We saved the Pebble Church
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NORTH CENTRAL NEWS , 16th December 2020.
The successful settlement of the Pebble church occurred on Friday 27th of November 2020 and the ecstatic new custodians of 3607 Dunolly Road, Carapooee are the Pebble Church Heritage Association Inc. (PCHAI).
"We saved the building, the land title, the history, the Heritage, THE ICONIC Landmark, the second pew to the right, the evidence of a past community......" says president of the PCHAI, Johanna Medlyn.
" We saved the Pebble church from being privately owned, and saved its enormous Legacy for many future generations to enjoy and admire. The shared passion, support, and sentimental connection to the Pebble church from the current, and past, local and water community was and is overwhelming. The significant amount of money raised in under two weeks is truly a wonderful testament to all those who share a connection to the Pebble church" Johanna said.
The colossal key to the Pebble church was handed over to the executive committee by real estate agent James Nevins. Vice President of the PCHAI, Megan Barham it was an amazing feeling to hold the key and fill the weight of it in your hands. "It was a very humbling experience as I pondered the many hands he would have held that key before me, since the late 1800s. It too, like the full walls of the church, would have many stories to tell." Megan said.
Through chance, or perhaps even fate, on that settlement day, the key was passed around and held by some of the youngest members of the late Bill Medlyn's family, and also the oldest living member, the now late Frank Medlyn who is Bill's brother.
The PCHAI Committee of Management for the first time on Wednesday 2nd of December 2020 at the Carapooee CFA shed to discuss the future plans of the Pebble Church and its operation. An interior and exterior working bee will take place once harvest is finished to bring the buildings and grounds up to scratch. The Committee of Management also endeavour to form close working relationships with local organizations such as NGSC to promote tourism and also the RSL to commemorate fallen Soldiers local to the Pebble Church's history .
The PCHIA welcomes interested members of the community to become members of the association. To get a membership form please email pebblechurch@gmail.com or pick one up from Ramjac, St Arnaud. A Facebook page is also under construction commerce so keep an eye out for that!