Walter James Berry (1860 - 1957)

Born 14 Feb 1860 in Woodchester, South Australia, Australia

Ancestors

Descendants

Died 27 Aug 1957 at age 97 in Maylands, South Australia, Australia

Problems/Questions Profile manager: David Morgan [send private message]

Notes

Sth Australian birth index: Str Bk18 p176
Gives place as Tinpot.
Vivian Reynolds says at the residence of Walter Simpson.

Allingtons:
As a young man, worked as carpenter at Hawker.
Made large dining room table for son Henry.
Paper man.

Maylands Saga:
Appointed trustee and trust secretary to Maylands Methodist Church in October 1900. Transferred to treasurer 4 May 1905.

Also known as James Walter Berry.
1901 Postal Directory. Berry, W. J., cllctr, 54 Amherst Ave
In 1945, living at 54 Amherst Ave.

Memories of W J Berry:
Accompanied his father on lay preaching appointments.
In youth worked as a carpenter on the railway to Oodnadatta, with construction camp in Hawker.
Stayed on after construction as a carpenter. {The old narrow-gauge ‘Ghan’ railway arrived in Oodnadatta in 1890. His work clearly finished earlier.}
First wife was a very sick lady. To meet costs he worked as a carpenter on the construction of the Exhibition Building and had a newspaper round. {Adelaide Jubilee International Exhibition was held 1887}

Biography

Walter James BERRY was born 14 Feb 1860 at Woodchester, South Australia.^[1]

Married to Clara Graham ALLEN 23 Sep 1885 at Maylands, South Australia^[2]
Groom Surname: BERRY
Given names: Walter James
Age: 25
Status: S
Father: Joseph Barclay BERRY
Bride Surname: ALLEN
Given names: Clara Graham
Age: 24
Status: S
Father: John Murles ALLEN
Date: 1885-09-23
Place: Res of John Murles Allen Maylands
District: Nor

Original sighted at Campbelltown.
In the house of John Murlis Allen at Maylands
Walter is a bachelor carpenter, Clara is a spinster.
Witnesses are John Murlis Allen, Limeburner of Maylands and Mary Jane LLoyd of Maylands.
Form has been filled in as James Berry, with Walter added in each place.

South Australian Advertiser 26 Oct 1885, p4 has:
BERRY-ALLEN.-On the 23rd September, at the
residence of the bride's parents, by the Rev. J. G.
Wright, Walter James, eldest son of Joseph B. Berry,
of Monarto, to Clara Graham, only daughter of John
M. Allen, late of Gladstone.

Clara Graham ALLEN died 7 May 1893 at Norwood, South Australia^[3]
Surname: BERRY
Given Names: Clara Graham
Date: 1893-05-07
Sex: F
Age: 32y
Status: M
Relative: Walter James BERRY (H)
Residence: North Norwood
Death Place: North Norwood
District Code: Nor
Book: 209
Page: 377

Book in Campbelltown library has:
Wife of Walter James Berry Carpenter.
Residence and death at Amherst Avenue, North Norwood.
Cause in Phthisis (Tubercular)

Allingtons:
At Amherst Ave.

Married to Mary Elizabeth ROBJOHNS 1 Jan 1896 at East Moonta, Moonta^[4] CD has
Groom Surname: BERRY
Given names: Walter James
Age: 35
Status: W
Father: Joseph Barclay BERRY
Bride Surname: ROBJOHNS
Given names: Mary Elizabeth
Age: 27
Status: S
Father: Charles John Drake ROBJOHNS
Date: 1896-01-01
Place: Res of C J D Robjohns East Moonta
District: Dal

Joined Luhrs Rd Congregational Church, 1914 in Maylands, South Australia^[5]

Mary Elizabeth ROBJOHNS died 12 Jun 1954 at Trinity Gardens, South Australia^[6] Surname: BERRY
Given Names: Mary Elizabeth
Date: 1954-06-13
Sex: F
Age: 86y
Status: M
Relative: Walter James BERRY [H]
Relative 2:
Residence: Trinity Gardens
Death Place: St Peters
District Code: Nor
Symbol: H
Book: 811
Page: 2968

Cited in 'Berry James Walter' as Subject^[7]

Died 27 Aug 1957 at Maylands, South Australia^[8] Surname: BERRY
Given Names: Walter James
Date: 1957-08-27
Sex: M
Age: 97y
Status: W
Relative:
Relative 2:
Residence: Norwood North
Death Place: Evandale
District Code: Nor
Symbol: H
Book: 863
Page: 5013

Burial Order has:
Residence was 54 Amherst Ave, Trinity Gardens.
Place of death was The Lancet Hospital, Payneham Rd Evandale.

Luhrs Road history has:
October 1957...
The death of Mr. W. J.
Berry, a foundation member of the church occurred in this
month. He was remembered as a highly valued worker in the
early life of the church and had rendered devoted and faithful
service over the years.

Cited in 'Berry-Robjohns' as My father Walter James Berry^[9]

Sources

1. ↑ Berry W J family Bible:
   Bible presented to Walter James BERRY in 1874, and inscribed with his parents and siblings, as well as his own children. Held in 2010 by Simon BERRY at C A Berry, undertakers of Magill Road.
   
   Also in the Bible are inserted pages from another book, with a transcription of the same births.
   
   Birth of Walter's mother, Mary Ann SIMPSON is incorrect, given as London rather than Tasmania. Her mother, Mary Ann SCAMMELL was still alive in 1874.
   
   SAB1:
   CD of South Australian births.
   
   Allingtons:
   Talking with Harold and Marge (Emma Margery BERRY) Allington Jan 2004.
   Including cuttings from a scrapbook of her mother's with many newspaper cuttings.
   
   Maylands Saga 1. Trustees p1-15:
   Booklet produced for the centenery in 1982.
   Copy held in the South Australian Collection of the Adelaide library, North Tce.
   sa 287.930994231 W452 1982]
   Extracts photocopied and scanned by dlm 2002.
   Neil Page also has a copy.
   
