Centenary of ANZAC Day Commemorations
CRESWICK 1915
Ecumenical Service
CRESWICK 1915
Ecumenical Service
Welcome to Country
Introduction
We have gathered around this memorial to remember all those from this community who were caught up in the courageous but tragic events of the First World War. Today, we remember especially the first landing at Gallipoli and the centenary of those events. We remember those who were killed in action, or by disease, the bereaved, the lost, the families which were shattered, the wounded, maimed and injured, those who held in silence unspeakable memories of warfare.
As we remember those who fought and those who remained anxiously at home in this community, let us pray that God will heal all memories, speak a word of peace, and bring us his healing.
Hymn: O God, our help in ages past
Gathering Prayer for ANZAC Day
God of Love and Liberty, we bring our thanks today for the peace and security we enjoy. We remember those who in time of wasr faithfuly served their country. We pray for ther families, and for ourselves whose freedom was won at such a cost. Make us a people zealous for peace, and hasten the day when nation shallnot lift up sword against nation neither learn war anymore. This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life for the sake of the world: Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen
Reading of excerpt from WWI Correspondence.
Pastor Graham Laidlow
30 March 1917: Writing from France to his parents at North Creswick, Private W. Parkes says:
"Once again we are back in billets after spending some weeks up in the forward area. We first did a few weeks work behind the lines, and then spent eight miserable days in the trenches. Ray and I were headquarters runners and had a fairly decent dug out for the two of us. The great trails to be endured up there now are cold and mud, especially the latter. Duck boards have been laid quite close up to the trenches, and even in the trenches, but still in places there is two feet of mud covering the boards. Gum boots which are issued are a great boon. I fancy you'd almost weep to see the once smart and neatly uniformed Australian soldier plodding wearily from the trenches, mud from top to toe, and with faces unwashed and unshaven from many days; but hot food, a hot bath, clean clothes and a sleep in a warm bed soon help one to recover, and few hours' work soon removes the mud. Casualties are light up in the line just now. Both sides I guess are busy preparing for spring. We look forward to the new offensive, if not with the same eagerness as we awaited the offensive last year, then at least with a more sure hope that it will bring the end we all hope for. I think I told you how I spent Xmas, and the New Year went by whilst we were in the same place; jollification was practically impossible. We have had very cold weather since coming out. A few days ago we had about 6 inches of snow, which is still lying about. I saw Gordon Spittle a few weeks ago and had a decent yarn to him. I also saw "Pitt" Bowley and I passed J. Anderson and J. Harris, both of whom have commissions, but did not have a chance to speak to them. Ray and I were attached to a light railway corps for a few weeks recently, but had to come back to the machine gun company to go to the trenches. We may go there again later. We are busy now cleaning up the gun gear and timbers, and of course I can't say what our next move will be. What with the coal strike etc. back home, it is hard to understand what Australia is thinking about just now. Have the people of Australia lost their mental equilibrium?"
Gentle as Silence - The Choir
Collect for ANZAC Day
Angeline Treacey, Roman Catholic Parish of Creswick and Daylesford
O God, our ruler and guide, in whose hands are the destinies of this and every nation, we give you thanks for the freedom we enjoy in this land and for those who laid down their lives to defend them. We pray that we and all the people of Australia, gratefully remembering their courage and sacrifice, may have grace to live in a spirit of justice, of generosity and of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Ministry of the Word
Micah 4: 1-4
Mr Bob Orr of the Uniting Church Parish, Creswick
It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised up above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it, and many nations shall come , and say: "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and we may walk in his paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between many peoples, and shall decide for strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore; but they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and none shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
John 15: 9-17
Mrs Beth Rule of the Anglican Church Parish of Springmount
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my live. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. greater love has no man than this, that a man lay sown his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, be may give it to you. This I command you, to love one another.
This is the word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Address
The Rev'd Ryan Bennett, Anglican Parish of Springmount
Navy Hymn - Eternal Father, strong to save
Reading of excerpt from WWI Correspondence
Lt Alan Morris RAN Rtd., President of Creswick-Smeaton RSL
23 December 1915: Mrs C. Porter and family receive a letter of acknowledgment from Alf E. Weymouth, who had a billy-can of Christmas cheer sent by the Porter Family handed to him in Egypt. He wrote as follows:
"Many thanks for your great kindness in sending the billy-can of Christmas gifts, which was issued to me yesterday. Should you have heard the many expressions of pleasure and the merriment among the men as they produced the articles one by one from their respective billies, I am sure you would have felt quite repaid for all the trouble and expense you went to - to send such a useful assortment of things. It was truly wonderful how much you got into the cans! We have been engaged at Gallipoli Peninsula since the commencement of hostilities and only left there a few days ago. It is a pleasant change to be away from the guns, if only for a few days. At the present time, I am on a large transport steamer. We are longing for the day when peace is once more established and we can return to good old Australia again. Wishing you all a prosperous New year and the greatest happiness it can bring."
