Nestled on Adina Avenue stands the La Perouse Mission Church a building echoing with stories of resilience faith and community. This church is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a testament to the survival of Aboriginal culture in the face of European invasion.
La Perouse Mission Church also known as Colebrook Memorial Aboriginal Evangelical Church has a rich history. The land it occupies was once part of a seven-acre Aboriginal reserve established in 1885. This area became a refuge for Aboriginal people forced off their lands.
In the late 1880s Christian groups began missionary work here. From one of these groups an Aboriginal committee formed. This committee later called the La Perouse Aborigines Christian Endeavour Society built the original church in 1894 on Frenchman’s Beach.
Imagine the scene. It’s 1894. The small church stands proudly on Frenchman’s Beach a beacon of hope. Miss Jenny Watson is appointed as the first full-time missionary. The La Perouse Aborigines Christian Endeavour Society is formed.
In 1897 Retta Dixon replaced Jenny Watson as the resident missionary. Retta was only 19. She proved to be one of the most influential figures in the church’s early years. Her father even added two rooms to the La Perouse Mission Church.
Retta’s dedication was remarkable. She considered Aboriginal people in no way inferior to the white race. She admired their spirituality generosity and endurance. As a young missionary she accepted their hospitality and company.
In 1899 the mission became the New South Wales Aborigines Mission. Soon after Retta travelled to Aboriginal communities in NSW. La Perouse became the base for evangelising Aboriginal communities. Retta helped set up 26 camps on the South Coast.
Public transport and the Christian Endeavour network were Retta’s only means of travel. She walked seventy miles during one visit to South Coast communities. Retta held a profound belief in the power of the Gospel.
In 1905 Retta left La Perouse for Singleton. She formed the Aborigines Inland Mission of Australia. This became one of the largest missionary societies working exclusively for Aboriginal people.
Another significant figure at La Perouse Mission Church was Queen Emma Timbery. She was an Aboriginal shellworker and matriarch. Emma was converted to Christianity in the early 1890s. She worked with missionaries at the La Perouse Aboriginal settlement.
Emma became vice-president of the La Perouse Aborigines Christian Endeavour Society in 1895. She and Retta Dixon became friends and comrades. Emma continued her missionary work with Retta Long. The two women travelled together visiting Aboriginal settlements.
In 1929-30 the La Perouse Mission Church was relocated to its present site. The church was rebuilt during this relocation. The new building featured leaded glass windows and internal memorial plaques.
An adjacent residence called the Manse building was built in 1934. It had Sunday school rooms. It was dedicated to the United Aborigines Mission. The La Perouse Aboriginal Mission later became the United Aborigines Mission.
Missionaries of the 1950s to the 1990s are remembered fondly. Aboriginal ministers Pastors Benjamin Cruse Ray Minnicon and Mark Naden served in the 1980s and 1990s. The last missionary Tom Coe left in 1999.
Hymn singing was a favourite church activity. It was an important part of the La Perouse community’s culture. Children sang in groups at other churches. They also sang when visiting the sick and elderly.
Iris Williams recalled her mother preaching at the church. Gloria Ardler attended church on Sundays. She remembers the little church always being full. Nearly all the reserve population were married baptised and had funeral services there.
Today the La Perouse Mission Church stands as a heritage-listed building. It is a reminder of the past. It symbolises the enduring spirit of the Aboriginal community. It is a place where history faith and community intertwine.
Take a moment to reflect on the stories held within these walls. Consider the people who found solace and strength here. The La Perouse Mission Church is a testament to their legacy.