(1868 – 1910)
Introduction
This is a difficult story to write. Should I glorify my great grandfather as a forward thinker, a man of the church, a brilliant orator acclaimed and criticised in Australia and overseas for working “outside the box” in his pursuit of saving souls; or, a spineless murderer who would walk away from two young families in their time of greatest need.
Much of what I am about to tell is proven; a small amount is hearsay. I can only recount what I know and understand about the life and death of the Reverend James Asbury Caldwell.
Birth
13 October 1868 was a very exciting day in the life of the Reverend John Merrill Caldwell and his wife Emeline (“Emma”) Caldwell (nee Hill) for, on that day was born James Asbury (“Asbury”), their second child, who was to be their only son.
Asbury was born at Rock River Seminary and Collegiate Institute, Illinois, where John Merrill was the Principal (1867 – 1869).
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| The Rock River Seminary Story |
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| John Merrill Caldwell |
Asbury, a traditional family name, was born into a proud North American family whose roots in that country dated back to 1654 when John and Sarah Caldwell (nee Dillingham) arrived in Massachusetts from their homeland, England. The subsequent generations of male Caldwells were predominantly well educated farmers and Ministers of Religion. His father, grandfather (Asbury) and uncle (Asbury) were Methodist ministers as were his grandfather’s - brother, two uncles and several cousins.
The Early Years
Asbury was destined to have six sisters, three of whom died as infants. He appears to have been a caring child. As a young eight year old, not long after the death of two of his little sisters - Anna (1872 - 1872) and Emma (1873 - 1874) - Asbury asked his parents to "buy him a baby". They told him that, for it to happen, he would need to pray for a year. He did, and a year later, John and Emma had their sixth child which Asbury claimed as his own. He named her Florence. Sadly, the much loved Florence lived for only two years and two months (1876 – 1879). It is not surprising therefore that, later in life, Asbury named his first born, Florence Olive.
Asbury was a gifted student. He was educated in Chicago, first in primary school, then progressing to the Chicago High School at only 12 years of age. By 15, he was enrolled as a freshman in Illinois’ prestigious Northwestern University at Evanston. He would have climbed the steps of the University Hall regularly.
Marriage
Following his graduation from university, with degrees in Arts and Divinity, Asbury entered the Methodist ministry as a member of the South West Kansas Conference at Ulysses (March 1889), and was immediately appointed pastor - most likely as a Supply minister. Four months later, on 1 July at age 20, he and Fannie Brown, age 21 the daughter of Harvey H Brown of Chicago, obtained a Marriage License from the State of Illinois. The following day they were married in the Methodist Episcopalian Church by Asbury's father, Rev. John Merrill Caldwell.
Three months later, Fannie fell pregnant.
A Life Preaching
USA
Kansas
On 22 January1890, Asbury applied for and received his first United States passport. The application indicated that he intended travelling overseas temporarily and returning around 1 June 1890. He gave his description as, 5ft. 8ins. tall, of medium complexion, grey eyes, brown hair and having a full dark brown beard.
A short time later, he and his father, John Merrill, who had just been awarded a Doctorate of Divinity from Mount Union College, Alliance, Ohio journeyed for five months through Europe, Egypt and Palestine (the Holy Land).
On 15 June 1890, Asbury and Fannie's first child, the aforementioned Florence Olive, was born.
It is not known exactly when they returned but a Rev. J. M. Caldwell, aged 50 years (details match John Merrill) arrived in New York on a boat from Scotland on 17 June 1890. At this time, there is no record of when Asbury returned.
Illinois
In October 1890, Asbury was transferred to Rock River Conference stationed at Joliet where he became the chaplain of the infamous Joliet Correctional Centre (colloquially known as Joliet Prison). It is featured in the motion picture The Blues Brothers as the prison from which Jake Blues is released at the beginning of the movie. During Asbury's time, Joliet was the second largest prison in the United States.
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| Joliet Correctional Centre. Opened May 1858, closed 21 February 2011. |
Florida
In November 1893 the younger Caldwells transferred to Florida where Asbury supplied churches at Sanford and Palm Beach. The third child, Emma B. was born shortly before their arrival. Number four child, Helena M., was born in July 1895, around the time of their arrival in West Palm Beach.