   FOREWORD
   THE GRACE OF GOD
   
   I regard it a supreme honour to be invited to write this foreword to a history of a citadel, where the radiance of the heavenly word and precept has given an enduring spiritual endowment to both person and community.
   
   The Maylands Uniting Church, in the Eastern Suburban Parish of Adelaide, is in record of service, so richly possessed in ways of benefaction that it is most appropriate to speak of its place, and part, over the years as "sacred ground".
   
   It is objective, in listing the great array of the clergy who have superintended the duties, as well as the help of the laymen and distinguished visitors. on special occasions of the Church. Additionally there is the record of the devoted work that has been undertaken by the gifted organists, choir masters and choirs, Sunday school teachers and officers etc., who have played their part in the making of Maylands, a spiritual home for so many souls.
   
   The Maylands Uniting Church can stand and proclaim in fervent praise-
   "PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW"
   
   Norman J. O. Makin, A.O.
   
   Compiled and Edited by
   Ron Wellington
   Maylands Uniting Church
   
   p1-----------p2
   
   

   ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

   
   
   This book is an attempt to record the events which have been associated with the establishment of the Maylands Uniting Church, over the past 100 years.
   
   History is made by events and people, but mainly by people. Therefore the actions and decisions, of people, during this past century have been, in an honest attempt, recorded to honour many dedicated people whose efforts have contributed to the history of Maylands.
   
   In so doing I am especially indebted to so many kind, cooperative f'olk who have so graciously contributed articles and inf'ormatiom which, without their assistance, would have otherwise never been revealed.
   
   In order to avoid the error of omission, I am merely naming one person. Mr. Jim Everett of the Campbelltown U.C.A., who is also secretary of the Historical Society of the Uniting Church, who so generously supplied documents, records, and advice, and from whom I also received inspiration.
   
   To all who have contributed in any manner, be it a small or large contribution, please accept my sincere thanks.
   
   The hours expended in the preparation of the History of Maylands have been great, but very rewarding.
   
   Ron Wellington
   
   p2-----------p3
   
   HISTORY OF THE MAYLANDS CHURCH 1882-1982
   
   This is the story of a Church. Not an exotic structure, with magnificent transepts and spires, but just an ordinary unpretentious suburban church, which has served its community faithfully as their spiritual home for just one hundred years.
   
   It has no claim to aesthetic beauty. It was not constructed with very elegant materials, but with simple good South Australian stone hewn from the local quarries. However, it still proudly flings its portals wide, inviting those who love their Lord to come and worship Him. It has stood the ravages of time. It has withstood the apathy of a so called "enlightened society". The onslaught of so many sects and 'isms' have so far been unable to close its doors, and now after one hundred years of noble and dedicated service to the Maylands community, it still takes up the challenge of an apathetic world to rend it asunder.
   
   This church has provided, for all who would accept, a place of solace and renewal.
   
   In so doing it has also provided the wider church with so many dedicated ministers, deaconesses and laymen who have laboured zealously for their Lord and His kingdom.
   
   What a debt we owe to the foresight of those, who, through the need of a house of worship one hundred years ago, were so inspired to place their trust in God and proceed to see their vision of need become a reality.
   
   It is because of this debt which we owe to those early pioneers, that we have decided to delve into the earlv history of Maylands and to place on record for future generations, the "scenes behind the scene" in the events which culminated in the erection of the Maylands Wesleyan Church. In so doing we also pay tribute to the names of so many devoted people who assisted in bringing this dream to fruition.
   
   In the year 1881 when the district was mostly open paddocks, with here and there a few houses to break the monotony, three gentlemen namely: Mr. E.T. Bridgland; Mr. W. Langsford; and the Rev. J.Y. Simpson decided that there was an acute need for a place of worship. Therefore, on foot, on horseback and by dog cart, they canvassed the district, and as a result a Sunday School was started in a weatherboard house in Clifton Street.
   
   p3----------p4
   
   The school was opened by the Rev. J.Y. Simpson and approximately twenty scholars arrived for tuition. This was indeed an encouraging start. The Superintendent was Mr. Bridgland and the organist was Mr. James Hill. The work was immediately successful and grew and gathered momentum, so much so that the same three people thereupon resolved to make plans to erect a Church in the district.
   
   The Rev. Mr. Simpson and the Secretary took action and were able to procure an allotment of land at Maylands which measured 80ft. x 200ft. from G.T. Lane for £164/-/-. Realising also the need for the necessary finance to cover the purchase, the same gentlemen also processed a loan of £250/-/- from a Mr. Waterhouse at a yearly rate of 6 1/2% interest. This sum was to cover the purchase of the land and also partially cover the erection of the building.
   
   At the first meeting held on January 11th 1882, and attended by the following: Revs. H.T. Burgess, J.Y. Simpson, and Messrs. H . Bowen, J.B. Champion, J.P. Roberts, G.J. Outlaw, E.T. Bridgland and the Secretary Mr. James Hill, the actions of the two men in securing the land and negotiating a loan were endorsed wholeheartedly by the meeting.
   
   The secretary furnished an estimate from a contractor, for building a concrete Gothic Schoolroom. After much discussion as to the superior strength of, and appearance, if the structure was of 14" stonework, instead of 9" concrete as suggested, Mr. G.J. Outlaw proposed and Mr. Roberts seconded, that if a stone building could be erected at an extra cost of only £20/ -/ -, the same should be proceeded with, without delay. This motion was unanimously carried. Mr. Simpson and the secretary were asked to process the transfer of the land.
   
   The original building was of Gothic design, and 30ft. deep and had a frontage to Dover Street of 18ft. The total cost was £325. (This original building still stands, resplendent in its past glory, and serves as a museum for vintage pianos).
   
