Potted Histories

Hymn Written for Opening of Congregational Chapel, Australind 1850

This hymn was written by John Allnutt (Snr) on the important occasion of the opening of the Congregational Chapel at Australind on 12 September 1850. The land and building was bought in 1914 by the Diocesan Trustees of Bunbury Incorporated. The church was licensed, consecrated and renamed St Nicholas Church in December 1915 as an Anglican Church and still stands today on Parish Road.[1]

A Peice composed by a Friend for the opening of the Chapel at Australind

1

Here we raise our Ebenezer

Though it humble be and weak

Here dear Lord we wait thy pleasure

Kindly to thy people speak

2

Bid us onward press to raise thee

Some poor mark of love divine

Ever help us here to praise thee

Make our word and worship thine

3

Help the poor make strong the feeble

Here fix every wavering heart

Jesus make them bold and able

In thy work to bear their part

4

Guide the feet of every wanderer

Soften every heart of stone

Bring the restless helpless trembler

___ to bend before ____

5

Here dear Lord as in the manger

Condescend to dwell a while

Let the shepherd friend and stranger

Often here behold thy smile

6

O our Father deign to bless us

All our need in pity see

From the wells of life refresh us

Set the chained and fettered free

7

Mark thy servant when in speaking

Season every word by grace

Sanctify the sabbath Teaching

Let thy lambs be taught thy praise

8

May thy people all endeavour

Joining hearts and joining hands

By thy help help alltogether

Soon to spread us into bands

9

And to God be all the glory

Sing his praise for evermore

Shout ye souls resound the story

Jesus dwells among the poor

 

John Allnutt, Australind

September the 12th 1850.[2]

[1] https://www.stnicholasaustralind.org.au/historic-church viewed 31 August 2022.

[2] State Library of Western Australia, Allnutt-Davis family papers, 1850-1918, ACC NO 1924A.