1. 1864 Land Purchased for the Church.
   1. 1. 1. 13th January - Sister Greaves -
         2. 9th March - A member is unhappy with the rigid beliefs of the church
         3. 16th March - First signs of tension between Martin and Picton?
         4. Sir Divers in Trouble Again.
         5. The Church Growing Strongly.
      2. Other Membership Troubles -
         1. Zeal for Outreach and Evangelism - and to form a library.
         2. Payment by Results
      3. 1865. A Big Year - The Church Building Erected.
         1. January 18th - An Important Meeting to organise arrangements for the church building (after dealing with the repentant husband).
         2. A New Church Building at Mount Clear.
      4. 28th June, 1865. New Building Opened.
      5. 1866.

1864 Land Purchased for the Church.

19th October - Bro Martin mentioned that a piece of ground in Dawson St was for sale, and that he thought it would be an eligible site for a chapel. Br Jenkins moved and Br Neish seconded "That Brethren Picton, Martin, Neish, Wright, Reid and the mover form a committee and that they have full power to purchase the ground".
    An amendment was moved by Br Divers and seconded by Br Cassider, "That Brethren Wright, Picton and the mover ascertain what other land may be for sale in the neighbourhood and report to the church." The amendment was carried.
21st October - Brethren Wright, Picton and Divers reported that they had been unable to find a more suitable site for a chapel, than the allotment in Dawson St mentioned by Br Martin.Moved by Br Neish and seconded by Br Long "That the piece of ground in Dawson St be purchased for the church."

17th November - Bro Martin reported that the allotment of land in Dawson St had been purchased on behalf of the church.
7th December - It was agreed to have the conveyance of the land in Dawson St made out in the name of Bro Martin.
Br Davey moved Br Neish seconded "That a building committee be elected to consist of Brethren Picton, Martin, Neish, Jenkins, Reid and the mover. Agreed to."

13th January - Sister Greaves -

9th March - A member is unhappy with the rigid beliefs of the church

Dear Sir,
    "Will you please have the kindness to withdraw my name from the church book as I have come to the conclusion to resign my membership.
    Wishing you all peace and prosperity,
    I remain, Yours etc, James Mason.26/2/64.

16th March - First signs of tension between Martin and Picton?

Sir Divers in Trouble Again.

The Church Growing Strongly.

    I have lately returned from a tour in Ballarat, Geelong, and thence to Cherry Tree Station, about one hundred and forty miles from Maryborough. I spent some time in Ballarat. A strong church has been planted there, numbering over fifty members, under the pastoral care of Brethren Picton and Martin, with every prospect of additions. We held meetings almost every night in the open air - large attendances and great attention. The brethren are full of zeal and good works.
    On Lord's day there was a good meeting in the morning. In the afternoon we went to Mount Clear, where the people are beginning to see clearly. Four or five were baptized by Bro. Picton. A chapel is rented to the Disciples for the nominal rent of one shilling a year. It was formerly a Union church. In the evening I preached in the Temperance Hall, Ballarat to a good audience, and immediately afterwards held an open air service, where crowds listened with eager attention to the words of eternal life.
    Taking a farewell of the loved ones at Ballarat, I rode to Maryborough in safety, thanks be to God, having ridden with the same horse near three hundred miles without an accident, but resting for a few days every fifty miles. "

