Category: 175 years

175 Years: An Interview with Joan Brown

21/05/2025 / Ben / 0 Comments

*This interview is a part of a series to commemorate 175 years of St. Mark’s Anglican Church.*

You have a very in-depth connection with St. Mark’s going back a number of years!

My first beautiful memories of St. Mark’s was as a small child visiting the resting places of my great-grandparents, who had arrived in Picton (from Ireland) after a long sea voyage as young children in 1848, and began farming in a wonderful valley North of Picton. The church was built in 1850, so they were here at the very beginning of the opening of the church and formed the foundation, along with other pioneer families, for St. Marks.

The cemetery on the grounds of St. Mark’s is also a local historic landmark and has a special connection to your family. Can you tell us about that?

I recall listening quietly to my Grandmother and mother lovingly talking about these special people who I had never met – as incredibly strong, loving, and devout Christians who helped begin the early settlement of Picton. I adored bringing fresh flowers to their headstones and saying a special prayer of thanks for being part of a strong, caring and safe community under the special care of our loving God.

What are some important moments throughout your life that were spent at St. Mark’s?

In 1939, I was Christened by Rev. Fred Shaw at the church’s font that still remains today for our babies, and later in my high school years was confirmed by Rev. Barry Schofield. We had Sunday School here when we were children. In 1962, my husband, Garry Brown and I were married here with organist Mrs. Ingleton’s daughter, Joan playing for us, and in 1967 our dear baby Michael was also christened here.

In your view, what impact has the church had on the lives of its congregation members?

The friendships and wonderfully kind community here has always been a caring atmosphere to visit; with family, friends and visitors always welcome with warmth and open arms. The people who have come to church here have become very, very close friends, which has been that way since my family first came here. Our congregation has been blessed to have our present Senior Minister, Ben, and assistant Greg, as well as an engaging team who are dedicated to PWAC. I never wake in the mornings without giving thanks to God for this outstandingly safe and friendly place, in the best country on Earth to grow up and rear a beautiful family.

Interviewed by Rachel Winn.

John & Eileen Bicknell

09/04/2025 / Ben

Interview with John & Eileen Bicknell

This interview is a part of a series to commemorate 175 years of St. Mark’s Anglican Church.

When did you start attending St. Mark’s? What was church life like for you then?

John: In 1949. St. Mark’s was the church that we “Barnado Boys” – stationed at Mowbray Park Farm Training School – attended at times, upon migrating from England after the Second World War.

Eileen: I came to St Mark’s Parish at the end of 1956. I was confirmed at St. Marks in 1964, but in about ‘65/’66, I started attending a big youth group that the Parish had on a Saturday evening. Forty to fifty teenagers and above were in this big group. So I met John there but I wasn’t dating. I was there with three of my brothers.

John: Before Eileen and I married, I was co-opted into driving Picton High School students to the youth group held in the rectory, on what is now Remembrance Drive; the Reverend Barry “JB” Schofield presiding. I was about 25 years old then, perhaps younger. Many of those students became Christians. Some became very long lasting friends. [JB is pictured alongside John & Eileen in the accompanying photo.]

Eileen, what can you remember about your marriage proposal from John?

I was nursing, and it was 4 years (of training) in those days, and we were dating. We’d been dating for 8 or 12 months or so… John asked if I was going to do midwifery. And he’d already told me that he wanted 12 children! I thought, no, I don’t want to do midwifery if I’m going to have 12 children. So I said I’d be interested in doing psychiatry nursing. John said, “How long does that take?”, and I said, “Two years.” So he said no, we’ll get married instead. Later on he did give a romantic proposal, at Manly Beach.

Your wedding ceremony was held at St. Mark’s. What can you share with us about that special day?

Eileen: It was a lovely day. I think we had a 5pm evening wedding, on March 13th, 1971. We’re not superstitious so that didn’t worry us. Everything went along nicely. The church then didn’t look much different than it does now. The font for baptism was at the other end of the church when you first came into the double doors. There was no technology centre for screens on the wall. Everything was in books in those days; all the service, all the songs. Lots of our family and friends came. John didn’t have that many family but there were locals from Lakesland, where he lived.

John: I had no idea what I was doing. (Laughs). No, it was a fantastic wedding. All I was concerned with was making sure I said yes!

Following your marriage you remained a part of the congregation at St Mark’s for years.

John: Our 4 children were all christened in St. Mark’s. I held many positions over the years, including as the Treasurer for about thirty years. I’ve attended marriages, funerals, and many a working bee – especially after floods swept through the building.

Thanks, John & Eileen!

Interviewed by Rachel Winn