1895 was the year in which Asbury first displayed a concern for the secular interests of his fellow citizens and publicly commenced an (almost) lifelong battle against alcohol and gambling. He was responsible for the formation of the city’s first library. It was in the form of a club to draw the citizens away from the local saloons, their gambling and the service of alcohol. On 22 November 1936, the Palm Beach Post newspaper recalled: -
“A Congregational Minister, Asbury Caldwell, the first in South Florida, anxious to transfer the leisure time allegiance of many of the comparatively large floating population from the saloons of the day, prevailed on a number of influential residents to assist in the formation of a club, or reading room. After obtaining permission from Commodore Clarke to use the building, activity at the yacht club having apparently died a natural death, the minister obtained small contributions in cash and hired a superintendent, C. C. Haight, prominent pioneer building contractor, to raze the building on the east side of the lake and erect it on this side. A number of public spirited carpenters volunteered their services for a short time and soon the building was in place on the west shore of Lake Worth.---”The article further states:
“Games were provided as well as magazines and novels. For several years it was used as a rendezvous by wanderers as well as, naturally, the more substantial residents of the young town. However, on the departure of the Rev. Caldwell, the building became less and less patronized for its original purposes. At one time it was about to be taken over by the city purely for civic purposes when some charitably disposed women, among them Mrs. Olivia Burnham, Mrs. Clara M. Moses, Miss. Ellen Potter, Mrs. Teletha M. Sackett, Mrs. J. C. Stowers (later to become the stepmother of Asbury and Fannie's second daughter, Frances Miriam) and Mrs. J. R. Anthony, Sr., stepped in and arranged to fulfil the original purposes of the club. For about ten years they met and by subscriptions and other means built up the nucleus of the present library.
Before the war, however, the books and everything connected with the library were taken over at the request of the women by members of the original corporation – West Palm Beach Public Library Association – which was formed for the purpose of obtaining a charter and operating the library. J. C. Stowers, who was the town’s first postmaster, became president;---“
Ref. The Palm Beach Post – 22 November 1936In 1896 Asbury, ever willing to be a participant, contributed at a meeting held to discuss the incorporation of Miami, Florida: -
"This initial meeting proceeded without incident, with the exception of the question of whether or not to include North Miami within the city limits. Rev. Asbury Caldwell, the local Congregational minister, spoke in favour of including the “wet” area in order to control the saloon and other elements which, he claimed, “need checking now.” After it became known that neither Flagler nor Tuttle wanted North Miami included, the proposed boundaries were settled with that sector excluded."
Ref. http://www.hmsf.org/collections-south-florida-birth-city.htmOn 15 May 1896, Asbury applied for the issue of a passport on behalf of himself, his wife Fannie and their four daughters. The application contained the statement that they were about to go abroad temporarily and that they intended returning to the United States at an indefinite time.
“REV. MR. CALDWELL RECEIVES A CALL FROM THE UNION CHURCH. -A called meeting of the Union church of Miami was held on Sunday, June 26th 1896, after church service to consider the matter of calling a pastor. After the departure of Rev. Norman Plass and his wife for Massachusetts, so very deeply regretted by all the congregation, the Church had been temporarily supplied. It became necessary to have someone in permanent relations with the church. Mr Caldwell, being well known to many members by his zealous and efficient work at West Palm Beach, it was thought best to try to get him to take charge of this field in Miami also. On correspondence it was found that the West Palm Beach people were generously willing that their beloved pastor should more than divide his time with the Miami Church in consideration of the exceedingly important work to be done at Miami, and the rare talents of Rev. Mr. Caldwell as on organiser and orator.This article was the first of many public proclamations of the high esteem in which Asbury was held, both as an orator and organizer. All this, and he was only 27 years of age.
They consented that he should become pastor of the Union Church of Miami and be with the church for three Sundays of each month and all through the week. The fourth Sunday when he is absent will be filled with an assistant, who will have charge of the West Palm Beach church the other Sabbath of the month. Such a generous proposition was exceedingly welcome to the members of the Union church here. The church meeting, therefore, with absolute unanimity, voted the Rev. Mr. Caldwell as their pastor from this time to the first annual general meeting of the church in November of this year.”
Ref. The Miami News – 26 June 1896.
Less than a month later, a major event occurred that seemed to haunt Asbury for the rest of his life. Fannie died.
Miami Metropolous 17 July 1896
Her death was sudden, extremely painful and totally unexpected.
The internment was hurried as it appears she was laid to rest less than twelve hours after she had been declared dead.