"On Monday evening the Disciples of Christ held a social tea meeting in the Mount Clear Chapel. The building was completely crammed. Mr Anderson, having been called upon to preside, stated that after Mr Potter had left the Union Church, formerly worshiping there, they experienced great difficulty in maintaining regular services - that they had applied to the Baptists, but found they were unable to keep the pulpit supplied, and that in their difficulty their friend Mr Long had introduced them to Mr Picton, who apprised them that the Disciples were both willing and able to conduct services in the chapel twice every Lord's day. Shortly afterwards they invited Mr Picton to preach. He did so, but the church was then informed by Mr Sutton that either Mr Picton or himself must discontinue preaching in the chapel. That being the state of matters, the members of the Union church determined to let the chapel to the disciples for twelve months, and since that time they have had the privilege of enjoying the memorial feast in the morning, and of having the gospel proclaimed in the afternoon of every Lord's day. He then mentioned that their object that evening in having a tea meeting, differed from that of tea meetings ordinarily, which was that of raising money, their aim being to enable the inhabitants of the locality, to hear from the Disciples a statement of what it is that they do preach and uphold. He then called upon Mr Long to address the meeting, who expressed his joy that the brethren had been enabled to preach the gospel unto them, and rejoiced to know that it had not been in vain.Mr Martin read an address. Mr Picton in an able address explained wherein the Disciples differed from the various denominations of professing Christians, and expressed his willingness to deliver lectures there on any subjects, any week evening that would be convenient to the inhabitants of the place, and at the close of the lectures, allow any to ask further information, which he would be willing to the extent of his ability to afford. The meeting was then closed by praise and the benediction."

    Br Picton stated that the meeting had been convened on account of a letter received from Br Knights asking for a re-hearing of the case of Mrs Divers.
    Bro Wright reported that the Pastors and Deacons Bardwell, Reid, Neish and Wright having considered the letter of Br Knights respecting the exclusion of Mrs Divers from the fellowship of the church, report that Br Knights has given no reason to justify the re-hearing of the case and therefore recommend that the decision of the committee be confirmed and accordingly moved "That the decision of the committee be confirmed". Br Reid recorded. The motion was carried no one expressing dissent.

Bro Bardwell stated that Br Divers had mentioned to him that he thought he could not scripturally hold the office of Deacon in his present position and wished the church to express its opinion thereon. Br Bardwell was requested to see Br Divers and inform him, that the church considered that if he were unable to discharge the duties of the office he should resign, although to receive his resignation would afford the members no pleasure.

Other Membership Troubles -

Zeal for Outreach and Evangelism - and to form a library.

    Br Martin read a letter from the Evangelistic Committee in Melbourne asking for assistance. Bro Wright moved, Bro Bardwell seconded "That we set apart a collection monthly for this purpose". Br Bardwell also moved Br Reid seconded "That we remit £3 immediately".
    Br Jenkins moved Br Nicoll seconded, "That in order to spread the truth of the gospel, meetings be held on week evenings for prayer exhortation or conversation in the house of any or every member who shall be willing to come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty". Carried by the votes of the mover and seconder, no others voting.
    Br Jenkins then moved "That, in order that the members of this church be thoroughly built up in the truth of the principles of the New Testament for which we contend, as soon as practicable a library be formed in connection with this church, of works written by eminent brethren or others eminent for the truth. Bro Long seconded.

We see by the B.M.H. that efforts put forth by the church have not been without considerable success. In this we rejoice, hoping the little ones may become a great nation. I am happy to inform you that the church in Ballarat is also making progress, the difficulties thrown across our way notwithstanding.This day week three females and one man were immersed into the ever blessed name. There is a spirit of enquiry manifesting itself. May it go on here and everywhere. Let us pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth faithful laborers.
                                                T. Wright.

Payment by Results

"Now human nature is frail; the falsification of rolls is difficult to detect; a few strokes of the pen more or less will not be noticed; the roll showing an average attendance of thirty nine will cause the teacher to lose his income; one simple stroke of the pen an eighth of an inch in length and that income will be saved."

1865. A Big Year - The Church Building Erected.

January 18th - An Important Meeting to organise arrangements for the church building (after dealing with the repentant husband).

A New Church Building at Mount Clear.

"an extremely interesting meeting was held at Mount Clear on the occasion of the opening of a newly erected building for the worship of God and the proclamation of the Gospel".

"Brethren Neish, Long, Wright, Martin and Picton were called upon to address the meeting. The subjects treated by the several speakers were various and brief. The members of the church were congratulated upon what they had undertaken and quickly and successfully completed. Brother Anderson announced that not only was the building free to the inhabitants of that locality for the preaching of the gospel, but also for any object that would contribute to the happiness and well-being of mankind, mentioning especially the Temperance cause.

