50-year mark for St Margaret’s
FOR 50 years, St Margaret’s Anglican Church has been a spiritual rock for the people of west Cairns.
Though faces of the parishioners may have changed and priests have come and gone, the A-framed building with thousands of stones set into the street-facing feature wall has remained constant.
Parishioner for more than 20 years Patty Davie said the first visitors were families living in the area, but over the years, that had changed.
“That demographic has moved further west and it’s more multidensity, flats and units here now,” she said.
Mrs Davie said she first became involved with the church in a very atypical way.
“Our daughter decided to join her high school friends and come to Sunday school here and we had been Methodists prior to that, so we came over for the social contact and have been very happy to stay.
“We have got some lovely memories in the time we have been involved,” she said.
The foundation stone of the church was laid in 1959, al though the consecration of the church didn’t take place until 1969.
St Margaret’s was originally built as an extension of the Cairns Anglican family, but it had always had a welcoming philosophy to the whole community, Mrs Davie said.
Throughout the 50 years, it had been a gathering place for families at weddings, baptisms, confirmations, funerals, garden parties, playgroups, concerts, indoor bowls, worship services, Sunday school and Mothers’ Union.
Parishioners had also provided religious education at local schools, visited hospitals and nursing homes, made prayer quilts and operated a thrift shop, Maggies.
When homeless youngsters needed help, St Margaret’s stepped in with practical assistance, Mrs Davie said.
“Parishioners took the initiative to develop suitable accommodation – St Margaret’s Shelter for girls and St John’s Home for the boys.”
Tomorrow, the congregation will formally celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the consecration with a special service, followed by a light meal.
“We have got people coming from near and far that have been associated with the church. Parishioners that have moved away are coming to remember old friends and good times,” Mrs Davie said.
“We welcome anybody who feels inclined to come and join us.” The service begins at 3pm tomorrow at St Margaret’s Anglican Church, 230 Aumuller St, Westcourt. For further information about St Margaret’s, call 0476 548 649 or email enquiries@stmargarets.org.au.