Alfred Weymouth came from Tasmania and enlisted four days after World War 1 was declared. He served at ANZAC Cove and in France, was awarded the Military medal in 1917 and survived the war.
Prayers of the People
Concluding with The Lord's Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever.
Amen.
Hymn - The Lord is my Shepard
Reading of excerpt from WWI Correspondence
Cr. Kate Redwood, Mayor of the shire of Hepburn
7 May 1915: Lady Peacock receives a letter from Heliopolis written by Private W.A.E. (Tom)Arnold, a son of the Reverend J. W. Arnold, formerly of Creswick, who writes:
"It was first intended that our brigade should remain here over the summer, but I very much doubt if we shall remain here much longer. Men are needed at the Dardanelles, and already some of the Light Horse from here have abandoned their horses and gone as infantry. They offered to give up their horses and go at once - once they had seen our wounded in the hospital here. I spent all of Wednesday in the operating theatre. Our boys are wonderfully cheerful. One chap who lost his right eye said he'd better not go to anymore football matches, as people would say he had a one-eyed view. I was talking to a wounded machine-gun man who said that some Australians he was with rushed a Turkish trench, and the officer jumped in and shot down Turks with his revolver. The men followed him and most of the Turks were wiped out. One Australian was wounded, and his great wish was that Mr Bean should have been there to see his six bob a day tourists! Most wounded I have spoken to express a wish to get back to the fighting line at once. Some are already on their way back. Some regiments of our brigade were asked if they would remain here for an indefinite period, or go to the front as infantry, and they have all replied in the affirmative. I would rather go to the front right way and, if our corps is asked, everyone is sure to volunteer. Of course we would not have nearly such a bad time as the poor beggars who had to enforce a landing. Many of them were shot before they left the boats and in some of the rowing boats every man was killed. They will be further inbound now so that will give us a chance to establish a hospital."
The Commitment to Peace
Let us pledge ourselves today to live as good neighbours, to honour the past, to care for all who are in need, and to live at peace among ourselves and with all people.
Lord God, Father of all,
we pledge ourselves
to serve you and this neighbourhood,
to bring relief to all who are in need,
and comfort to the sad, lonely, and distressed;
Keep us ever mindful of the struggles
and achievements of former generations,
and of this place where we make our home,
now, and in the days to come. Amen.
Strengthen our hearts, and hands, and minds, O Lord,
to work together for peace;
to see you in one another;
and to seek your kingdom above all things;
that your will may be seen to be done
and your kingdom come,
through Jesus Christ,
the Lord of lords and King of kings. Amen.
Reading of excerpt from WWI Correspondence
Mr Andrew Greenwood, son of Pte George Greenwood who landed at Gallipoli on the morning of 25 April 1915
21 December 1915: In sending festive greetings to this relatives at Creswick, from the Island of Lemnos, Sergeant Dan G Toohey wrote his letter on a piece on khaki fabric, accompanied by the following verse:
To my lover ones and pals in the land of the free,
I greet you this season on a strip of khaki,
It's no gilt-edges card from a sweet perfumed pocket,
But is torn from the back of my old khaki jacket
Which has sheltered me long through the calm and the storm,
Thorough danger I've been, but not come to much harm.
The time may be long ere I cross the deep sea,
And home in Australia my old friends will see;
So just a reminder to let you all see
Through away at Gallipoli we still think of thee.
The Ode to the Fallen
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
We will remember them.
Lest we forget
The National Anthem
Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are young and free;
We've golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in nature's gifts
Of beauty rich and rare;
In history's page, let every stage
Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.
Beneath our radiant Southern Cross
We'll toil with hearts and hands;
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands;
For those who've come across the seas
We've boundless plains to share;
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.
The Blessing
God grant to the living grace,
the departed rest,
the Church, the Queen,
the Commonwealth and all the world, peace and concord;
and the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
Recessional Hymn
God gives us a future
Daring us to go
Into dreams and dangers
On a path unknown
We will face tomorrow
In the Spirit's power
We will let God change us
For new life starts now
We must leave behind us
Sins of yesterday,
For God’s new beginning
Is a better way.
Fear and doubt and habit
Must not hold us back:
God gives hope, and insight,
And the strength we lack.
Holy Spirit teach us,
How to read the signs,
How to meet the challenge
Of our troubled times.