Nicholls and Ellis (Whole Tender)  £539/15/-
F.Baker (Whole tender)                £582/-/-
J.Buley (Whole Tender)                £565/-/-

Victoria.
Board of Education.
Certificate granted under Rules 57 and 58 to Teachers who were classified under the late Board of National Education.
The Board of Education hereby certify that Charles Martin having produced satisfactory evidence that he was classified under the late board of National Education in the First Division of the Second Class, is entitled to a Certificate of the Second Class of Honours.
Mr Charles Martin therefore is classified accordingly.
Dated at Melbourne this fourth day of April 1865.
By order of the Board of Education."

28th June, 1865. New Building Opened.

"The Disciples' Meeting-house, in Dawson street, was opened to the public on Wednesday evening, when a discourse was delivered by Mr. Earl, an American member of the denomination. The chapel was filled, though not crowded, the very inclement weather possibly having something to do with the attendance. Mr Earl is a young man, and as a speaker he is earnest in manner, and plain but fluent in speech. His subject was, "The Teaching of Christ," which he regarded as simple, earnest, faithful, and loving, and as seconded by the example of 'the Great Teacher", characteristics of which Mr Earl said were too often absent in the preaching of the present day. It was announced that Mr Earl would preach in the same place on Friday evening, and in the Mechanics' Hall on Sunday, and that the meetings would be opened punctually. We would suggest that as a point was made of this, the time at which the meetings are to be held should be revealed in the advertisements, an omission in the advertisement of last night's meeting of the hour of meeting caused some embarrassment to several persons. "

Mr Earl, B.A., of the Disciples of Christ, delivered two discourses on Sunday, in the hall of the Mechanics' Institute. In the afternoon his subject was "The Messiah", and in the evening "The wisdom and perfection of the gospel". There were good audiences on both occasions, but especially in the evening- when the hall was filled nearly to the doors.'

    We have great pleasure in announcing that through the tender mercies of our God and Father we have been enabled to erect a building suitable for our purposes as a church wherein we may meet to worship God according to the ordinances of his own appointing, and wherein the glorious Gospel of our blessed Lord and Saviour may be sounded forth in fulness and clearness to the accomplishment of the loving purposes of its glorious Author and Finisher.
    On the occasion of the opening of the above, we had a visit from our esteemed and talented Brother H.S. Earl, who remained with us ten days and delivered six excellent discourses, which were listened to with marked attention by crowded audiences - four of these discourses in our new place of meeting, the other two in the large and capacious hall of the Mechanics' Institute, to an audience numbering from eight hundred to a thousand. The subjects were "The Messiah , "The Wisdom and Perfection of the Gospel of Christ", "Christ the Great Teacher", "The Rich Fool", "Eternal Life", "The Longings of the Soul Satisfied". We have nothing in the shape of results to record, yet good, we trust, has been accomplished, for attention has been drawn to our position, a spirit of enquiry instigated, and prejudice has been removed.
    Besides the above discourses delivered we had a tea meeting, at which about two hundred sat down to a plentiful repast. Addresses were delivered by Brethren Martin, Picton, and Neish of Ballarat; Burt of Melbourne, and Brother Earl, which were listened to with profound attention.
    We feel encouraged in the work to which we have set our hand. May the Lord graciously assist us in carrying it forward, to the praise of his name and the extension of his kingdom."

    On Tuesday, June 27th, I took train for Ballarat, to conduct the opening services in the new chapel recently erected by the brethren in that town. After a pleasant ride of four hours and a half I arrived there in safety, and was cordially welcomed by the brethren. The same evening we held an interesting and profitable prayer meeting, preparatory to the opening of the building. The next night / preached the first discourse in the new chapel. A good audience assembled, although the weather was cold and rainy. On the following Lord's day a lively interest sprang up, and increased daily during my stay. My visit closed on Thursday, July 6th, with a crowded assemblage. Several ministers were among our auditors. During my visit, one person was baptized, one received from the Baptists and three others decided for Christ. Besides these, many were "almost persuaded to be Christians," and we trust that much fruit may appear 'ere long.
    The chapel is a neat and substantial brick building, eligibly situated, and calculated to hold, I should think, from 250 to 300 persons. The prospects of the cause in Ballarat are cheering. "

