A heritage bus tour of the Manning Valley will once again be part of the Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This year's tour will look at the Presbyterian settlement of the Upper Manning.
BWSF committee member Barbara Waters said many of the early settlers were Gaelic speaking so gathering on a Sunday was a way to worship and converse in their own tongue.
Sermons at services were up to two hours long, and the congregation often numbered 200 people or more.
Little social activities were available to the settlers and the church became the place not only of worship, but support and the place for young people to meet.
During 1875 -77 the Ashlea Church was erected on an acre of land purchased from James McPherson.
Schools were established by the church.
The present Presbyterian Church in Wingham is the third church. Services were held in homes in outlying areas such as Wherrol Flat, Glen Lewis, Cedar Party and Cooplacurripa.
The bus tour will visit locations and the present owner of the Woodside Church will relate the rich history of the Andrews family as well as the church.
Tinonee Free Presbyterian Church will also be open.The last Gaelic service was held in this church in 1899.
"Today we forget that people rowed by boat or travelled by horseback or walked miles to attend church services on the Sabbath," Barbara said.
The Heritage bus tour will leave outside the Manning Valley Historical Society Musuem in Farquhar Street, Wingham at 10am on Friday May 31. Bookings are essential. Call John Lauder on 6556 9057 for ticket information or email:bonniewingham18@gmail.com. Online booking available at http://bonnie-wingham-scottish-festival.manninghistorical.org