Love us into action,
Stir us into prayer,
Till we choose God’s life, and
Find our future here.
End of Service
Introduction
We have gathered around this memorial to remember all those from this community who were caught up in the courageous but tragic events of the First World War. Today, we remember especially the first landing at Gallipoli and the centenary of those events. We remember those who were killed in action, or by disease, the bereaved, the lost, the families which were shattered, the wounded, maimed and injured, those who held in silence unspeakable memories of warfare.
As we remember those who fought and those who remained anxiously at home in this community, let us pray that God will heal all memories, speak a word of peace, and bring us his healing.
Hymn: O God, our help in ages past
Gathering Prayer for ANZAC Day
God of Love and Liberty, we bring our thanks today for the peace and security we enjoy. We remember those who in time of wasr faithfuly served their country. We pray for ther families, and for ourselves whose freedom was won at such a cost. Make us a people zealous for peace, and hasten the day when nation shallnot lift up sword against nation neither learn war anymore. This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life for the sake of the world: Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen
Reading of excerpt from WWI Correspondence.
Pastor Graham Laidlow
30 March 1917: Writing from France to his parents at North Creswick, Private W. Parkes says:
"Once again we are back in billets after spending some weeks up in the forward area. We first did a few weeks work behind the lines, and then spent eight miserable days in the trenches. Ray and I were headquarters runners and had a fairly decent dug out for the two of us. The great trails to be endured up there now are cold and mud, especially the latter. Duck boards have been laid quite close up to the trenches, and even in the trenches, but still in places there is two feet of mud covering the boards. Gum boots which are issued are a great boon. I fancy you'd almost weep to see the once smart and neatly uniformed Australian soldier plodding wearily from the trenches, mud from top to toe, and with faces unwashed and unshaven from many days; but hot food, a hot bath, clean clothes and a sleep in a warm bed soon help one to recover, and few hours' work soon removes the mud. Casualties are light up in the line just now. Both sides I guess are busy preparing for spring. We look forward to the new offensive, if not with the same eagerness as we awaited the offensive last year, then at least with a more sure hope that it will bring the end we all hope for. I think I told you how I spent Xmas, and the New Year went by whilst we were in the same place; jollification was practically impossible. We have had very cold weather since coming out. A few days ago we had about 6 inches of snow, which is still lying about. I saw Gordon Spittle a few weeks ago and had a decent yarn to him. I also saw "Pitt" Bowley and I passed J. Anderson and J. Harris, both of whom have commissions, but did not have a chance to speak to them. Ray and I were attached to a light railway corps for a few weeks recently, but had to come back to the machine gun company to go to the trenches. We may go there again later. We are busy now cleaning up the gun gear and timbers, and of course I can't say what our next move will be. What with the coal strike etc. back home, it is hard to understand what Australia is thinking about just now. Have the people of Australia lost their mental equilibrium?"
Gentle as Silence - The Choir
Collect for ANZAC Day
Angeline Treacey, Roman Catholic Parish of Creswick and Daylesford
O God, our ruler and guide, in whose hands are the destinies of this and every nation, we give you thanks for the freedom we enjoy in this land and for those who laid down their lives to defend them. We pray that we and all the people of Australia, gratefully remembering their courage and sacrifice, may have grace to live in a spirit of justice, of generosity and of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Ministry of the Word
Micah 4: 1-4
Mr Bob Orr of the Uniting Church Parish, Creswick
It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised up above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it, and many nations shall come , and say: "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and we may walk in his paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between many peoples, and shall decide for strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore; but they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and none shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
John 15: 9-17
Mrs Beth Rule of the Anglican Church Parish of Springmount
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my live. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. greater love has no man than this, that a man lay sown his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, be may give it to you. This I command you, to love one another.
This is the word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Address
The Rev'd Ryan Bennett, Anglican Parish of Springmount
Navy Hymn - Eternal Father, strong to save
Reading of excerpt from WWI Correspondence
Lt Alan Morris RAN Rtd., President of Creswick-Smeaton RSL
23 December 1915: Mrs C. Porter and family receive a letter of acknowledgment from Alf E. Weymouth, who had a billy-can of Christmas cheer sent by the Porter Family handed to him in Egypt. He wrote as follows:
"Many thanks for your great kindness in sending the billy-can of Christmas gifts, which was issued to me yesterday. Should you have heard the many expressions of pleasure and the merriment among the men as they produced the articles one by one from their respective billies, I am sure you would have felt quite repaid for all the trouble and expense you went to - to send such a useful assortment of things. It was truly wonderful how much you got into the cans! We have been engaged at Gallipoli Peninsula since the commencement of hostilities and only left there a few days ago. It is a pleasant change to be away from the guns, if only for a few days. At the present time, I am on a large transport steamer. We are longing for the day when peace is once more established and we can return to good old Australia again. Wishing you all a prosperous New year and the greatest happiness it can bring."
