If one picture is worth a thousand words, John Williams will need a full photo album to tell the entire history of St John's, Birchgrove.
That is why Mr Williams wants your help in compiling a valuable collection of historical photos capturing moments throughout the 125 years of St John's.
"The photographic collection will reflect the diversity of ministry historically performed in this parish," he says.
"When Lord Stock and Cockatoo islands had major ship building facilities in the 1940s, the rector of St John's served as an honorary naval chaplain at the launching and commissioning of ships.
"During the depression it was not unknown for the rector to deliver babies because of the poverty in which people lived."
Mr Williams aims to publish the photo album on the Internet in time for its 125th anniversary in mid-2007, but that will require the hard work to begin now.
The Rector of St John's, the Rev James Butt, is asking for donations or loans of photos to include in this album.
"We have scenes of former Australian Governor-Generals and other important people making official visits to St John's but we want photos of events which were significant to the lives of Balmain people and the families who worshipped here."
"We are short of photos of weddings, christenings or confirmations held at St John's. We know that St John's Sunday School picnics were the highlight of the year but we have very few photos of those either."
Mr Williams believes the next 150 years may yet recapture the glory days of those Sunday school picnics, despite Sunday school being dormant in the parish for the last 15 years.
"Because there has been a huge upsurge in local births in the area, St John's is re-establishing a Sunday school. We also have a renewed interest in scripture with classes starting in the local school."
People who have photos or other memorabilia related to St John's, Birchgrove which they are willing to donate or lend should email the project coordinator or ring John Williams on (02) 9810 1109, or Mobile (61) 0415 161 460
Photo courtesy The Australian War Memorial
