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Record Reign of Queen VictoriaPrint Page 
The St John Paris Hall commemorates the record reign of Queen Victoria in 1897. The hall is also known as Record Reign Hall.
The longest-reigning British monarch, Queen Victoria celebrated Golden and Diamond Jubilees marking 50 and 60 years of her reign. On 23 September 1896, Victoria surpassed her grandfather George III as the longest-reigning monarch in English, Scottish, and British history.
The Queen requested that any special celebrations be delayed until 1897, to coincide with her Diamond Jubilee, which was made a festival of the British Empire at the suggestion of Colonial Secretary Joseph Chamberlain.
On November 20 Glebe Point was quite en fete when the Hon. Mrs. Ferguson formally opened its new Record Reign Parish Hall, and, at the same time a sale of work, held in the building. Captain and the Hon. Mrs. Ferguson were welcomed by the Rev. S. S. Tovey, the churchwardens, ex-Judge Wilkinson, Dr. F Ashwell, Mr. J. E. Teppir, and escorted to the platform. The Rev. S S. Tovey, in welcoming Captain and Mrs. Ferguson, said Mrs. Ferguson's presence strengthened and confirmed the connection the parish had with the Royal family. In 1863 the Duke of Edinburgh was to have laid the foundation stone of the church, but, being prevented by the accident which befell him, the Earl of Belmore took his place, and a daughter of Mr. Gladstone's was present on the occasion. Looking round the hall, he might say, "The end crowns the work." He was grateful to the architect and to all who had assisted in the completion of what would be of great benefit to them.
The Hon. Mrs. Ferguson in complying, said: "I have great pleasure in declaring the hall open, and trust it will be a success in every possible way." Mrs. Ferguson then unveiled two panel portraits of Queen Victoria, which were designed and executed by Mr. Nelson Illingworth. They are in terracotta. The one over the main facade is in the shape of a shield, and bears the inscription, "Record Reign Hall, 1837 1897," and the Record Reign message: "From my heart I thank my beloved people. May God bless them." The inside panel bearing the words: "May children of our children say, She wrought her people lasting good."
Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney), 27 November 1897.
Location
| Address: | St John`s Road & Derwent Street, St Johns Parish Hall Bishopthorpe-Glebe, Glebe, 2037 |
|---|---|
| State: | NSW |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -33.881316 Long: 151.187072 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Structure |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | Government |
| Sub-Theme: | Imperial |
| Actual Event Start Date: | 20-June-1837 |
| Actual Event End Date: | 20-June-1897 |
| Designer: | Edward Halloran (architect), Nelson Illingworth (panels) |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Saturday 20th November, 1897 |
|---|---|
| Approx. Monument Dedication Date: |
RECORD REIGN
"From My Heart I Thank My Beloved People"
"May God Bless Them"
1837 - HALL - 1897
