THE CHOCOLYN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HALL

Establishment of the Hall

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In 1930, a public meeting in Chocolyn was called to address the problem of the local church having outgrown their meeting place at the school. The result of this meeting was the community decision to build the Chocolyn Presbyterian Hall. This was motioned by Ivie McErvale and seconded by W.G.D. Robertson. The cost of building the hall was not to exceed £450. The community borrowed £200 from the Presbyterian Church and raised the remaining funds themselves. Lyn Hedger notes in Golden Days at Chocolyn that the architect, Mr. Turner Fewtrall, gave his services free of charge. 

 

Opening of the Hall

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The Camperdown Chronicle reported large numbers turned out for the opening service at the Chocolyn Presbyterian Church Hall on November 1, 1931. The service began outside the hall with the congregation singing “The Church’s One Foundation” followed by a prayer. Mr. Turner Fewtrall opened the door of the hall, which soon filled for the dedication ceremony. This was led by Rev. D. Glyn Jones. The church was filled with music during the opening service. Dr. Finlay Fraser, Moderator of the Presbytery of Mortlake preached to the congregation and spoke of his time as assistant to Rev. Andrew Dunn around 1915. 

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Excerpt from the Camperdown Chronicle, 3 November 1931:

“Chocolyn people have every reason to be proud of the hall which they have erected at that centre. Conveniently situated, it is a handsome structure of wood, lined throughout … It has a seating capacity of 200 and will fill a distinct need in the district… Apart from its usefulness as a church hall, it has been the aim of the inspired committee to have the building opened so that it will be also suitable for social purposes, and its equipment and the provision of a kitchen at the rear render it eminently suitable for functions of a social nature. A Lipp piano has also been purchased and installed, and it will thus be possible to stage almost any kind of entertainment in the hall.”

(LINK TO FULL ARTICLE)

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Opening Concert

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An opening concert was held at the hall on Monday, November 2, 1931 and was attended by a large number from Camperdown and district. Rev. Jones acted as M.C.

The concert programme was as follows:

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• National Anthem

• “Honey, I Wants You Now” and “Little Tommy” – Male Quartet (Messrs. Batson, Chadwick, Johnson and Horsburgh, accompanied by Miss Birrell on piano)

• “Somewhere a Voice is Calling” – Mrs L. Bennett

• “Until” & “Because” – Mr. Keith Downs

• “Schubert’s Serenade” – Mr. G. Horsburgh & Miss Jean Greig, vocal duet

• “The Little Damozel” & “The Robin’s Song” – Miss Marjorie Ellis

• “Them Golden Kippers” & story about an encounter with a dog – Mr. J.J. Parr, seated at piano

• “Serenata” – Miss Jean Grieg

• “Carnival of Venice” (violin & piano) – Misses Fuller

• “O Bird of Love Divine” – Miss Jean Woolley

• “Company Sergeant Major” – Mr. Norm McErvale

• Recitation – Miss Jean Creek

• “The Goslings” & “The Sobbing Quartet” – Mixed Quartet

• “Remembrance” – Miss Fuller, piano solo

• “A Brown Bird Singing” – Miss Jean Greig

• Recitation – Miss Creek

• “The Garden of My Heart” – Misses J. Woolley & M. Ellis (duet)

• “The Skippers of St. Ives” & “The Shade of the Sheltering Palm: from Florodora” – Mr. G. Horsburgh

• “Songs My Mother Taught Me” – Miss Marjorie Ellis

• Explaining why he did not play golf and a vivid description of the Irish Jubilee – Mr. J.J. Parr

• “Come Sing to Me” – Keith Downs

• Speech by Rev. Jones

• “Awake, Little Kate” & “The Catastrophe” – The Male Quartet

• “Old Lang Syne”
   

After the concert programme, supper was served and the hall cleared of seats. Music for dancing was then provided by Miss Jean McErvale, Mr. Cook, Mr. Gordon Love, and Mr. Norm McErvale, with Miss Birrell at the piano.

(LINK TO FULL ARTICLE)
 

History of the Chocolyn Presbyterian Church

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Church services began in Chocolyn in 1912 and were presided over by Camperdown’s Presbyterian minister, Rev. Andrew Dunn. These early services were held at “Cumnock,” the home of the McErvales. “Cumnock” was purchased in December 1909 by brothers Ivie and William McErvale. Music and faith both appear to have played an important roll in the life of the McErvale family, as from the time of the family’s arrival, they also hosted hymn singing sessions at their home. Many of Ivie and Edith McErvale’s nine children then went on to be musicians, including appearances as “The McErvale’s Orchestra.” 

Purrumbete North State School No. 1014 (known as Chocolyn State School from 1946 forward) had closed in 1884 but officially reopened on 8th January 1916. The Education Department gave permission for the church to conduct services in the building. Community events were also held in the school building until 1931 when the hall was built.

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