   The opening service was held on Sunday March 5th 1882, in the afternoon, at which the Rev. H.T. Burgess, superintendent of the Circuit, preached. The pulpit in the evening, was occupied by Mr. Simpson. A quote from the 'Illustrated Christian Weekly' of March 10th 1882, describes the events of the big day, in these words, quote "A gracious feeling rested on the services, and in the prayer meeting held after, and we had the joy of seeing six young persons seeking and finding peace with God." The services were well attended and the collections satisfactory. On the following Tuesday, the attendance at the Tea and Public meeting was large. J.C. Minns esq. occupied the Chair, the ministers of the circuit, and Messrs. Hill and
   
   p4----------p5
   
   Bridgland gave addresses. At the request of the Chairman a verse of the national anthem was sung heartily by the audience, as an expression of gratitude, for Her Majesty's deliverance". Unquote. There had obviously been an assassination attempt on the life of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, which happily proved unsuccessful. The proceeds of the opening services, and subscriptions at this time totalled £113/1/6.
   
   Maylands was, at this period, an outreach of Norwood Wesley Church, The Parade, Norwood.
   
   The cause flourished, and in a little over a year, it was found necessary to consider additions to the building in order to provide, as the minutes of April 1 2th 1883, show, "better accommodation for the school and congregation".
   
   A design prepared by Mr. Hill, architect, was accepted and Mr. Hill was also authorised to prepare estimates and reports for the next meeting. At the following meeting Mr. Hill was empowered to proceed with the building alterations, provided, that, "he did not incur expenditure over and above the sum of £110, in addition to the donations of materials which had been promised." The alterations were duly completed by adding to the front of the Church, and providing a side porch entrance at a cost of £110.
   
   It now seemed appropriate to form a Church Trust. The first Trust was composed of the following: Rev. J.B. Stephenson and Rev. H.T. Burgess and Messrs. James Hill, Jasper Bee, George John Outlaw, Hopkin Bowen, John Curtin Minns, Thomas Hill, William Rhodes, J. P. Roberts, James B Champion, William H. Goss and E.T. Bridgland.
   
   Prominent workers who were very willing to lend their support at this time are also listed:- Mr. & Mrs. Addison and family, Mrs. Allen senr., Mr. and Mrs. James, Miss Possingham, Mr. and Mrs. Collins senr. and family, Mr. and Mrs. Osborne, Mr. and Mrs. Baker, Mr. and Mrs. Knight, Mr. and Mrs. Clare, Mr. and Mrs. Ligterwood, Mr. and Mrs Parks, Mr. and Mrs. Bland, Mr. and Mrs. Corp. Mr. and Mrs. Halliday, Mrs. Shepherd, Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. Mortimer, Mrs. Fieldhouse, Mr. and Mrs. Burdett, Mr. and Mrs. Steinweidle.
   
   At the Trust meeting in September 1883 it was resolved that seats in the Church be allotted to the congregation and that a plate be placed at the doorway, every Sunday morning, for contributions, instead of charging seat rents.
   
   Mr. Hill and Mrs. Clark were asked to form a choir for the Church, and a sacred concert was arranged for October 4th. in aid ofthe organ fund. At this meeting Mr. Lemon requested the use of the vestry forthe Rechabite Lodge. This was granted at a rental of 5/- per quarter.
   
   p5----------p8 (6 and 7 were the Declaration of Trust)
   
   At about this time finances were becoming very difficult, for the new church and its trust, despite the diligent efforts of the Church ladies to raise money to assist the infant church in its work. On May 8th 1884 there is a report in the minutes of an offer from a Mr. Barnweld, a land agent, of five feet additional frontage to the church in Dover Street, in exchange for ten feet at the rear of the property. The offer received full consideration from the seven trustees who were present at the meeting, but was not considered liberal enough in view of such a curtailment of the block. It was resolved to make a counter offer back to the agent. The Trust to offer ten feet of land at the rear of the allotment. to Mr. Barnweld, at a cost of £5 per foot. The offer was accepted and duly processed. and the proceeds were handed to the treasurer to offset a sum of £S0 which he had advanced to the church as an interest free loan.
   
   A vote of thanks to the treasurer for his generosity was passed unanimously.
   
   Or. April Ist 1885 a new fence was erected around the property incurring an expenditure of £20. This amount was borrowed from the Bank of Adelaide, for a period of three months. At the same time an enquiry was made by the Board of Education as to the possibility of them renting the Church for a day school. The meeting decided to accede to the request, on the following terms: 'A weekly rental of 12/6 and all damages occurring to the buildings or furnishings to be made good by the Board of Education'. There is no definite evidence available confirming as to whether the terms were accepted or not and we are therefore not sure if the Church was used as a day school. This part of the History of the Church must remain obscure.
   
   The Church Anniversary was usually held in the month of May each year, the date fluctuating as circumstances warranted at the time. This celebration was always followed by a Public Meeting (sometimes called the "The Meeting") which was held on the Tuesday night following the Anniversary services. A well known public figure (and preferably a good C'hristian man) was asked to Chair the meeting. This occasion in the Church calendar was always very fruitful financially, as well as spiritually, and was usually looked to with anticipation by the congregation.
   
   The financial situation continued to cause a lot of concern to the trustees. There was never an abundance of money, and consequently, a system of borrowing from institutions. in order to liquidate previously borrowed amounts which were falling due, was very common practice. For instance. in the minutes of Nov 26th 1885, t he treasurer reported that the sum of £ 17/10/- ws due to.Mr. Waterhouse, as interest due on the original loan
   
   p8---------p9
   
   of £250. However there was not sufficient funds on hand to meet this debt. It was resolved that the treasurer be empowered to obtain a loan of £30. One half of this projected loan (£ 15) was to be allotted to the settlement of Mr. Waterhouse's debt and the balance of £15 to be paid as a reduction on the previous Bank loan.
   