Fannie's shocked father departed for Florida from his home in Chicago the day after her death, seemingly unaware that she had already been laid to rest.
The Inter Ocean (Chicago, Illinois, USA) on 16 July 1896
In relation to the death, the following is an extract from a page from Palm Beach County History OnLine.“The Reverend Asbury Caldwell was the first minister, in June 1895, and contributed to a meeting for incorporating Miami a year later. Sometime between 1896 and 1900, Rev. Caldwell was convicted of poisoning his wife. It is unknown what became of their other children, but in 1900 one was living as Miriam Stowers, daughter of John and Mary Stowers, founding members of the Congregational church.”
Ref. http://www.pbchistoryonline.org/page/teaching-and-preaching-the-congregationalists
The Historical Society was asked for clarification of the claim that he had been convicted of poisoning his wife and the evidence supporting it. The Director of Research and Archives advised that the information was taken from the tape of an interview, on or about 31 March 1962, by a Mr. Rush Hughes of the Historical Society with a long time resident Mr. E. D. Anthony Snr, owner of Anthony’s mercantile store. It was transcribed as follows: -
HUGHES: Were the churches here when you came?Obviously, Mr Anthony’s memory was not totally clear, referring to Asbury as Carlisle but other facts do stack up; i.e. he was Miss [Frances Miriam] Stower’s father, he came from Chicago and he was, “a great preacher”.
ANTHONY: Oh, yes. The Methodist Church and the Congregational Church was the big church. It was on the corner of Datura and Olive [Ave].
HUGHES: That was the first church, was it?
ANTHONY: Well, that was the first Protestant church.
HUGHES: Do you recall who the minister was?
ANTHONY: Yes, a man named Carlisle. He got into trouble later. He poisoned his wife and left some children. But that was a black period on the part of the church.
HUGHES: Let’s see, that must have been Miss Stower’s father.
ANTHONY: That’s right, that was her own father. I knew him well. I heard him preach. He was a great preacher. He came here from Chicago.
In providing this information, the representative of the Palm Beach County Historical Society further advised:-
“--- she [Fannie] would probably have been buried at Lakeside Cemetery which was abandoned when Woodlawn was built. Lakeside became Pioneer Park which in turn was sold to Ralph Norton who built an art gallery there. Most of the bodies had long been moved to Woodlawn (which is just across Dixie from Lakeside). There are bodies still under the Norton which is required to keep the access hatch available and pioneer families are allowed to have a “picnic” at the gallery every year—a tradition that still survives.”The following extract notes the conveyance of a lot in the Lake Worth Pioneers Association Cemetery to Asbury. There is no date of the conveyance but as there are no known other family deaths in Florida, it is assumed that it was acquired as Fannie's last resting place.
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| Ref. Palm Beach County Genealogy Society, 1995 |
Not long after her death, Asbury left for Chicago with his "three little girls".
This is confusing as he and Fannie had four children, all daughters and it was reported in the extract of the funeral that the four were in attendance only around a month earlier. Which of the four did not go with him is not known. It would appear that she was either (and most likely) Frances Miriam, the second oldest who was subsequently adopted by the Stower family, or Emma, the second youngest, of whom, other than in Asbury's death certificate, we we can find no record. The certificate records that at the time of his death, daughter Emma B aged 16 was still living.
There has not been any evidence found to date either that Asbury was convicted by a court of law of murdering Fannie but it certainly appears that he was "convicted" by his church elders. The following snippet appeared in the Miami Metropolis on 23 April 1897.
It must have been very shortly after Fannie’s death that Asbury moved to South Africa. It is not known if Mrs. Edith Elizabeth Fisher (nee Alston) accompanied him. Family lore has it and Asbury's death certificate records that they married in South Africa where, later in a letter to a local Western Australia newspaper, Asbury claimed to have lived for two years.
Asbury and his new bride are believed to have arrived in Australia in the first quarter of 1899, which would place his departure from the United States in early 1897. However there is some conflicting evidence that indicates he left in 1898/99. The following extract from American Genealogical Biographical Index - John Caldwell and Sarah Dillingham Caldwell support the departure period as 1898/99. It also provides the first evidence of Asbury and Edith’s marriage. The second document, a newspaper clipping, evidences Asbury was, in fact, in Australia in July 1899.
