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Parkes Presbyterian Church First and Second World War Memorial Window

Parkes Presbyterian Church First and Second World War Memorial Window
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Parkes Presbyterian Church First and Second World War Memorial Window
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Parkes Presbyterian Church First and Second World War Memorial Window
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Parkes Presbyterian Church First and Second World War Memorial Window
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Parkes Presbyterian Church First and Second World War Memorial Window
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Description / Background

The Parkes Presbyterian Church, originally known as St Andrew's Church, houses a magnificent stained glass memorial window which contains the names of 23 veterans. It was originally dedicated to sixteen members from the parish who fell in the First World War. At a later date, seven names of those who fell in the Second World War were added to the window.  

The large window is Gothic shaped and divided into three sections. The phrase 'Pro Deo et Patria' (For God and Country) is inscribed across the top of the window.  The centre panel contains a cross with a wreath and each side panel shows a crossed Union Jack and Australian flag above the veteran names. The dedication at the bottom of the middle panel refers to the soldiers of the parish who fell in the Great War 1914-1918, with the dates 1939 and 1945 relating to the Second World War added later.

With the building of a new church, the Parkes Presbyterian Parish decided to install a large memorial window at the end of the nave behind the pulpit, with the names of those who had died in the First World War. It was to cost £60 and was to be designed and prepared by Brooks, Robinson Ltd. of Melbourne (Western Champion, 24 December 1918).

The church was opened on 22 May 1919 by Reverend W Fisher Craigie, the Moderator of the Orange Presbytery, in front of a large congregation including several visiting clergymen from the district. The Reverend A M Ferrie offered a prayer of invocation, followed by the unveiling of the memorial window by Reverend H R Grassick (Western Champion, 22 May 1919). 

Inscription

Pro Deo et Patria

Erected to perpetuate 
the memory of 
soldiers of this parish 
who fell in the Great War, 
1939 - (1914-1918) - 1945

[Names]

Veterans listed on this memorial

Veterans listed on this memorial

Last held rank Given name Family name Conflict/s Service No. Service Campaign Read more
Private D Arthur First World War, 1914–18 66172 Australian Army - First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) Somme 1918 view
Private W S Bicket Second World War, 1939–45 NX39714 Australian Army - Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) view
Private J Blackstock Second World War, 1939–45 NX37310 Australian Army - Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) view
Private W G Forsyth First World War, 1914–18 6746 Australian Army - First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) Somme 1918 view
Lance Corporal R Geddes First World War, 1914–18 2485 Australian Army - First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) Somme 1918 view
Lance Corporal E F Glover First World War, 1914–18 2166 Australian Army - First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) Somme 1916 - 1917 view
Sergeant E J Grady Second World War, 1939–45 37501 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) view
Corporal P C C Humfrey Second World War, 1939–45 NX31680 Australian Army - Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) view
Private H Kable First World War, 1914–18 5042 Australian Army - First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) Somme 1916 - 1917 view
Private A MacDonald Second World War, 1939–45 NX27917 Australian Army - Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) view

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Address
Parkes Presbyterian Church
40 Gap Street
Parkes NSW 2870
Local Government Area
Parkes Shire
Location status
Original location
Memorial type
Stained glass window
Recorded by
Graham Wilson
Year of construction
1919
Dedication date
21 May 1919
Conflict/s
First World War, 1914–18
Second World War, 1939–45
Materials
Glass