   Messrs. A.W. Lemon and W. James were appointed Church stewards at this meeting. Again on March 18th 1886, financial trouble reared its ugly head. The treasurer reported that he had obtained a loan from Messrs. A.A. & P.T. Scott of £30 at 7% interest. Also that he had discharged the debt due to the Bank of Adelaide. At this same meeting a letter was read from Mr. Waterhouse requesting the payment in full of his loan of £250. It was decided that his loan be repaid in accordance with his request and that an offer of a loan of the same amount at 6 1/2 % from Mr. Thomas Hill be accepted for that purpose.
   
   It was also agreed to increase the salary of the Chapel Keeper (a position which would be now known as caretaker) by 5/- per annum in line with her request.
   
   At this point in history, a little 'financial juggling' was indulged in by the trust. An amount of £75 was received after an application to the Loan Fund of the Church. After a short discussion it was decided to loan the same to the Norwood Wesleyan Church for one vear at 7%!
   
   The method of the supper arrangements for the Tea Meeting, was to ask the married ladies of the congregation to'collect Trays', presumably of food for the occasion, and to take charge of the meeting.
   
   An application was received from Mrs. Williams, a school teacher, of Maylands, for the use of the property for school purposes at a weekly rental of 4/-. The application was granted and for that reason the secretary was authorised to make the necessary improvements to the area.
   
   An estimate was received from Mr. Watson to cover renovations to the property, but after due consideration the proposed work was deemed above the means of the Trust. Instead, as an alternative the secretary was asked to see to the repair of the roof and windows and also obtain prices for coloring the walls. The ladies of the Church were asked to act as a committee to collect subscriptions for defraying this cost.
   
   The sittings in the Church were let at the following rates:- Single sittings 1/- each: and a whole seat 5/- per quarter. (Obviously the previous system of "a plate at the door" had failed).
   
   Things proceeded along uneventfully for some time. The lack of finance being the major problem. However, this had
   
   p9----------p10
   
   bcen ever with them, and had become a way of life for the trustees.
   
   The Trust meetings were verv poorly attended. Four trustees plus the Chairman constituted a normal meeting. Mr. Hill after many years of very valuable service to the Trust, tendered his resignation as treasurer. This was in July 1889.
   
   The next meeting was not held until October 1900 when the secretary reporting on the poor attendances, advised that the following members were now deceased:- Messrs. James Hill, C. J. Outlaw, Thomas Hill and William Rhodes, whilst Mr. J.C Minns and Mr. J.O. Roberts were out of the colony. It was agreed to appoint the following gentlemen as additional trustees: William Ernest Collins, Walter James Berry, William White, David Ashby and William Henry James. Mr. Berry was eiectecl Trust Secretary. The Church debt on the property at this time was only £125.
   
   At this stage in the History, you will notice an influx of well known names of people, who, themselves and their descendants since, have served, and are still serving this self same Church with honor and devotion.
   
   It was reported to the Trust that a rumour was rife that the late sister E.J. Possingham had left a sum of £20 to the Church in her will. However the excitement was shortlived as upon investigation by the minister, he found that the sum was only £5 and that also, the will had been unsigned.
   
   In 1901 further additions were contemplated. Plans were laid for an extension to the building once again. It was proposed this time to extend on the eastern side of the Church to offset the previous alterations on the westerly wing.
   
   The building committee however, recommended that, instead of an easterly extension, a transept be built across the back or south end. The dimensions being 22 feet deep, and 22 feet east and west. This was accepted and agreed to by the Trust. The plan was to be submitted to absent trustees, and, if approved by them, estimates were to be obtained as to cost. The specifications were- "Return walls from present building, of 14 inch stone and 9 inch best brick"! A quote was obtained from Mr. J.H. Mattingley of £240/10/- and Rev. William Reed reported that he had processed a loan from Mr. Wilkinson of £150 at 4 1/2% per annum.
   
   At the next Trust meeting however, an agreement was reached that Mr. Mattingley supply labour only, and that the church would supply their own materials. The work commenced forthwith, and proceeded satisfactorily, and when completed, and leaving the job, the contractors removed and sold withhout authority certain surplus building material which
   
   p10---------p11
   
   remained. After a long discussion at the following Trust meeting, Mr. Bridgland moved that "the contractors for masonry and plastering be severely reprimanded for their conduct". This was seconded by Mr. Goss and accordingly done by the Chairman, The Rev. W. Reed.
   
   A donation of lamps for the new additions, was made by the Magill Trust, for which the members were very appreciative.
   
   Finances were once again short and the Trust asked the Quarterly meeting, that "one collection per quarter be devoted to funds for the Trust."
   
   From the opening in 1882 and until 1914, the Maylands Wesleyan Church was associated with Norwood Wesley and in 1900, when Methodism was united, Sydenham Road was joined to this Circuit. During the period prior to the union of Methodism in 1900, Sydenham Road was attached to the Primitive Methodist faction, and, as Maylands was a Wesleyan connection, consequently they had virtually nothing in common. However, after union Sydenham Road became part of the Norwood Circuit and thus a sister Church of Maylands. This in itself created another problem, as there was another Primitive Methodist Church situated on the corner of Dover and Phillis Streets, and in fact not more than approximatelv 100 yards from Maylands. Naturally, this building was superfluous, and in 1907 was sold to a Mr. Robert Clark and subsequently became used as a laundry. Finally the structure was demolished and Mr. Lou Borgelt, a well known Maylands business man erected flats on the site, and so they remain to this day. From 1900 until 1914 this was the circuit composition and then it was decided to again split up the eastern circuits into more viable ones and consequently the following Parish was decided upon: Maylands, Norwood-Wesley, Kensington Park, Sydenham Road and East Parade, with two ministers and a circuit assistant.
   
   The statistics of this circuit at the time being: Churches- Five: Local Preachers-Fifteen: Members-- 467: Hearers ( I would imagine comparable to our present day Adherents)- 1,870. The combined income for the past three years had amounted to £2200.
   
