The Anglican Historical Society
The Anglican Historical Society of the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn was established in 1985.
Patron: The Right Reverend Dr Mark Short, Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn
Committee
President: Canon Kevin Stone
Vice President: Mr Charles Body
Secretary: Mrs Anna Skamp
Group Captain Phil Morrall AM
Membership Officer: Mrs Robyn Body
Editor of Journal: Mr Charles Body
Tours Officer: Canon Anne Wentzel
Mr Steve Davis
The Venerable David Hill
Aims & Objectives
The Society’s aims and objectives, as set out in its Constitution, are:
- To promote the study and appreciation of the history of the diocese and its parishes and to set this history within the context of the religious history of Australia as well as taking into account the agricultural, sociological and demographic aspects of the development of Australia as a nation
- To appreciate stories of faith at specific times and places in the history of the Diocese
- To encourage the preservation of records, buildings and other materials
- To promote the publication of papers
- To arrange visits to places of historical interest
- To financially support as determined and as funds are available the above aims.
Publications
The Society publishes a Journal twice a year in April and October, and a Newsletter which updates members on activities, publications and other matters of interest. The Journal and the Newsletter are included in the membership subscription and are mailed or emailed directly to members.
Deep and Lasting Foundations
Sub-titled “Parishes of the Anglican Diocese of Canberra & Goulburn”, this book was produced by the Society in 2013 to mark the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese. Edited by Society members Kevin Stone and Charles Body, the book is a compendium of thumbnail sketches depicting the history, ministry and current activities of the parishes and ministry units that make up the contemporary Anglican Diocese of Canberra & Goulburn.
The Society no longer has stocks of this 332 page book.
Unsung Heroines
Judith Langfield’s book, Unsung Heroines: women of the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn, is a 170 page collection of biographical sketches of some of the clergy spouses and lay women who have contributed greatly to the Diocese over its history. The book is available from Judith (jlangi2@bigpond.com, 0427 825 381) at $20 a copy, plus postage and handling $5.50. $4 from each sale will go to the Friends of the Cathedral.
Historybytes
A collection of articles from the Historybytes column in Anglican News, 2005-2012. Copies ($10 each) are available from President Canon Kevin Stone 0450 676864 or stonesaway@gmail.com
Shepherds in New Country
Canon Bill Wright’s publication Shepherds in New Country is a comprehensive and interesting history of the bishops in the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn. It is 112 pages in length with many colour and black and white photographs, making it an attractive book to read and to give.
The price is $10.00 ($20.00 posted). Copies are available from Canon Bill Wright, 266 Sheridan Street, Gundagai NSW 2722; (02) 6944 1003, email: bill.wright266@bigpond.com
In Canberra copies can be purchased from the Anglican Historical Society through Canon Kevin Stone 0450 676864 or stonesaway@gmail.com
Resources relating to the history of the Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn
This is a continuously updated bibliography of published or publicly available items, including books, pamphlets, journal articles and websites on the history of the Diocese, Diocesan agencies, clergy and prominent lay people, and parishes and ministry units and their churches. A copy is available here in PDF format.
Databases
The Society maintains Churches, Clergy and Parishes Databases covering churches, clergy and parishes in the diocese from 1838 onwards, and a Chronology of key events in the history of the Diocese. Contact The Secretary on annskamp@aapt.net.au.
Digital Photo Archive
Since 2014 the Society has created and maintained a growing collection of over 4,000 photos and other images in electronic form. If you or your parish have photos of church buildings, clergy, or people or events of potential historic interest to the Diocese, please consider letting the Society have copies of them. Any conditions attached to their use will be honoured. Printed photos will be scanned and returned safely to the donor. Digital copies of the scanned photos can also be provided. Please contact the Secretary on annskamp@aapt.net.au.
Oral History
The Society has recently commenced a project to record interviews with some of the key figures in the history of the Diocese.
Other Activities
Details of the Society’s activities are contained in the Newsletter. They include:
- An annual lecture, presented in autumn covering subjects of diocesan and national historic interest.
- A one-day field trip, held in conjunction with the Annual General Meeting in April/May.
- A weekend excursion within the Diocese, or to a neighbouring Diocese, arranged each October.
- A service of Choral Evensong, held in September.
Family History and Archival Research
The Diocesan Archivist, Mrs Diana Body, handles requests for this information on the Society’s behalf. For further information please click here.
Membership
Membership fees are as follows:
| Type of membership | 1 year | 2 years | 3 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1: Individual, Couple or Family | $25.00 | $45.00 | $60.00 |
| Group 2: Pensioner, Retired Individual or Couple, Student | $20.00 | $35.00 | $45.00 |
| Group 3: Institution or Parish | 30.00 | $55.00 | $75.00 |
To become a Member, download the Application Form and forward to:
Anglican Historical Society
c/- GPO Box 1981
Canberra ACT 2601