Business. To take into consideration the suggestions thrown out by Bro Earl for the advancement of the cause of Christ in our midst. In accordance with his suggestions it was -
Proposed by Bro Wright and Seconded by Bro Cassidy that for the better ordering of our morning meetings any Bro desiring to speak, to give out a hymn or take any part in its proceedings should intimate the same to the presiding Bro by handing in a slip of paper before the commencement of the service. Carried.
Proposed by Bro Long Seconded by Bro Reid that Bro Picton supply the Meeting House on Lord's Day evenings 3 out of 4. The members present being equally divided upon this subject it was;
Proposed by Bro Bardwell Seconded by Bro Cadogan that it be reconsidered next Wednesday evening. Carried.

    In accordance with the resolution passed at the previous meeting the proposition that Bro Picton supply our meeting house for the proclamation of the Gospel 3 Lord's day evenings out of 4 was considered.
    An amendment was proposed by Bro Jenkins Seconded by Bro Divers that he supply in that way for three months.
    To that amendment was proposed by Bro Barrett Seconded by Bro Davey that the matter be left in the hands of the officers of the church.
    After considerable discussion on the matter it was proposed by Bro Divers seconded by Bro Earthroll that Bro Picton supply every other Lord's day evening. Carried.
    The Church having then to say who should supply on the intervening evenings decided to take the (this word is illegible) of the meeting as to the desirability of Brethren Neish, Wright and Jenkins taking it alternatively being submitted separately the Church were unanimous in electing Bro Neish, Bro Wright was elected without a dissenting voice and Bro Jenkins by a majority of nine to four.
    Notice of motion was then given by Bro Jenkins to the effect that all matters of importance brought before the Church for decision be carried by a majority of two thirds before being acted upon.
    Notice of motion was also given by Bro Davey that for the future no meeting of the Church be held to discuss matters of importance excepting that it be first announced together with the business for discussion the Lord's Day previous. The meeting then adjourned.

    The case was then considered by the brethren and after considerable discussion it was - Proposed by Bro Long Seconded by Bro Cardogan that Sr Erunston be excluded from the fellowship of the church for the sin of which she had been proved guilty until repentance be manifested. Carried unanimously.
    It was suggested by Bro Davey that Sr Erunston be made acquainted with the decision of the church by letter first, laying before her the enormity of her guilt with the intent of bringing her to repentance and then the decision of the church upon the matter. Bro Martin was asked to write the letter and consented.

    Discussion then followed upon the cases of Srs Cocks and Steel who had not attended at the meetings of the Church as might have been expected. Visitors were appointed to Srs Cocks and Steel and the meeting then adjourned. (Srs Cocks and Steel should know that it doesn't pay to miss meetings.)

    A report was given by Bro Martin on the state of the finances. He stated the total cost of the building to have been £664/4/10 , the entire sum raised by contribution £130 leaving a balance as debt of £535/11/8. He also stated that the primary object for calling the meeting was a pressing demand upon the church for the sum of £50 to refund a loan that had been made by a sister towards the building fund.
    Some discussion then arose upon the best means for raising the required sum within the period named (one month) which ended in a subscription list being opened and brethren present contributing. Bro Reid volunteered to wait upon the brethren not then present and solicit subscrip­tions.
    Bro Martin as one of the visitors in the case of Sr Cocks stated that the result of their visit had been the attendance of the sister since that time.

    A notice of motion that had been laid before the Church by Bro Jenkins on the 26th July was now proposed by Bro Jenkins and Seconded by Bro Long, viz. That all matters of importance brought before the Church for decision be carried by a majority of two thirds of those present before being acted upon. Carried.
    The arrangement entered into for the preaching being near a close it was Proposed by Bro Reid Seconded by Bro Cassidy that the arrangement be continued for the next three months. Carried.

On Lord's Day 12th November Mrs Cassidy confessing Christ was immersed by Bro Picton into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. William Freeman confessing Christ was immersed by Bro Picton into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

After a considerable period of fruitless labor in connection with the cause at this place, our hearts have been once more refreshed by five confessing Christ, and being buried with him by baptism into his death. Others amongst us are not far from the kingdom."
                                                            T. Wright.