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| Ref. American Genealogical-Biographical Index - John Caldwell and Sarah Dillingham Caldwell, his wife, Ipswich, Mass., 1654: genealogical records of their descendants, eight generations, 1654-1900. |
In leaving the US, Asbury left behind his and Fannie’s four daughters ranging in age from eight down to two. All were said in family lore to have been farmed out to various family members. It is possible but not likely that Florence Olive went to live with her grandparents, John and Emma Caldwell. Family lore has it, however, that she left the US with Asbury.
Frances Miriam (“Miriam”) was adopted by John C and Mary McGilvery Stowers.
It is not known what became of the third daughter, Emma B.
The fourth daughter, Helena M. married William Fenton Newton, an executive of the General Motors Corporation, and had one son, also William Fenton Newton, born 17 August 1923. Details of her life before the marriage are not known.
Australia
Perth 1899
As has been noted, Asbury and Edith had settled in Perth by July 1899. Asbury’s first reported public appearance was mentioned in The West Australian newspaper on 8 July 1899. The report told of a lecture he gave under the auspices of the Y.M.C.A. He gave it in the Trinity Lecture Hall on the subject, “The Federal System of the United States”. There was said to be a fair attendance and that it was an interesting address, at the end of which he was heartily applauded. As in many of his future presentations, a musical programme by local artists was included.
Asbury obviously set about making known his presence in the city. At the time there was a push by a Counselor Bickford to beautify the city and plant fruit trees as shade trees. On 29 July, Asbury wrote the following letter to the counselor which was subsequently reproduced in The West Australian newspaper.
"LEMON TREES FOR STREET PLANTING. -Cr. Bickford has received the following letter, dated Perth, July 29, from Mr. Asbury Caldwell : Re lemon and other trees for streets. I note your correspondence in the West Australian, and your efforts to beautify the city and utilize fruit trees as shade trees. Permit me to call your attention to the fact that in the State of Florida, where the climatic and soil conditions are more like this place than any place I have ever seen, it is not unusual to use citrus trees for this purpose. Where lemons are in use, they are trimmed to one stalk, and are so trained as not to interfere with passers-by, and provide a very dense shade, being a rapid grower, wild lemons being in more favour than the cultivated variety, from their more rank growth. Other trees for the same purpose, which have been very popular in the same region, are the 'Royal Poinciana,' the 'Sapodilla,' with a fruit slightly like the Japan persimmon, and a very rapid-growing dense shade tree, also the coconut palm, which latter is, perhaps, the most useful of all, but of slower growth. I am sure you would have a ready response to any queries on this line directed to Prof. Webber, United States Government official in charge of the Government Experiment Station at Eustis, Lake County, Florida."North Fremantle 1899
Ref. The West Australian Monday 31 July 1899
On 11 October 1899, war was declared between Britain and the Boers of South Africa. Asbury claimed to have spent up to two years in that country on his way to Australia where he had arrived around six months earlier. (Ref. Attachment 1 letter to the editor printed 20 November 1899.) Possibly it was the growing unrest that caused him to move, but this is not known for sure.
The war was discussed at a Congregational Union meeting in Perth and a resultant amendment by Asbury to a motion was carried. The meeting was reported in the West Australian. The amendment was as follows:-
"Mr. ASBUBY CALDWELL moved as an amendment-"That this union deplores the fact that war is being waged between two Christian nations, and prays for the speedy submission of all international differences to principle of arbitration, as enunciated at the recent Peace Conference at The Hague. That in declaring its prayer for the immediate restoration of peace, this Union expresses its thorough loyalty to the British Empire and its sympathy with the extension of the Empire by all peaceful and righteous means." Mr. Caldwell said that regardless of what might be the individual feelings of everyone there, the churches they represented were - nine out of ten of them - whether from blind ignorance or a knowledge of the facts he could not say - strongly committed to one view or the other, and he did not think it was wise for the Union to commit itself to an expression of opinion regarding the right or wrong of the war. He yielded to no man in his own personal conviction of the wrong of the war, but he thought they could express their appreciation of the fact that it was a sad and sorrowful sin for two Christian nations to have to resort to bloodshed in order to settle their differences at the end of this nineteenth century. (Hear, hear.)Having spent some time among the Boers, Asbury appears to have had a level of sympathy at their plight so, when some derogatory comments began appearing in the press, he responded in a most curt manner. This resulted in a war of words that lasted for a few days. All of the letters are included as Attachment 1.
