Protestant Alliance Friendly Society Lodge No. 148 First World War Honour Roll, Urunga

About

The memorial is a timber honour roll commemorating 31 veterans from Urunga associated with the Bellingen Branch of the Protestant Alliance Friendly Society (P.A.F.S.) who enlisted in the First World War. The Society was created in 1872, with the Bellingen Branch established as Lodge No 148 in June 1912. It is possible that the soldiers listed on the honour roll were either members of Lodge No 148, had family members linked to the society or may have enlisted whilst working in the area.  The honour roll features a decoratively carved pediment, including a crown representing the society placed upon a bible, together with the inscription. Both sides of the board feature turned timber columns above carved timber blocks to allow the board to stand.  The names, fate, and a photograph of each veteran in military uniform are featured in six rows across the honour roll. In many country towns it was common for professional photographers to take photographs of those who had enlisted and present them at no cost to the family. The last row contains photographs of the society's emblem together with various military emblems.   It is likely that the honour roll was unveiled and dedicated in the Urunga Masonic Hall. It is now located in the Urunga Museum and is available for viewing when the museum is open.