The Beginning (1954 - 1972)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit … and lo, I am with you always.” (Matthew 28: 19-20)
Since 1954 the Community of Faith on this site has endeavoured to follow those instructions. This is part of the story of this Church, so far…
In 1954 Harry Jefferies came from Naremburn Congregation Church and knocked on doors in and around Cutler Parade inviting people to come to a church service and Sunday School on Sunday 27th June. This was the start, a 12ft×12ft tent with a congregation of 38 children and 8 adults.
One year later in 1955, The Home Mission Board appointed the Rev. Noel Goodsell to the community as minister with lay assistance from Alan Garlick, bought the block of land at Cutler Parade and borrowed a portable church building for use. This church building was opened and dedicated on Saturday, 21st May 1955. On 19th March 1962 the foundation of the present building was started and the church building was opened on 18th August 1962
Joint Parish of North Ryde (1972 - 1977)
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” (Ephesians 4: 4-5)
In the early 70’s the youth groups of the Presbyterian Church in Cressy Road (St Rowan’s) and the Congregational Church at Cutler Parade joined to form one group as did the Women’s Fellowships of both churches. In 1972 Alexander Memorial Presbyterian Church on Lane Cove Road and St. Rowan’s Presbyterian Church united with the North Ryde Congregational Church to form the Joint Parish.
Jock Young from Tasmania was the first minister to the Joint Parish and under his leadership, emphasis was placed on self worth and a strong commitment to love and upholding each other as God loves us.
The Uniting Church (1977)
“The Uniting Church lives and works within the faith and unity of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. She recognises that she is related to other Churches in ways which give expression, however partially, to that unity in faith and mission.” (Basis of Union Paragraph 2)
On 22nd June 1977 the Uniting Church in Australia was born and North Ryde Uniting Church along with Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian churches Australia wide joined in the formation of and the celebrations for the new Australian church.
Like North Ryde Uniting Church itself, UCA was not the end point of a journey but a means for the Pilgrim people who meet in this space to continue their journey of faith.
The first Sunday after Union was the opportunity for the whole day of activities described in the Church History. Approximately 250 to 300 people were fed for lunch and the exhibitions were described as “first class”. The spirit of the day is typical of the activities of this church; “infectious”.
Maintaining Community within the Uniting Church (2022)
“Our vision is to be a compassionate, revitalising Christian Community”
(North Ryde Uniting Church Vision Statement)
In 2022, the congregation of North Ryde Community Church determined to change its name to more accurately reflect its place in the modern world. It became North Ryde Uniting Church. While the name has changed, the accent on Community both within the congregation and outwards towards the wider community of North Ryde and beyond, has never been stronger.
Our Early Pastoral Leaders
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Rev. Harold Jefferies
1954 - 1955
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Mr. Alan Garlick
1955 -1956
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Rev. C Torvell
1957-1958
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Mr. Eric Gifford
1958 - 1972
During our first years we had ministers from other congregations who oversaw the congregation at North Ryde as well as their own
Possibility Thinking
Rev. Jock Young
1973 - 1984
By this time Alexander Memorial Presbyterian Church on Lane Cove Road and St. Rowan’s Presbyterian Church had united and together with the North Ryde Congregational Church formed the Joint Parish and Jock Young from Tasmania was the first minister to the Joint Parish.
Over 12 years' leadership, Jock introduced the concept of; ‘possibility thinking’, and placed particular emphases on self worth, and a strong commitment to love and upholding each other as God loves us. The new manse was built, three blocks of land purchased and the building of the car park negotiated with Ryde Council.
Changes of Direction
Rev. John Mason
1985
In 1985 John Mason filled the gap between ministers. John was a member of parliament, but was going back to ministerial settlement at Newcastle, and gave us three months of very sound and loving ministry.
Our First Female Minister
Rev. Beth Kelsey
1985 - 1986
Accepting our call as minister, Beth Kelsey came from United States and with her perception and sensitivity Beth was quick to detect needs and prompt to act to meet them.
A Year of Transformation
Rev. Winston O'Reilly
1986 - 1987
A past Moderator of the Methodist Church and former President of the Uniting Church, retired minister Winston O'Reilly gave us sound leadership with much love and dedication of time and talent. Winston was responsible for the Church’s decision to build the new hall, later to be named after him.
God’s Presence in Ministry
Rev Grahame Ellis
1987 - 1994
Grahame Ellis came to North Ryde from the Uniting Church in Eastwood. He is a man of good humour with a love of poetry and words, story-telling and with a deep passion for creating a feel for God's presence in worship. Grahame has a deep compassion and understanding of people's needs. While a minister’s family is not the minister, Graham’s son David Ellis created his own ministry by challenging others to see beyond disability. Encouraging others to see what people can do rather than what they can’t.
Extending Learning for All
Rev. Warwick Cadenhead
1995 - 2002
Warwick commenced his ministering to the community of faith at Cutler Parade and introduced the congregation to worship processes and ideas which extended the learning of all. His sermons were a speciality and his young children rejuvenated the junior Sunday School.
Utilising the Gifts of many
Rev. Shirley Parkin
2002 - 2004
During 2003 the following preachers provided pulpit supply; Rev Shirley Parkin, Rev Chris Ridings, Rev Peter McIntyre, Rev Dr Les Underwood, Rev Stuart Bollom, Rev Helen Richmond, Rev David Thiems, Rev Dr,. Gareth Clayton, Rev Jill Ison, Rev Geoff Dornan, Rev Leslie Pearson, Rev Graham Debus, Mrs. Pam Ward and Mr Howard Clark and pastoral care was undertaken by Shirley Holmes, Glenys Vanderburg and Rev Chris Ridings.
Loving & Caring
Rev. Jill Ison
2004 -2010
Jill Ison came out of retirement to care for the congregation at North Ryde and brought her love of story to expand on our understanding of the Gospel. Her experience in aged care and grandmotherly touches covered ministry for all ages.
Ministry from a Pacific Perspective
Rev. Mata Hiliau
2011 - 2017
Mata Hiliau encouraged North Ryde to think beyond their own suburban borders. Her Tongan background supported an understanding the culture of the Pacific nations and an acknowledgement that our neighbours might look different from us. Our relationships with, and understanding of, the Pacific grew during her time with us.
Ministry of Inclusion
Rev. James Aaron
2017 - 2020
James Aaron approached his ministry with enthusiasm and drive to create a more inclusive community. During his time an evening service was started which focussed on music and preaching and specifically included those who may have felt left out of mainstream services and church in general. We focussed on our Mission plan and excitement filled the air. Unfortunately, the end of his ministry coincided with COVID and state-wide lockdowns.
Utilising the Gifts of many
2020 - 2021
During 2020 and 2021 the following preachers provided pulpit supply; Rev Jon Humphries, Rev Punam Bent, Rev Lorenzo Rodrigues Torres, Paster Richard La’Brooy and Mr Howard Clark. Rev Carolyn Thornley and Dr Andrew Thornley supported us with long term supply to February 2023 and Rev Ian Pearson to June 2023. Pastoral care was led by the pastoral carers within the congregation and the PC co-ordinator Deirdre La’Brooy.
Ministry of Pastoral Care
Rev. Jean Bell
2021 - Present