The Rev. W. F. TURTON seconded the amendment and said he should be surprised if Mr. Davies gave way to the amendment rather than urge his own motion, because he thought Mr. Caldwell’s motion went as far as any representative body of men could be expected to go. He thought it had been very judiciously worded, because it ended by saying that the Union expressed its loyalty to the British Empire and its sympathy with the extension of the Empire by all peaceful and righteous means. While he strongly deprecated war, he was in this plight that he believed there were times when you had to defend your home by going to war. (Hear, hear.)”
Asbury attended the Congregational Union and Home Mission meeting, a half yearly general meeting of Congregational Church ministers, even though he had not been ordained as a minister of the church. The following comment is recorded in a report of the meeting: -
"The Church had been well served by ministerial and lay agency, and Mr. Asbury Caldwell was now acting as pastor with great acceptance."Asbury was a highly educated minister of religion. In America he first ordained as a member of the Methodist Episcopalian church before converting to Congregationalism in Florida. Notwithstanding this, he was not recognised as a minister by the Congregationals in Australia. He needed to be ordained before he could assume the title Reverend. Even so, he was first referred to as Reverend in the WA press when he was authorised by the government to conduct marriages in that state. The press report read: -
Ref. The West Australian 25 October 1899
“The following ministers have been duly registered for the celebration of marriages in Western Australia:- Roman Catholic Church : Rev. D. A. Brennan. Perth; Rev. B. P. Keogh Perth; Rev. T. Robinson, Perth; Rev. P. Verling, Perth; Rev. J. Flynn, O.M.I., Fremantle; Rev. J. Smyth, O.M.I., Fremantle. Congregational Church. Rev. W. Touchell, Helena Vale; Rev. Asbury Caldwell, North Fremantle. Baptist Church: Rev. F. H. Radford, Perth.”North Fremantle 1890
Ref. The West Australian 9 December 1899
It was not until 18 September 1900 that the official ordination took place,
“NORTH FREMANTLE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. ORDINATION SERVICE. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 7.45 p.m., When Rev. ASBURY CALDWELL, Pastor of the Church, will be Publicly Received into the Congregational Ministry of W.A. The officiating clergymen will be the Revs. F. V. Dowling, B.A. (Chairman of the Congregational Union), G. Herrington, W. T. Kench, and Chas. Taylor. The Public are Cordially Invited.”and confirmed at the Congregational Union meeting in October of that year.
Ref. The West Australian 18 September 1900.
“The Rev. Asbury Caldwell has been ordained to the work of Congregational ministry; his ordination service, which proved a most interesting one, was the second held in connection with the Congregational churches in Western Australia.”The comment “which proved a most interesting one” leaves the reader somewhat suspended; however, it is not surprising for Asbury.
Ref. The West Australian 17 October 1900.
The year 1900 was, for Asbury and Edith, a period of both great joy and devastation. Their first child, a boy, John Asbury Caldwell, was born; however, prior to, at, or shortly after his birth, John died. He was Asbury’s only son amongst six children fathered by him.
Asbury’s reputation as an orator continued to grow as he preached on such diverse subjects as: -
- Let There be Light 1 September 1900. North Fremantle. 7.00pm
- Complaining against God 29 September 1900, North Fremantle 11.00am
- Confession and the Confessional 29 September 1900, North Fremantle 7.00pm
- Saul of Tarsus 13 October 1900, Johnston Memorial Church 11.00am
- Philip the Eunich 13 October 1900, Johnston Memorial Church 7.30pm
- A Little Child (Christmas sermon to children.) 22 December 1900, North Fremantle 11.00am
- The World's Wonder (Christmas sermon to adults.) 22 December 1900, North Fremantle 7.00pm
- The End of the Year 29 December 1900, North Fremantle 11.00am
- Review of the Century 29 December 1900, North Fremantle 7.00pm
North Fremantle 1901
On 15 March 1901 Asbury was reported as being unwell and was going to Bunbury, a beautiful seaside town about 180kms south of Perth WA to recuperate. It was probably not too serious as he attended and preached at anniversary functions for the North Fremantle Sunday School as well as conducting the usual Sunday services.
Asbury appears to have been an innovator in the development of new ideas. He had already established the first library in West Palm Beach and formed a Deaconess Movement in North Fremantle; now he was looking to develop a national federation of Congregational churches.
