St Stephen's Dorrigo Great War Roll of Honour

About

This war memorial is a solid timber honour roll for members of St Stephen's Church in Dorrigo, NSW, who served in the First World War. It demonstrates excellent craftsmanship, with intricate carvings and finials adorning the top of the board. The names of 120 men and one woman are neatly printed in gold across three panels, which make up the main body of the piece.  Early in September 1918, it was reported "arrangements are now well in hand to inscribe the names of Church of England adherents who enlisted from the local district on the honor roll" (The Don Dorrigo Gazette and Guy Fawkes Advocate, 7 September 1918). A committee had been appointed to collect the names and to supervise the printing on the board. The Williamson and Jarrett families donated the cedar for the project. On 4 December, the Gazette advertised for more names to ensure the list was complete.  The roll was ready by mid-1921 and the Gazette called it "a work of art," in their issue of 10 August. While recent floods had made it difficult to transport the roll to Dorrigo, it was successfully unveiled by Reverend Sidney Smith, ex-chaplain Australian Imperial Force, on 23 August.  The church is now known as Dorrigo Anglican Church and the roll is available for viewing when it is open.