   Up to this time the position of Treasurer of the Trust had been held by the Superintendent minister and at the meeting of May 4th 1905, it was decided that it was much more desirable for a local member to act in this capacity. Mr. W. Berry was duly elected to take over this office. This now left the position of Secretary vacant, as Mr. Berry who had been secretary for some years, resigned to take the position of Treasurer. Mr. W. H. James was thereupon elected to be Secretary of the Trust.
   
   p11---------p12
   
   It was here resolved to advertise the Church Anniversary services in the local paper. By now the Sunday School was quite a force in the life of the Church, and accordingly made many worthwhile contributions to its finances, which were received with extreme gratitude. They promised to contribute to the cost of a new fence in Augusta Street. The members of the congregation were also asked to assist in the appeal.
   
   The Tea Meeting with a lecture by the Rev. Mr. Roberts, and a tea to follow was arranged for Tuesday May 22nd following the Anniversary, with an admission charge of 6d.
   
   It was in the year 1907 that permission was given to the Sunday School to form a Tennis Club. The cleaner was given a raise in salary from 2/6 to 4/- per week. The Sunday School again agreed to be responsible for the extra 1/6 per week. The evening's Service was altered from 7 p.m. to commence at 6.45 p.m. for one year's trial.
   
   Miss M.E. White resigned from the position of organist and Mr. B. Bannister, Choir Secretary, applied in writing to be appointed as organist, but an appeal was read from the pulpit inviting volunteers to apply. This resulted in Miss Elsie James being appointed with Miss M. Mallett as assistant, for a period of three months. Miss James married, became Mrs. Spencer, and duly resigned in 1909. Mr. Eric Jaimcey was allotted the task, but, in July of the same year he resigned. Miss Mallett took over the organ and she also resigned a year later in 1910.
   
   Mr. Henry Berry was elected as Trust Secretary in 1910.
   
   Miss Lang and Mrs. S.D. Allen were appointed as temporary church organists.
   
   The football club requested to hold a social in the church in 1910. Permission was granted, on condition that the program for the evening's entertainment, be submitted to the Trust before the evening of the social.
   
   A complaint was received from a local resident concerning the ringing of the church bell. It appears that it was causing her some very disturbing moments. It was decided to ring the bell for five minutes from ten to five minutes before the service began.
   
   The Sunday School was continually seeking more accommodation and the Trust, through lack of funds, was reluctantly obliged to refuse their requests. Finally on September 20th 1912 the following resolution was passed:- "That the committee recommend that a building consisting of two rooms, with a movable partition, be erected on the eastern side of the present structure. The rooms to be for the use of the Kindergarten and primary Divisions. Also that we further recommend that the Trust take into consideration, the erection
   
   p12---------p13
   
   of a new Church building on the western side of that, at present." It was decided that the rooms were not to cost more than £260, and that no construction be commenced until two thirds of the approximate cost be in hand. Mr. A. Hudd resigned as Church Treasurer and Mr. A.E. Knight was appointed in his stead. Mr. Berry resigned as Church secretary, and Mr. B. Bannister was elected to this position. In September s 1913, Mr. W. Allen produced a sketch of a building to seat 450 people. After some discussion, Mr. Allen moved that Mr. Juncken be asked to prepare plans and specifications with an estimate of probable costs.
   
   The church was experiencing a spate of vandalism in the form of hymn books being destroyed by some of the children. A minute was recorded that "children who have damaged hymn books, be cautioned from the pulpit in Sunday School." At the next meeting Mr. W. Allen presented a plan of a Church and school room costing £950 if constructed of cement blocks and £1260 for a stone structure. The dimensions of the plan were, 60 feet x 40 feet with walls 22 feet high. After much consideration, it was decided not to commit the trust to any liability until matters had reached a more definite stage. Mr. Knight and Mr. Allen were appointed a committee to interview Mr. Bland, who built the Saint Marks Church of England.
   
   On July 1 4th 1914 it was decided to proceed with the erection of a new building as soon as possible and that we procure plans, from West Hindmarsh, of the Church recently erected there, in order to compare with our plans.
   
   Mr. Tregonning asked permission to allow the Sunday School to rebuild the kitchen, and that the School would bear the cost. Permission was granted provided that the school could procure the materials as a gift and that the labour involved be also voluntary.
   
   The Rechabite Lodge was granted permission to rent a room, to hold a tent meeting at a quarterly charge of 10/-.
   
   It would appear that the rebuilding of the kitchen as proposed by the Sunday School, in July 1914, did not eventuate. Perhaps the terms imposed by the Trust, that all materials and work be of a voluntary nature were too severe. The same issue was again raised in 1916 and the Trust meeting decided to ask Mr. Watson for an estimate of cost to rebuild. This was received and amounted to £60.
   
   A request from the leader of the Basketball club (E. Collins) for permission to erect a rubber tube on the gas jet to connect a light for players was granted.
   
   An Honor Roll was compiled and erected honoring those who had enlisted.
   
   p13----------p14
   
   The ladiest guild offered to raise half of the cost of a piano, if the Trust would pay the other half. The Ladies guaranteed to raise the money by holding concens until the whole amount was provided.
   
   The occupant of the house next to the church (Mr. Gilbert) was asked permission for the Trust to cut back trees that were dropping berries on the church roof. This house was presumably the one which the Church eventually purchased, and used for a number of years as the Manse. ~
   
   There was no response from Mr. Gilbert, with regard to the trees and the Rev. Mr. Blacket volunteered to interview him re the nuisance. As a compromise in regard to the rebuilding of the kitchen, it was finally decided to pull down portion of the old kitchen and rebuild with a double brick wall. This was done at a cost of £9, to the satisfaction of all concerned.~
   
   For some considerable time now, the new church plan appeared to be shelved. There was no reference to it in any minutes for quite a while. This was perhaps, the result of the war which was making materials to be in very short supply. However again in 1917 Mr. H. Berry was asked to bring forward a scheme to raise funds for the new church.
   