In May 1901 he attended the half yearly Congregational Union meeting in Perth following which the following article appeared in the local press: -
"FEDERATION OF CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. -The Rev. Asbury Caldwell read an interesting and instructive paper on "The Federation of the Australian Congregational Churches". Discussion followed, when, after speeches by Revs. W. T. Kench, G. Herrington, W. F. Turton, E. Davies, A. Buchanan, J. Beukers, and Messrs. Bevilaqua and Beasley; and the chairman, the following resolution was carried: - "That the executive of the Congregational Union be requested to enter into communication with the different Congregational unions of the other States with a view to the summoning of a United Congregational Conference in the hope that from this may be formulated a Federal Congregational Union."Most of the first half of 1901 was business as usual. Asbury attended a number of meetings/gatherings such as:-
Ref. The West Australian 23 May 1901
• The Ladies' Branch of the W.A. Auxiliary of the London Missionary SocietyIn the meantime he continued as pastor of the North Fremantle church, where services were conducted on Sundays, morning and evening. Some of his sermons were entitled: -
• North Fremantle Sunday School anniversary celebrations
• An Ecumenical meeting of Fremantle ministers in the Congregational manse
- Christ Only 16 February 1901. North Fremantle 7.30pm
- Sons of Jacob 23 February 1901. North Fremantle 11.00am
- Signals 23 February 1901. North Fremantle 7.30pm
- A Year With the Children 16 March 1901. North Fremantle 7.30pm
- The Modern Resurrection 6 April 1901. North Fremantle 7.30pm
- Deborah, the Judge 23 February 1901. North Fremantle 11.00am
- Worldiness and other Worldiness 23 February 1901. North Fremantle 7.30pm
- Secular Life and Religious Life 4 May 1901. North Fremantle 7.30pm
- The Years End. What Next. 11 May 1901. North Fremantle 7.30pm
- What the Master Says 18 May 1901. North Fremantle 7.30pm
"CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. - A new Congregational Church was opened in the Lake View Area by Rev. Asbury Caldwell on Sunday afternoon. The building is of iron and plain finish inside, accommodates about 125 people, and has been placed at the rear of the lot with the intention of subsequently erecting a better church in front and using the present building as a hall. The house was filled to overflowing yesterday, and a number of people were turned away from its doors. An organisation of about 25 members has been effected, and a Sunday school of more than fifty children formed, with Mr. Robinson as superintendent. A public social meeting is to be held tonight to perfect organisation and bid farewell to Mr. Caldwell. The Congregational Church in Maritana-street was filled last evening to listen to an address by the Rev. Asbury Caldwell upon "Total Abstinence." The speaker took no fanatical view of the subject, but urged that a stand be taken to stem the tide of drunkenness by total abstinence from the use of intoxicants by Christian people. He supported his plea by numerous examples of the downfall of men who had aroused a natural appetite by the medicinal and social use of liquor. Mr. Caldwell returns to his charge at North Fremantle by Tuesday night's express, and is to be tendered a public farewell by the Maritana-street people in the church at 8 o'clock on Tuesday evening. The church has extended a call to Mr. Caldwell to come to Kalgoorlie permanently."Following the Tuesday night farewell to Asbury by the people of Kalgoorlie, the following article appeared in the Argus.
Ref The Kalgoorlie Western Argus 25 June 1901
"A farewell social was tendered to the Rev. Asbury Caldwell on Tuesday evening by the members and adherents of the Maritana-street Congregational Church. Mr. Wilson was voted to the chair, and said, in the course of his introductory remarks, that he would have very much preferred to be there to give the rev. gentleman a welcome social than to be bidding him good-bye. Mr. Caldwell had done really good, solid work in the district during the short time he had been up here, and he trusted that Mr. Caldwell would see his way clear to accept the call the church had made. Messrs. Dibdin, Lander, Stearne, and others spoke in much the same strain. Mr. Lander eulogised Mr. Caldwell's work in opening the new church at Lake View Areas. The resolution to build was come to on Thursday of one week, and the edifice was erected and ready for public worship the Sunday week. During the evening solos were rendered by the following: — Mr. Johnston, "King of the Road"; Mr. McGregor, "Oh, Promise Me"; Mr. E. M. Edwards, "The Sleeping Camp"; and Miss Gladys Edwards, "Maggie, the Cows are in the Clover"; while Mr. J. Abbott gave a violin solo. Coffee and light refreshments were handed round, after which Mr. Caldwell responded suitably to the many kind things said regarding him. He could not, he stated, then and there decide whether he would settle in Kalgoorlie or not, as there were others to be considered, but he would go earnestly into the matter, and let them know in the course of a few days."Asbury returned to North Fremantle and, over the next two months whilst considering the offer from the Kalgoorlie congregation, gave a wide ranging series of sermons including:-
Ref The Kalgoorlie Western Argus 2 July 1901
- God's Care of His Own 13 July 1901. North Fremantle 11.00am
- Strikes [An address to working men.] 13 July 1901. North Fremantle 7.30pm
- The Princes of the Bible 20 July 1901. North Fremantle 7.30pm
- Christ and Competition 3 August 1901. North Fremantle 7.30pm
"The Rev. Asbury Caldwell has accepted the call to the pastorate of the Kalgoorlie Church, and will leave for the gold fields next week. The services in the North Fremantle Church to-morrow will be the last in connection with Mr. Caldwell's pastorate."On 13 August, the Argus announced Asbury’s acceptance to the people of Kalgoorlie.
