Moss Vale historic church celebrates 180 years

One of Moss Vale’s most historic churches, Christ Church Bong Bong, officially celebrated its 180th birthday yesterday with a commemorative service, light lunch and official cake-cutting afterwards.

By Antony Dubber

Christ Church Bong Bong at the entry to Moss Vale commemorated its 180th birthday yesterday. (Photo: Antony Dubber)

One of Moss Vale’s most historic churches, Christ Church Bong Bong, officially celebrated its 180th birthday yesterday with a commemorative service, light lunch and official cake-cutting afterwards.

The cake was cut by a current descendant of the Throsby family, Moana Throsby.

This service was the final event that concluded a month of special talks, tours of the historic house, Throsby Park, a special carol service and talks on the women who helped shape the Throsby family legacy and contributed to the life of the church, too.

Moss Vale Anglican Parish pastor, Reverend Dean Reilly led the commemorative service and gave a short address about Australia’s history over the past 180 years, and how church, community and family have worked together to make the church last so long.

“One hundred and eighty years ago was when explorer Charles Sturt entered the Simpson Desert in hope of finding an ‘inland sea’; the NSW Legislative Assembly founded a committee to assist in the welfare of indigenous people; and Australia experienced its largest maritime civilian disaster on August 4, 1845 – the ‘Cataraqui’ was wrecked off the coast of King Island in the Bass Strait with 409 people on board, 400 of whom died,” Rev. Reilly told the congregation.

“Also 180 years ago, this church building was opened, and a lot has changed in that period of time. We’ve had the Gold Rush, Federation, World War 1, Charles Kingsford Smith crossing the Pacific, Don Bradman scoring his first century, the establishment of QANTAS, the Great Depression, and much more.

“Through all the ups and downs, positives and negatives, these three elements of church, family and community have provided a solid foundation to society.”

Church Warden Mandy Condon also paid tribute to the Throsby family and thanked everyone for coming.

“Today has been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people who have praised God here at Christ Church over the last 180 years,” she said.

“My fellow warden Sue Renton and I would like to thank everyone for their support and involvement in our events over the past month.”

She also read out an apology from Member for Goulburn, Wendy Tuckerman who unfortunately was unable to attend the service.

“Christ Church was built in 1845 on land gifted by Charles Throsby and is the oldest church between Cobbitty and Canberra and one of the last remaining links to the original township of Bong Bong,” Mrs. Tuckerman wrote.

“It’s beautifully preserved interior, historic organ, stained glass windows and cemetery reflect the story of the Throsby family, early settlers and the pioneering community who helped shape the Southern Highlands.

“We acknowledge the clergy, wardens, Parish Council and congregation past and present for their dedication in preserving this cherished place of worship and local heritage.”

Ms. Condon told the congregation present that she thought that was a lovely apology message from Mrs. Tuckerman.

“We feel grateful for everyone’s attempts today, particularly the Throsby family – especially Moana for all her organisation as well – to our local councillor Tess Duffy, former mayor David Wood and his family, and especially Sally Darling, who has worked tirelessly for this church as a warden and parishioner.”

Bong Bong Church wardens Mandy Condon (left) and Sue Renton cut the 180th commemorative cake with Throsby family descendant, Moana Throsby, whilst Moss Vale Anglican Parish pastor Reverend Dean Reilly (at rear) and service attendees look on. (Photo: Antony Dubber)