Dorrigo Methodist Church World War One Roll of Honour

About

The Dorrigo Methodist Church First World War Roll of Honour is a decorative parchment, with handwritten details. It contains various black and white illustrations, reflecting ideals of patriotism and service, as well as religious symbolism. In the top right-hand corner, there are two Union Jack flags, overlaid with portraits of a man and woman, possibly representing the British royal family. On a ribbon banner below the flags is the phrase 'Each man shall do his duty.' Elsewhere on the page are the words Truth, Honour, Fear not, and Supreme Sacrifice. Other drawings include an angel, Jesus Christ, battle scenes, and wattle. The centre of the parchment is filled with a drawing of a scroll being unfurled, topped with a bow. The names of men from the church who served in the war are handwritten in flowing calligraphy across three columns on the scroll.  The memorial was unveiled by Mr W. H. Woodford Snr. at the church on 12 September 1915. A brief mention of the service appeared in The Don Dorrigo Gazette and Guy Fawkes Advocate on 18 September.  Three years later, on 14 September 1918, the Gazette wrote about the unveiling of another roll at the church, this time performed by Reverend G. T. Moore on 8 September. While the article gave a detailed account of the sermon, it did not include a physical description of the roll or list the names inscribed. It appears this memorial has not survived. The 1915 roll was later moved to the Don Dorrigo and Guy Fawkes Historical Society Museum. It is available to view during opening hours.  Note: The first Dorrigo Methodist Church was opened on 22 December 1908. The foundation stone of a new Methodist Church in the town was laid in June 1928. The church building on Myrtle Street is now a Uniting Church.