected] or phone him on 8227 1306.

THE pariSH OffiCEpHONE

faxwEbSiTE

OffiCE E-mail

Level 1, 169-171 Phillip Street, Sydney, NSW 20008227 13009232 [email protected]

rECTOr The Reverend Andrew Sempell 8227 1303 (m 0419 018 225)

aSSOCiaTE rECTOr The Reverend John Stewart 8227 1304 (AH 9410 3077)

aSSiSTaNT priEST The Reverend Andrew Bowyer 8227 1305

dirECTOr Of ST JamES’ iNSTiTuTE Robert Head 8227 1312

gENEral maNagEr Thomas-Andrew Baxter 8227 1311

SECrETary/OffiCE admiNiSTraTOr Dianne Ward 8227 1300

aCCOuNTaNT Michelle Chan 8227 1302

HEad Of muSiC Warren Trevelyan-Jones 8227 1306

OrgaNiSTS Anthony HuntChris Cartner 8227 1300

rObErT bluNdEN OrgaN SCHOlar Frank Tamsitt 8227 1300

vErgEr Robert Head 8227 1312

aSSiSTaNT vErgEr Graeme Reid 0412 295 678

CHildrEN’S miNiSTry COOrdiNaTOrS Bronwen Cartwright and John Wiltshire 8227 1300

HONOrary aSSOCiaTE ClErgy

Bishop Ken Mason, the Reverend John Deane, the Reverend Dr John Beer, the Reverend Ron Henderson, the Reverend John Spooner

8227 1300

rECTOr’S wardEN Beverley Simpson 9362 9440

pEOplE’S wardEN Richard Gillard 9955 3597

pEOplE’S wardEN James Balfour 9880 7803

HEad SErvEr Richard Gillard 9955 3597

diOCESaN rEadEr Michael Horsburgh 9660 5396

pariSH rEadEr Paul Lee 8227 1300

HONOrary arCHiviST Rosemary Annable 8227 1300

ST JamES’ NETwOrkErS Chris Cheetham 0407 017 377

Sr frEda COOrdiNaTOrS David and Robyn Carver 9817 5685

HEad SidESpErSON Daniel Ferguson 9745 3959

bEll TOwEr CapTaiN Chris Palmer 9331 4642

HEaliNg – guild Of ST rapHaEl Nanette Danks 9428 3920

CONSErvaTiON appEal COmmiTTEE Fiona Balfour [email protected]

pariSH dirECTOry

wHO’S wHO aNd HOw TO CONTaCT THEm

As Sydney’s oldest church, St James’ is a place of soul-stirring worship, challenging preaching and fine music. We are a progressive community that welcomes all people regardless of age, race, sexual orientation or religion.

St James’ Anglican Church 173 King St Sydney

(opposite Hyde Park Barracks) For more information visit

www.sjks.org.au or call 8227 1300

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