1866.

"It gives us great pleasure to communicate the joyful news that a measure of success is still attending our efforts to advance the cause of our dear Redeemer. We have had the satisfaction of again witnessing the surrender of five to the Prince Emmanuel by immersion into his death, and our prospects are now more cheering and promising than they have been for months past, and the force of those words, given by inspiration, are now being verified in our experience, "Be not weary in well-doing, for in due season ye shall reap, if ye faint not". We have enquirers still in our midst, asking for the good old way , whom we expect will shortly follow in the footsteps of Christ. ` T. Wright.

Dear Brethren, we have much pleasure in again forwarding the welcome news that sinners are seeking and finding a refuge in the one and only Saviour. Last Lord's day, two males and three females were immersed; the Lord's day previous, one was received from the Baptists; and on Feb. 4, two males were buried with the Lord by immersion into his death. There is evidently a spirit of enquiry manifesting itself, and there are many halting who are not far from the kingdom. May the number increase and the cause of the Lord prosper m our hands and his name shall have the praise.
                                                    Yours in the one hope, T. Wright.

    This meeting has been called to consider a letter received from the Melb­ourne churches informing that it was the intention of the brethren there, to hold an annual meeting, that this year it would be held on Monday 2nd April, and asking this church to forward statistics and representatives to the conference.
    Resolved on the motion of Bro Bardwell, seconded by Bro Long that the Pas­tors and Bro Divers be requested to act as delegates.
A conversation ensued on the last question in the schedule from Melb­ourne "What are the hindrances to further progress?" The result was a free expression of opinion by various brethren, as in "What doth hinder?" and among others "lack of personal effort" and "a failure to exhibit a Christian life" were mentioned as hindrances".
    The meeting was then closed by prayer.

The seed sown in this town has not been in vain. Since the commencement of the year we have had the pleasure of witnessing six males and four females acknowledge Christ as their lord, and profess their willingness to submit to him as their teacher and guide for time and eternity. We have also received one from the Baptists. Thus, notwithstanding slander, of which we are the objects, God has blessed us, and we trust that He may still continue to do so, and pray that he may continue to give wisdom to those of our brethren who from time to time endeavour to make known "The Old Path".
                    C. Martin.

    Bro Divers moved and Bro Long seconded that Bro Picton be requested to deliver lectures on the last Wednesday of each month.
    As an amendment it was proposed by Bro Davey and seconded by Bra Cadogan that they be delivered instead on the evenings of the Lord's Day. The motion was carried.
    Bro Jenkins then asked some questions on matters pertaining to the history of the Church, information upon which was contained in the Minute Book. To reply to which it was proposed by Bro Renton and seconded by Bro Cassidy that the book be placed in his hands in order that he might obtain the information.
    As an amendment it was proposed by Bro Evans and seconded by Bro Divers that Bro Jenkins apply to the Secretary for the information. The amendment was carried.
    Bro Picton then mentioned that Bro Wright was not satisfied with the long intervals that elapsed between his being called upon to proclaim the Gospel and his wish for an alteration in the plan. Bro Wright stated his reasons when the following motions were made -
    Proposed by Bro Long Seconded by Bro Renton that the arrangement remain as at before.
    As an amendment it was proposed by Bro Cadogan and seconded by Bro Neish that Bro Picton be requested to occupy every Lord's Day evening. The amendment was lost and the motion carried.
    The meeting was then closed by prayer.

    Bro Jenkins proposed the following resolution which was seconded by Bro Barrett, "That this church deeply regrets that anything should have occurred to so deeply wound the feelings of Bro Neish, so as to have provoked the withdrawal of his services in connection with the proclamation of the Gospel in this place, and that this church earnestly and unanimously request that he will reconsider his determination in the matter and preach the Gospel in this place in conjunction with the brethren as heretofore.
    Notice of motion by Bro Jenkins "that there be a monthly preachers meet­ing" The Pastors were requested to convey the resolution to Bro Neish and the meeting was then closed.