Alfred Weymouth came from Tasmania and enlisted four days after World War 1 was declared. He served at ANZAC Cove and in France, was awarded the Military medal in 1917 and survived the war.
Prayers of the People
Concluding with The Lord's Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever.
Amen.
Hymn - The Lord is my Shepard
Reading of excerpt from WWI Correspondence
Cr. Kate Redwood, Mayor of the shire of Hepburn
7 May 1915: Lady Peacock receives a letter from Heliopolis written by Private W.A.E. (Tom)Arnold, a son of the Reverend J. W. Arnold, formerly of Creswick, who writes:
"It was first intended that our brigade should remain here over the summer, but I very much doubt if we shall remain here much longer. Men are needed at the Dardanelles, and already some of the Light Horse from here have abandoned their horses and gone as infantry. They offered to give up their horses and go at once - once they had seen our wounded in the hospital here. I spent all of Wednesday in the operating theatre. Our boys are wonderfully cheerful. One chap who lost his right eye said he'd better not go to anymore football matches, as people would say he had a one-eyed view. I was talking to a wounded machine-gun man who said that some Australians he was with rushed a Turkish trench, and the officer jumped in and shot down Turks with his revolver. The men followed him and most of the Turks were wiped out. One Australian was wounded, and his great wish was that Mr Bean should have been there to see his six bob a day tourists! Most wounded I have spoken to express a wish to get back to the fighting line at once. Some are already on their way back. Some regiments of our brigade were asked if they would remain here for an indefinite period, or go to the front as infantry, and they have all replied in the affirmative. I would rather go to the front right way and, if our corps is asked, everyone is sure to volunteer. Of course we would not have nearly such a bad time as the poor beggars who had to enforce a landing. Many of them were shot before they left the boats and in some of the rowing boats every man was killed. They will be further inbound now so that will give us a chance to establish a hospital."
The Commitment to Peace
Let us pledge ourselves today to live as good neighbours, to honour the past, to care for all who are in need, and to live at peace among ourselves and with all people.
Lord God, Father of all,
we pledge ourselves
to serve you and this neighbourhood,
to bring relief to all who are in need,
and comfort to the sad, lonely, and distressed;
Keep us ever mindful of the struggles
and achievements of former generations,
and of this place where we make our home,
now, and in the days to come. Amen.
Strengthen our hearts, and hands, and minds, O Lord,
to work together for peace;
to see you in one another;
and to seek your kingdom above all things;
that your will may be seen to be done
and your kingdom come,
through Jesus Christ,
the Lord of lords and King of kings. Amen.
Reading of excerpt from WWI Correspondence
Mr Andrew Greenwood, son of Pte George Greenwood who landed at Gallipoli on the morning of 25 April 1915
21 December 1915: In sending festive greetings to this relatives at Creswick, from the Island of Lemnos, Sergeant Dan G Toohey wrote his letter on a piece on khaki fabric, accompanied by the following verse:
To my lover ones and pals in the land of the free,
I greet you this season on a strip of khaki,
It's no gilt-edges card from a sweet perfumed pocket,
But is torn from the back of my old khaki jacket
Which has sheltered me long through the calm and the storm,
Thorough danger I've been, but not come to much harm.
The time may be long ere I cross the deep sea,
And home in Australia my old friends will see;
So just a reminder to let you all see
Through away at Gallipoli we still think of thee.
The Ode to the Fallen
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
We will remember them.
Lest we forget
The National Anthem
Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are young and free;
We've golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in nature's gifts
Of beauty rich and rare;
In history's page, let every stage
Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.
Beneath our radiant Southern Cross
We'll toil with hearts and hands;
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands;
For those who've come across the seas
We've boundless plains to share;
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.
The Blessing
God grant to the living grace,
the departed rest,
the Church, the Queen,
the Commonwealth and all the world, peace and concord;
and the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
Recessional Hymn
God gives us a future
Daring us to go
Into dreams and dangers
On a path unknown
We will face tomorrow
In the Spirit's power
We will let God change us
For new life starts now
We must leave behind us
Sins of yesterday,
For God’s new beginning
Is a better way.
Fear and doubt and habit
Must not hold us back:
God gives hope, and insight,
And the strength we lack.
Holy Spirit teach us,
How to read the signs,
How to meet the challenge
Of our troubled times.
Love us into action,
Stir us into prayer,
Till we choose God’s life, and
Find our future here.
End of Service
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