Macedon Ranges Remembers Lives Lost and Buildings Destroyed in 40th Anniversary of Ash Wednesday

 

 

 

Only the stone wall of Mount Macedon’s Uniting Church remained in tact after the Ash Wednesday bush fires ripped through parts of Central Victoria and the Macedon Ranges.  

 

Now, 40 years on and fully rebuilt, the church is thriving. 

 

Chairperson Dr Neil Tweddle said it’s been incredible to remember and acknowledge the way the wider community rallied behind the church to assist the speedy, 14-month rebuild.  

 

“Donations of the pews came from Warracknabeal, stain-glass windows came from Murbeen, baptismal font came from Canterbury in Melbourne, the communion table was donated.” 

 

“The support was just so magnificent and everything was done.” 

 

In total, 7 people died in East Trentham & Mount Macedon with 628 buildings destroyed. 

 

The church is hosting a 7pm service on Thursday to commemorate the lives on the 40th anniversary.