   Again Mr. Gilbert's trees were giving a lot of trouble. This time a Moreton Bay fig tree was the main offender, and again the Rev. Mr. Blacket volunteered to interview Mr. Gilbert. Mr. Berry presented his money raising scheme to the trust. The idea was that members ,be asked to systematically give to the new building fund. The plan was accepted by the Trust and Mr. Berry was appointed to introduce the scheme.
   
   By now electricity was rapidly replacing gas as a means of illumination, and so the subject was discussed by the Trust. It was decided to secure estimates of the cost of installation of electric light in 1918.
   
   A classroom was let to the St. Peters corporation, for purposes of a polling booth on election days. (This was in 1917 and the practice still exists up to the present day).
   
   Messrs. Blanden Bros. submitted a price of £16/7/6 for renovations to the church. This was accepted. Mr. Gilbert agreed to allow the Trust to remove a tree from his property at their own expense.
   
   The Tennis club was reprimanded for the condition in which they were leaving the church premises, and some of the furniture, on tennis days.
   
   In December 1919, it was decided to reorganise the Trust and the Rev. E.W. Caust was authorised to proceed in this regard.
   
   A new caretaker was appointed at a salary of 7/6 per week.
   
   Mr. A.T. Murphy, electrician, submitted a priceof£15/ 10/
   
   p14----------p15
   
   for the connection of electricity to the Church. This price was accepted and Mr. LeLeu was asked to collect donations to pay for same.
   
   The Rev. E.W. Caust reported that on February 20th 1920 the only original trustees alive at that date were Mr. Bridgland, Mr. J.P. Roberts and Dr. Burgess. These three gentlemen were asked to meet at the Maylands church for the purpose of forming a new Trust.
   
   A complaint was lodged against the I. O. R. Junior tent about the behaviour of its members and the destruction of property. They were threatened with expulsion if the behaviour was not improved.
   
   The electric light was now installed and the account was passed for payment on April 15th 1920. Mr. Le Leu was suitably thanked for collecting the required amount to defray the costs.
   
   As there had been no response from the letter sent to the three original trustees, the minister of the church the Rev. E. W. Caust nominated the following to comprise the Trust of the Maylands church:-Messrs. R. Collins, A. Knight, H. Le Leu, G. Cate, A. Baker, B. Jackson, H. Berry, W. Tregonning, A. Trebilcock, B. Bannister, A.W. Allen and B.A. Allen, with power to add. Subsequently, the following were also added:- Messrs. W.A. Weaver, H. Smith, W. White, W.S.C. Collins, S. Mallett, G. Tretheway and W.G. Hand. This Trust was unregistered and functioned until August 1st 1921 when the Rev. W.A. Dunn, the superintendent minister nominated and received approval of the following list of names as the Official Trust of the Maylands Methodist Church:-Sidney Alfred Allen, Benjamin Bannister, Robert Collins, Walter Henry Murlis Berry, Arthur Edward Knight, Walter Tregonning, Harold Francis Le Leu, George Robert Baker, Gilbert G.C. Catt, Alex James Baker, Benjamin Jackson, Henry Allen Smith, William Shirley Weaver and Frank Dawson. The new members attended the meeting on September I st 1921 and duly signed the Declaration. The of ficers elected were: Secretary- D.A. Allen: Treasurer-A.E. Knight: Church Steward-A. Baker: Organist - Mrs. Allen: Assistant organist- Mrs. Hunter.
   
   The state of the finances at this stage were-Trust Fund £5/10/- credit and the Building Fund in credit for the sum of £506/-/-.
   
   The secretary was instructed to write to Mrs. Kerr regarding the concert to be held on Tuesday pointing out to her the necessity of keeping out of the program 'objectionable dancing'. The building fund was progressively accumulating
   
   p15-----
   
   
   Memories of W J Berry:
   Probably an obituary by Les Berry for his father.
   Typescript in the W J Berry family Bible.
   
   
   
2. ↑ SAM:
   South Australian Marriage records. Using the CD version, with a few fiche references for marriages.
   
   SAM1 Marriages up to 1917
   SAM2 Marriages up to 1937
   
   As a result of the proclamation of An Act for Registering Births, Deaths, and Marriages, in the Province of South Australia (Anno Quinto Victoriae Reginae No. 13), civil birth registration could commence on 1 June 1842.
   From this date parents were permitted, but not compelled, to register births which had occurred previously (including births at sea and in other parts of Australia and Van Diemen's Land). There are 492 such prior births recorded, the first of which occurred on 17 December 1828. The next was on 16 March 1831 and the third on 25 September 1835. These were followed by nine births in 1837, 23 in 1838 and increasing numbers each following year. There is some evidence to suggest that the three earliest birth dates are incorrect.
   
   It was common practice that parents compulsorily registering a birth would also register their older children at the same time. In fact, the first two registrations were for children of the same family, Simon and Rabinia LESLIE born on 1 June 1840 and 1 May 1842 respectively. The actual date of these first registrations was 4 June 1842.
   Births occurring from 1 June 1842 were required to be registered within 42 days or be subject to a fine of ten shillings and sixpence for registration up to six months after the event. Beyond the six month limit, registration was not permitted (except for births at sea or in other parts of Australia or Van Diemen's Land), but did occur in some cases. Some cancelled registrations have such notations as Not in accordance with the Act or Not recorded within 42 days. These cancelled registrations are included in this compilation. The time limit and associated fine on delayed registration resulted in a significant number of birth dates being falsified by their informants.
   
