St Margaret's News February 2017 | Page 5

Fifty Years Ago

In February 2014 a large crowd celebrated fifty years of St Margaret ’ s , which commenced in 1964 .
However , there is another fifty years anniversary later this year .
The third year in the life of St Margaret ' s was marked by several decisions and actions that had far-reaching effects on the future development and spiritual life of the Parish . After many frustrating delays , the way was made clear to proceed into the final planning of the joint building programme between St Margaret ’ s and Holy Cross .
A Covenant of Joint Action between St Margaret ’ s and the Canberra Circuit of the Methodist Church for mission and co-operation in the Watson- Hackett-Downer area was drafted and the only impediment to ratification was the archaic State Law . But this did not stand in the way in practice , and 1967 was a stimulating and challenging first year of worship and witness as a joint congregation .
Before the close of 1967 there was a significant event that did much to consolidate the congregation , manifest the close co-operation with Holy Cross , and provide readily recognisable evidence of St Margaret ’ s : the opening and dedication of the Church building and the Parish Centre .
Sunday 16 December 2007 saw a joyous St Margaret ’ s / Holy Cross joint worship service celebrating 40 years together ( in the church and hall buildings ). A comfortably full church and annexe held a touch under 200 adults , including many past members and Ministers of both congregations , and a modest number of children .
How many will be present in December 2017 when Holy Cross has proposed a joint celebration of 50 years together with St Margaret ’ s in the buildings where our community worships and conducts its activities ?
St Margaret ' s News 5 February 2017