By KATH GANNAWAY
THE historic Union Church at Powelltown will open its doors to a wonderful display of wedding and christening gowns in November.
The display, along with photographs of happy couples who have tied the knot in the little timber church, and christenings and other ceremonies, will be part of the Yarra Junction – Powelltown Tramway Centenary celebrations on Sunday, 17 November.
Nola Adams is a custodian of the church which was built in 1927 and provided a place or worship in the district for families of different religions.
Many of the families associated with the construction of the church were employed in the Powelltown Mill, then the largest mill in Victoria.
Ms Adams said the church had a special place in the hearts of many families around the district.
Her parents got married in the church, and so did her sister. And so did Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child and his bride Teresa Ierufi.
Ms Adams said the church had been given a good spruce up for the centenary.
“We have Marveered all the woodwork and polished it up. There’s still a little bit to go, but it’s looking wonderful,” she said.
It’s the perfect setting for the wedding dresses that will provide a glimpse of the changing fashions over the years, and have some wonderful stories to tell.
The display of photographs is a work in progress. Rhonda O’Meara from the Upper Yarra Valley Historical Society is keen to hear from anyone who has photographs of weddings, christenings and other events at the church, that could be included.
The centenary celebrations will include events stretching out along the original tramway route from the Upper Yarra Museum at Yarra Junction to Powelltown where the festival will take place.
Visit upperyarramuseum.org.au for more about the centenary.
If you were married at the church, or christened, and have photographs, please contact Rhonda on 0430 350 111.
