Bellingen Memorial Hall

About

The Bellingen Memorial Hall is a two storey building, constructed in 1929. It was originally known as the Bellingen Memorial Hall and Literary Institute. At a public meeting in Bellingen on 6 June 1919, it was moved a memorial hall be constructed. A committee was established and by October £523 had been raised. Permission was granted by the Attorney General's Department for the committee to conduct an art union to raise funds. At a further meeting in October 1920, it was decided to purchase the property known as 'Clarement' for the hall.  Several years later, on 6 August 1928, The Sydney Morning Herald reported "the tender of Mr. B.C. Johnson, of Bellingen, has been accepted at £4187 for the erection of a new memorial hall and literary institute at Bellingen." On 30 April the following year, The Daily Examiner published an article describing the official opening held on Anzac Day. It was the second tribute to the district men who had served in the Great War. The hall was officially opened by Major-General C F Fox, CB, CMG, DSO, VD.  A main feature of the hall is a stained glass window, measuring approximately 1600mm high by 1200mm wide. The window features the image of a soldier, which has been intricately hand painted and kiln fired onto the glass. The soldier, dressed in First World War uniform and wearing webbing and pack, is standing in profile and holding a Lee Enfield rifle, with bayonet fixed.

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