The early contribution of the Christian Churches to Victoria
1. The Church pioneered all social welfare across Melbourne. Initially governments did not consider these were state issues. A large network of charitable organisations, covering groups as varied as free medical clinics for the poor, migrant homes, orphanages, care for the blind, aged and mentally ill.
These included:, Caroline Chisholm and Wesleyan Migrant Homes, the Benevolent Society, Society for the Protection of Women and Children, RSPCA, etc
The Methodist Home for Children (on the current location of Westfield Southland) cared for children from 1859 to 1952. The Church began the "Benevolent Fund" for emergency aid for the poor, now financed by the government.
2. The Church pioneered education in Melbourne Church schools preceded state schools, and were larger until State Aid was abolished in 1872.
Varied educational institutions, such as primary and secondary schools, university colleges, technical colleges like William Angliss, Emily McPherson and the Workers College (now R.M.I.T.), free kindergartens, teachers colleges, libraries, the Mechanics Institutes and Mutual Improvement Societies were all set up by Churches.
3. The first hospitals were established by the Church, Christian citizens and religious orders.This includes many of the major hospitals, e.g. Royal Women's Hospital, the Homeopathic Hospital, Austin Hospital, Epworth, Queen Victoria (which started in a Church Sunday school hall. Now amalgamated with Prince Henry's to become Monash Medical Centre), as well as hospitals still provided by the Church – St Vincent's, Mercy, St John of God, Bethesda, Cabrini
4. Ministers and priests gave civic leadership across a wide range of community organisations. Mechanics Institutes was begun in Scots Church by Christians to provide education and training for workers across Victoria. Many Christians provided funding and leadership in sports, musical and cultural clubs.
5. Christians took the lead in dealing with issues such as housing. Charles Strong was involved in lobbying for low-cost housing, and was actually involved in providing it, as was Os Barnett. Strong became an early member of the Housing Commission.
6. "The Argus" and "The Age"- were founded by active Christians and had leading clergy as writers.
7. Churches made a major contribution to music in Melbourne through their choirs
8. Christian volunteers and orders provided free workers for vital community support
Religious congregations and orders provided skilled staff for schools, homes and various charities run by the Roman Catholic Church. Similarly there were sisterhoods and deaconesses working among Protestant groups.
9. Victoria's tradition of philanthropic gifts and foundations owe much to the generosity and vision of church members and adherents. Victoria still provides a major part of such trust income for Australia.
10. Overseas aid and development organisations like World Vision and CAA were Christian initiatives.
11. Members of Churches played a central role in establishing the community standards of business and professional ethics, a tradition of public and community service and integrity in government and governance.
12. The Churches played a vital part in the socialisation of youth, establishing boundaries of decency and fair conditions of employment
Clergy and Christians were leaders in the early union movement and support of workers rights. The work ethic, which is often derided, has actually played an important role in Melbourne's prosperity. It owes much to the teaching of the Churches on the dignity of work.
13. The foundations of Australian Law and Government are based on the Bible and Christian teaching
These are distinctive, and contrast with the teachings of other religions and the secular humanist philosophies
14. Church members have played a huge role in giving the uniquely Christian character to our civic life and community
(One only has to live in countries overseas to see how vital this is.) Similarly, the Churches played some role in establishing the religious freedom and liberty of conscience, which are so vital for a democratic society.
Australian historian Geoffrey Blainey wrote ("The Story of Victoria" 1984 Methuen Haines):
"In the 1860s Victoria went through a religious awakening. This wild, rush about, brawling society of the 1850s almost knelt in the aisles in the 1860s." (page 112)
"From the late 1850s to perhaps 1890 .. probably four out of every five Victorians attended church with some regularity. ¡K Christianity flavoured the views of those who rarely attended church." (page 113)
"The churches strengthened society in many ways. They encouraged the sense of responsibility. …. The churches were foremost in providing education, though in part they were educational agents of the state. Churches gave some other services now provided by the welfare state. The priests and parsons were the busiest social workers; they visited the sick and lonely, and soothed the dying. Many churches provided relief to the poor, to the bewildered immigrant who had just landed, and to the sailor. …. Many social movements which at first seem to lie outside the churches gained impetus from versions of Christianity. The dynamic trade unionist, William Guthrie Spence, was partly an evangelist.." (page 116)
"The churches from the gold-rushes onwards, made Victoria rather a distinctive society compared to England and most of the other Australian colonies. The non-conformists and other evangelicals were especially strong here, and their views flavoured social-life, politics, work and business." (page 120)
This is just the start of outlining the Christian history of our city. Research has begun into the enormous contribution of the Church to social welfare and community life in Melbourne today.
People and resources are needed to complete this vital task so we can rightly protect the unique position of the church in Melbourne. In March 2002 this unique position is under serious threat.
Rob Isaachsen – Melbourne Pastors Network March 2002
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