   Registration of stillborn births was not permitted.
   Initially there were two Registration Districts, Adelaide (where the Principal Registry Office was located in the City of Adelaide) and Flinders (where the Registry Office was located in Port Lincoln).
   Many registrations were made by mail as people could not afford the expense or time to travel to a Registry Office. Further births remained unregistered for the same reasons and, in addition, ignorance or defiance of the legal requirements
   
   Expansion of the System
   © 1998 SAGHS and Coherent Software
   
   In 1848, The Murray was proclaimed as a Registration District with its Registry Office located in Kooringa, the centre of a growing mining area. In 1854, Encounter Bay was added and this was followed in 1855 by the additions of Barossa West, Clare and Upper Wakefield, Grey, Highercombe, Mount Barker, Munno Para East, Munno Para West, Nairne, Onkaparinga, Willunga and Yatala. The information provided for on the registration forms was Date; Registration District; Registration Number; When Born; Name, if any; Sex; Name and Surname of Father; Name and Maiden Surname of Mother; Rank or profession of Father; Signature, description and residence of informant; When Registered and Signature of Deputy Registrar; Name if added after Registration of Birth.
   
   Two registrations were completed for each birth, one was retained by the district registry office as the district copy, the other was sent to Adelaide where it became the official registration for certification purposes. Significant differences between the two records occurred in many cases.
   The Act was repealed and a new Act was assented to on 1 February 1856 and, on 1 July 1856, a total of 22 districts were established or confirmed, the remainder of those listed above being abolished. The 22 districts were Adelaide, Angaston, Barossa, Burra, Clare, Crawford, Encounter Bay, Flinders, Gilbert, Grey, Highercombe, Kapunda, Morphett Vale, Mount Barker, Nairne, Port Gawler, Robe, Strathalbyn, Talunga, Wellington, Willunga and Yankalilla.
   
   District registrars were given instructions to assist in completing the registration form prescribed by the 1856 Act. This form, in column layout, required information under the similar headings to the earlier act; the main difference being the inclusion of the parents' residence in place of informant's residence. Some of these instructions are reproduced below.
   
   Instructions for the Registration of BIRTHS
   
   No. of 18
   District of
   
   WhenBorn. Name. Sex. Name and Surname of Father. Name and Maiden Surname of Mother. Rank orProfession ofFather. Residence of Parents. Christian Name, if any, given after Registration of Birth. [Enter the CHRISTIAN name or names in this Column, except in cases of Illegitimacy, when the FULL name and surname must be given.In case of twins, write as follows:- Mary Ann, female, and Eliza Jane, female, or as may be.] [Every name in full, without omission or abbreviation.In cases of
   Illegitimacy, when the Father's name is refused to be given, or not known, write 'NOT STATED;' and so in respect of his profession, in the Sixth Column.] [Enter the full present name, then add - 'FORMERLY' - giving the maiden surname.If the Child be Illegitimate, then the Mother's name in full.In case of the Mother having been twice married, write, say - Mary Wilson, late Smith, formerly Jones, the last being the maiden surname.] [Enter the place considered by them as their usual home. If the Child be Illegitimate, enter the MOTHER'S usual residence, saying, 'residence of
   MOTHER.']
   I [Informant's full name], of [his residence], in the District of do declare the above
   particulars to be correct and true to the best of my knowledge and belief. ____________________[Informant's signature.]
   
   Signed in my presence, at this day of
   18 . ____________________District Registrar.
   
   Forty-two clear days are allowed for the Registration of BIRTHS. If delayed
   beyond that time, a fee of Five Shillings must be charged and remitted to the District Office with the sheets. A Birth occurring at Sea is not chargeable, although the age of the Child may exceed forty-two days.
   
   Note: The registrars frequently failed to adhere to the issued instructions. This created complications, many decades later, for this project.
   
   Later subdivisions resulted in the new Registration Districts of Frome (1857), Daly (1866), Upper Wakefield (1867), Palmerston (1870), Port Adelaide (1870), Hindmarsh (1872) and Norwood (1882). Multiple entry registration forms were used until about 1875 in some districts. These contained from three to eighteen registrations per sheet. Single entry forms were introduced as early as 1865 while in some districts the multiple entry forms were used with only one entry per sheet. The District Registrars were required to forward quarterly summaries to Adelaide. Some of these were bound into the early multiple entry books. Entries from these summaries were included in this compilation if the full registration could not be identified or if the details varied significantly.
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. ↑ SAD1:
   CD of South Australian Deaths.
   
   Allingtons:
   Talking with Harold and Marge (Emma Margery BERRY) Allington Jan 2004.
   Including cuttings from a scrapbook of her mother's with many newspaper cuttings.
   
   
   
4. ↑ Berry-Robjohns:
   Manuscript copy included in PRG985/10 a), supporting Les BERRY as author. Also with Gordon YUILLE.
   
   Robert Berry, born 1765, married 12/7/1794 Ann Flack Gibbs (BERRY) born 1766.
   Had 3 children 2 daughters and one son
   Martha Berry 1803 Sarah Berry 1806 (never married)
   son born 1809 James Berry
   James Berry married Ann Ellen Barclay 1832
   They had 4 sons and a daughter
   one son died shortly after birth.
   2 brothers James and Joseph Barclay Berry married 2 sisters Sarah Jane Simpson and Mary Ann Simpson.
   Joseph Barclay Berry b1834 married Mary Ann Simpson
   This pair had 17 children.
   My father Walter James Berry born 1860
   he was second child
   There were 3 children 2 girls 1 boy when diphtheria epidemic raged in SA. One son and daughter died.
   my father was only child left then.
   He married Clara Allen first wife and there were two sons and one daughter when Clara died.
   My father Walter James married my mother Elizabeth Robjohns
   There were six children of this marriage
   Harold Leonard James (died)
   Charles Archibald (died)
   Ruth Elizabeth (now 88)
   William Edward (now 85)
   Leslie Robjohns (now 80)
   Gordon (died in infancy)
   
