The Wesleyan Chapel building (later Oddfellows Hall), still in existence today, can be seen in this early panoramic photo of the Gulgong goldfields, taken in 1872.
It is described as having been for Methodist (Wesleyan and other) denominations.
Wesleyan Church and Rectory Gulgong, 1872
Source: State Library of NSW
Rev. J. Oram visits the Wesleyan rectory (next to the church), Gulgong, 1872
Source: State Library of NSW
The Rev J Oram travelled from Plymouth and arrived in Australia with his wife in January, 1850. He served as Wesleyan minister at Windsor, Bathurst, Sydney South Circuit, East Maitland and Newtown before becoming Superintendent of the Bathurst Circuit by 1868.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Sat 12 Jan 1850 Page 4
Oddfellows Hall Gulgong
Source: Flickr
Oddfellows Hall Gulgong
Source: Churches Australia
NEWS ITEMS
1871 - The Wesleyan Chapel.This new building, centrally situated at Gulgong, was opened a fortnight ago for divine worship, the Rev. J. Oram, of Mudgee, officiating. Services in connection with this body of Christians have heretofore been held in Cogdon's Assembly Rooms. The friends of the society in Mudgee have rendered material assistance in putting up this building, and it is creditable to not only the builder but the subscribers. The size of the chapel is forty feet long by twenty-five feet wide, with twelve feet height of walls. It is capable of seating about 208 persons, and the walls are of tongued and grooved Maryborough pine, iron roof celled with pine, and the cost was about £360. Rev. W. J. Brown, of Tambaroora, preached to the congregation on Sunday evening, the 20th ult. A public tea meeting was held in connection on the evening of the 31st ult, when about 150 persons sat down to tea; after which a public meeting was held, at which the Revs. J. Oram and W. J. Brown, and Messrs. Conway, Valentine, Cessans, and G. Anderson made appropriate remarks. About £50 was collected towards the building fund. There is no resident clergyman at present, a want that is much felt by members of the society. At present there are services held morning and evening upon the Sabbath, conducted by local lay preachers.
In 1878 the Wesleyan chapel building was sold to the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows and became their meeting lodge. It was known as Oddfellows Hall and was used for social activities and classes. In recent times it became privately owned and was operated as a Bed & Breakfast for a time.
Harry Gudgeon (far left) with Gulgong Oddfellows.
1900 - [HUMOUROUS LECTURE]On Thursday evening last the Rev. J. H. Lewin, of Mudgee, lectured in the Oddfellows' Hall, Gulgong, on "Oratory — Humourous and otherwise." The attendance was not nearly so large as the lecture deserved. The lecturer is a born one and had his audience in one prolonged roar of mirth. It is quite probable that the lecture will be repeated shortly, as a large audience was hardly expected, owing to the decidedly inclement weather.
1900 - [WESLEYAN SERVICES]
The Rev. T. Ah Tack, a Wesleyan Missionary, will preach in the local Wesleyan Church on Sunday evening next. Mr. Tack has been an ordained minister for 15 years, and lately has been touring the colony. He is regarded as a first-class pulpit orator. The collection to be taken up at Sunday evening's service will be devoted to the Foreign Mission.On Sunday afternoon the Rev. J. H. Lewin conducted service at Mrs. Williams' residence. There were 45 present — a very large congregation for Two Mile Flat. After the service he performed three christenings. The latter rite shows that Wesleyan church matters are progressing and growing most satisfactorily at Two Mile Flat, where a new church is about to be erected.
1927 - Pastor Farewelled. METHODIST CHURCH FUNCTION GULGONG CIRCUIT'S UNIQUE POSITIONAt a large gathering, almost wholly comprised of adherents of the Methodist Church, who assembled in the Oddfellows' Hall, Gulgong, on Tuesday, March 22, Mr. A. E. Brigden, who presided, explained that the purpose for which they had met was a twofold one, namely the holding of the first annual meeting of the Young People's Club and a farewell to Rev. Mr. Arthur, who is shortly leaving this State to take up mission work in New Britain.Prior to leaving for his new sphere the rev. gentleman is to be married, and Mrs. Arthur-to-be is to accompany him.At the outset Mr. Brigden related that the late Dr. Youngman, late president of the Methodist Conference, had, 50 years ago, as minister in charge of the Gulgong circuit, stood on the very same platform on which he (the speaker) was standing that evening. His recent death, continued Mr. Brigden, brought a childhood memory back to me, as I as a boy remember attending service in this building, which was then our church building. In honor of his memory the gathering observed a few seconds silence whilst standing.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 31 Mar 1927 Page 13
1947 - [LODGE MEMBERSHIP]
Cecil Malone's membership receipt, Loyal Happy Valley Lodge
Source: Colleen Proctor
