St John`s Anglican Church Memorial HallPrint Page

The hall commemorates those who died in service or were killed in action in the South African (Boer) War and the Boxer Rebellion.

The State Governor performed the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of a memorial hall in connection with St. John's Church of England, Rockdale, to soldiers who fell in the South African and China wars on Saturday afternoon. The Archbishop presided. Those present included the State Premier, Colonel Waddell, Colonel Irving (Staff Officer St. George English Rifles), and a number of military officers and clergymen. A guard of honor to the Governor was formed by the local company of St. George's Rifles and the Senior School Cadets, under Captain T. Rook. Colonel Waddell apologised for the absence of General Gordon. After a dedicatory prayer by the Archbishop, Sir Harry Rawson expressed pleasure at being able to assist in any service tending to preserve the memories of those men who gave their lives in helping and assisting the Mother country. It was right they should be commemorated, and there was no nicer way of doing so than by a building which was of some public use. Useful things were far better than costly monuments; many of which were wasted money. That money could be more wisely expended for the public good, assisting charity, helping sick humanity, aiding those who required help, and in education. He was gratified to see carved on any memorial the names of the fallen but he thought there should appear also the names of all who had gone out to share the risks of war. He congratulated Rockdale on making its memorial a public building.  Owing to a throat affection Mr. Carruthers, acting under medical advice, was not able to address the gathering. Colonel Waddoll called for "three cheers for the most popular Governor we have ever had in New South Wales." Mr. W. E. Toose supported, and a hearty response followed. Cheers were also given for the King and Mr.  Carruthers.
Daily Telegraph (Sydney), 2 September 1907.

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Dedication