   Robert Berry born March 23 1765 in Coventry England
   His father Robert senr was a Ribbon weaver by trade - his address Jordan Well just out of Coventry
   May 27 1788 Robert Berry Jnr granted freemanship of the city of Coventry. His apprenticeship was served under his father Robert and Jahn Lapworth.
   12 July 1794 Robert Berry marries Ann Flack Gibbs, a widow
   Mar 15 1803 Robert & Ann's first child Martha born
   1806 Aug 13 Second child Sarah
   1809 Oct 26 - Third child James.
   James Berry is your Great great grandfather
   1822 May 29 James is apprenticed, by indenture to his father Robert as a silk weaver, Jordon Well
   1831 July 26 James is granted freemanship of city
   1832 James married Ann Ellen Barclay of London (Battersea) at Holy Trinity Church, Coventry
   July 15 1833 first child James
   1834 Dec 24 Second child Joseph Barclay Berry born (Your great grandfather) (my grandfather)
   1840 Ann Flack Gibbs died age 74 (see first entry over page)
   1849 Robert Berry born 1765 died age 84
   1851 Census James listed as a Ribbon Manufacturers Assistant (connected with Bush ribbon makers)
   1852 James and his family leave England on 'Atlanta' headed for Adelaide
   Stranded in Port Philip Bay Melbourne due to ships crew deserting to Goldfields
   James with his 2 sons James and Joseph volunteer to bring ship to Adelaide
   6 March 1853 Arrive at Port Adelaide but unable to dock because it is a Sunday
   7 March 1853 The Bremen ship Atlanta offloads its passengers
   Other passengers on the ship was the Simpson family-
   1853-1857 Family settles at McLaren Vale, Happy Valley - then to Bugle Ranges, Hartley, Callington, Langhorne's Creek.
   Berry and Simpson family meet up again.
   1858 March 1 - Monday Both James jnr & his brother Joseph are married in a double wedding to the Simpson sisters Sarah & Mary Ann. Rev Flockhart officiated. Wedding took place in Walter Simpson's home (father of the two brides) at Whitepeg Gully on Chaunceys line of road to the Murray River near Reed Creek (near Callington)
   
   Great grandpa (yours) Joseph Barclay Berry was a farmer and school teacher, lived at many places south of Adelaide - near Macclesfield, at Langhorne's Creek, Finniss, Bugle Ranges, Sandergraove, Angas Plains, Roper River near Red Hill & Crystal Brook.
   
   Wiliam Simpson, son of Walter Simpson & brother in law to my grandfather - Joseph Barclay Berry was born in Battersea, London, and fought in the Crimea War. Came to South Australia & joined the family some time after 1850.
   
   Robjohns - not so much known as with the Berry family.
   My mother's father was Charles John Drake Robjohns - his mother's surname was Drake. He came with his parents including one sister first to new Zealand. Relatives name was East. CJDR left NZ and came to Adelaide. He was a baker and had a shop in a side street off Flinders Street near Pulteney St. Family came from Tavistock, Devon, England - the birth place of Sir Fancis Drake. There is a family connection. However Sir Francis was a bachelor & had lots of lady friends no direct descendancy has been established.
   Grandma Robjohns single name was Elizabeth Machin she was born in Tadcaster, Yorkshire, England on 12/4/1846.
   CJDR & EM were married on 9/6/1867 at Pirie St Methodist Church.
   Tracing back Machin family.
   Machin family lived in the village of Tadcaster Yorkshire in the vicinity of city of York.
   They had a farm called "Home Stoke Riding" Awkley Common near Doncaster.
   Story is that my Grandmother's father she was Elizabeth, Samuel Woodal Machin was a corn merchant & farmer. He was a heavy drinker, & sold his farm to pay debts and migrate with his family to Australia. They came to SA via Melbourne on sailing ship "Admella" which was wrecked on its return journey to Melbourne. The Machins lived in King William St & had a fruit garden at Unley. My grandmother was a milliner by trade.
   When the copper mine rush started at Moonta Grandpa & Grandma Robjohns moved to Moonta. He was a baker, but started work as engineer in the Moonta mines, Taylor's shaft. They lived in East Moonta.
   Their family was as follows:-
   1868 Mary Elizabeth (my mother) (Berry)
   1869 Eliza Ann (Thomas)
   1872 Emma Edith (Nancarrow)
   1874 Louisa Harriett (single)
   1876 (Charles George (died 1904)
   1880 Alfred John (died on WA goldfields)
   1882 Henry Thomas (had 2 sons)
   1886 Clara May (Whitford)
   1889 William Francis Machin (had 1 son)
   
   Elizabeth
   Hannah
   
   
   
5. ↑ Luhrs Rd Church history:
   Edited by Les Berry.
   Copy held by Sharyn Schlein 2010.
   
   
   
6. ↑ Berry W J grave Payneham.:
   In Loving memory of
   Clara Graham
   Died 7th May 1893
   Aged 31 Years
   Mary Elizabeth
   Died 12th June 1954
   Aged 86 years
   Walter James Berry
   Died 27th August 1957
   Aged 97 Years
   Beloved husband of
   Clara Graham
   and Mary Elizabeth
   
   SAD2:
   Second South Australian death index on CD
   
   
   
7. ↑ Berry James Walter:
   At the age of six, Mr James Walter Berry used to walk three miles to Sunday School in Crystal Brook.
   When he was 12 he used to carry his small sister on his back the same distance to the same church.
   Mr Berry is now staying with his sister at Firle.
   He was a member of the Bible Christian Church before its union with the Methodist Church. He claims his church life has been a tonic to his outlook and way of living
   Mr Berry had a newspaper round for 40 years and is well known in the Norwood-Payneham district.
   In those days he delivered newspapers from 3am to 6:30am, and then began his job as a carpenter from 7:30am to 5 pm. He did this until he was 85.
   Mr Berry occupied almost every office in his church. He attended the same Sunday school, eventually becoming its superintendent
   He is now confined to his bed, but is happy and bright, and his faith in God is stronger than ever.
   
   
   
8. ↑ Berry E J Birthday Book:
   Birthday book of Ernest Joseph BERRY, held by David Morgan.
   
   Berry W J grave Payneham.: ibid.
   
   SAD2:
   Second South Australian death index on CD
   
   Luhrs Rd Church history: ibid.
   
   
   
9. ↑ Berry-Robjohns: ibid.