Haven’t you wondered about the story behind Holy Trinity Hampton? This local Anglican Church has a welcoming spirit. It stands as a beacon in the Bayside area of Melbourne. Holy Trinity Hampton embraces people from all walks of life. It values inclusiveness. The church is a place to learn and grow in Christ. People are encouraged to care for each other. They share their faith with the wider community.
But its story goes back further. Holy Trinity Kindergarten has its own rich history. It celebrated 75 years in 2020. Holy Trinity Church was a branch of All Souls Sandringham. The original timber church opened in 1910. It stood on the land between the Kindergarten and Vicarage. Hampton became a separate parish in 1915. Plans for a kindergarten hall were drawn up in 1919. The First World War made times difficult. The builder caused delays. Parishioners decided to complete the job themselves. Volunteers stepped up. The vicar and churchwardens helped. The building opened on 26th October 1920.
Holy Trinity grew during the years between the world wars. Despite the Great Depression, a new brick church opened in 1928. The original church building became the parish hall. It was used for many activities including Sunday School. The kindergarten hall also hosted younger Sunday School students.
World War Two broke out in 1939. Many people from Hampton joined the armed forces. Life was hard during the war. Young mothers whose husbands were away faced challenges. Shortages were common. Food and clothing were rationed.
In June 1945, the church started an afternoon creche. It was run by the Fellowship of Marriage group. They aimed to give young mothers a break. They could shop or play tennis. The Vicar, Reverend Alan Mee, understood the needs of young families. He and his wife Leah had three young children.
The war ended in August 1945. Rationing continued. The parish paper announced Holy Trinity Day Kindergarten would open on 18th September. Preference was given to newcomers. Space was limited. Holy Trinity Church of England Free Kindergarten was one of the original three in the Diocese of Melbourne.
The kindergarten opened with 16 children. Mrs Robbins BA was the Directress. Mrs Watson assisted her. The parish looked to procure equipment. They wanted to improve facilities. Mothers were invited to discuss future developments.
The Mothers Committee worked enthusiastically. They raised funds for a sand pit. Mr and Mrs Francis hosted a card evening. The sand pit was installed immediately. The kindergarten flourished.
The paper for February 1946 said term would begin on the 12th. A fathers and parents work afternoon was scheduled. Everything progressed well. Mrs Robbins used her experience to benefit the children. The sand pit and climbing horse were new additions. New equipment was provided inside. Miss Joan Henderson, a future teacher, assisted Mrs Robbins. Mrs Watson was the pianist.
The Day Kindergarten progressed favourably. The results of the training were evident in the children. Parents were asked to make wooden blocks.
The Mother’s Committee held a fancy dress party. It raised 23 pounds. The June paper reported Mrs Robbins’ resignation due to ill health. The Vicar presented her with a cheque. The mothers presented an electric heater. Jennifer Earnshaw presented a clock. Mrs Sercombe was introduced as the new directress.
The kindergarten thrived. The waiting list grew. Parents continued fundraising. They held a bazaar. It included pony rides. They ran a cake stall at the Parish Fair. They collected donations for the Food for Britain Appeal. Mrs Taylor joined the teaching staff. The creche operated weekly. It gave young mothers a chance to shop. An anonymous donor presented a self-propelling swing.
In 1947, an American Tea was held. Friends were invited. Afternoon Tea cost six pence. Individual mats were required. A Tennis Tournament was held. A Picture Night was held at Hoyts Picture Theatre.
The kindergarten work continued satisfactorily. The Afternoon Tea raised over four pounds. A Bazaar was held in September 1947. It featured a toy stall and clothing. Mrs Simpson gave a talk. It was titled Do parents need guidance?
The kindergarten mothers were praised for a successful Fair. It was opened by the former Mayoress of Sandringham. It raised ninety pounds. The kindergarten actively planned for improvements. Mrs Taylor visited other kindergartens. Miss Griffiths gave a talk on Running of Free Kindergartens.
Holy Trinity Hampton continues to welcome everyone. It strives to serve the community. It is a dynamic Christian community. It is committed to making the love of Christ known.