St James Anglican Church Great War Roll of Honour, Guyra

About

The memorial is a large timber roll of honour for the First World War. It is made from cedar and demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship. The pediment features decorative carvings of the Rising Sun emblem of the Australian Imperial Force, the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, and Waratahs. The sides of the board also feature carved gum leaves.  The 119 veterans names are printed in gold in the centre of the board. They are divided into three sections, with the first two titled 'Killed in Action' and 'Died of Illness'. The third section is untitled and includes the names of the others who served. The Church of England Guyra Parish began collecting these names in 1918. On 23 May, the Guyra Argus published a roll under the following headings: 'Killed in Action', 'Died of Illness', 'Accidentally Killed After Return', 'On Active Service', 'Returned home', and 'Rejected volunteers'. The following April, Guyra's Vicar, Reverend A.W. Coates, presided over a meeting at which "it was decided that an Honor Roll, containing the names of those who had enlisted be obtained and erected in the Parish Church" (Guyra Argus, 3 April 1919). In May, Rev. Coates advertised that any further names for the memorial must be forwarded to him before 14 May (Guyra Argus, 9 May 1919). The roll was dedicated on Wednesday, 20 August 1919 by the Armidale Bishop, Dr Wentworth Shields, assisted by Rev. Coates. The service was reported in the Argus the following day. The article stated the roll included 118 names, indicating one was added at a later date.   The roll was constructed by a returned serviceman at the Red Cross Industries in Sydney, NSW. Following the war, the Red Cross employed returned servicemen and developed their artisan skills. They made various items for sale or donation to various community groups. This serviceman also made the Lieutenant Gordon Frederick Nalder Memorial Chair for the church, which was unveiled at the same time as the roll. Access to the memorial is restricted to the opening hours of the church.

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