Ref. The West Australian 10 August 1901
"KALGOORLIE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. — The many friends of the Rev. Mr. Asbury Caldwell will be pleased to hear that he has accepted a call to the pastorate of the Kalgoorlie Congregational Church, and will take charge on the 18th inst. It will be remembered that Mr. Caldwell, who supplied the church temporarily for a period of five weeks some short time since, placed the church on a good working basis, and also organised a church and Sunday school at the Lake View Areas, and his decision to come to the fields will doubtless be heartily appreciated by all concerned."Only three days later the following article appeared in the Western Mail:-
Ref The Kalgoorlie Western Argus 13 August 1901
"CONGREGATIONAL. -The Rev. Asbury Caldwell has accepted the call to the pastorate of the Kalgoorlie Church."This is the first indication that Asbury had established a reading room in North Fremantle similar to the one he had formed in West Palm Beach which, ultimately, developed into that city’s public library. An article in the West Australian quickly followed: -
"FAREWELL SERMON OF REV. A. CALDWELL. —At North Fremantle Congregational Church last Sunday evening there was a specially large congregation to hear the farewell sermon of the pastor, who has resigned in order to take up the pastorate of the Kalgoorlie Congregational Church, in succession to Rev. W. F. Turton. Mr. Caldwell chose as his text Paul's farewell words to the Corinthians, "Finally, brethren, farewell." He reviewed the work of the church for the past 21 months of his pastorate, and dwelt upon the real purposes of church work. Not to save the soul, but to save the life, and make the world a better place to live in was, he said, the true Christian aim. In doing this a man gained his soul in giving his life for others. He sketched a very hopeful outlook for the Church, which includes among its accessories of work a Sister of the People and a Young Men's Resort - reading-room, gymnasium; etc. The music was under the direction of the conductor, Mr. Mawby, and several selections were rendered by the choir, and Misses Andrews and Bowden and Mr. Mawby."
Ref. The Western Mail 17 August 1901
"FAREWELL SOCIAL TO REV. A. CALDWELL. -Last Thursday evening a farewell social was tendered to the Rev. Asbury Caldwell, prior to his departure for Kalgoorlie, by the members and friends of the North Fremantle Church. Representatives of the deaconate, the church and congregation, the Sunday school, the Women's Guild and the Men's Bible Class expressed their regret at Mr. Caldwell's departure, and wished him "God speed" in his new sphere of work. Short addresses were also given by Mr. Caldwell's brother ministers. Letters of apology were received from Mr. G. Randell the Rev.W. Touchell, and the Rev. G. Herrington."Another report, along similar lines, appeared in the Western Mail on 24 August.
Ref. The West Australian 19 August 1901
Kalgoorlie 1901
By 27 August, Asbury had arrived in Kalgoorlie and was afforded a civic welcome:-
"WELCOME TO THE REV. ASBURY CALDWELL. - A well-attended social was held at the Congregational Church, Maritana-street, on Tuesday for the purpose of welcoming the Rev. A. Caldwell. The Mayor of Kalgoorlie (Mr. Norbert Keenan) presided, and gave utterance to words of welcome to the new pastor, and congratulated the church on securing the services of such a man as Mr. Caldwell. Mr. Carroll, on behalf of the church members, extended a right hand of welcome to Mr, Caldwell. The Rev. J. Tiller spoke on behalf of the Wesleyan Church, and warmly welcomed the new pastor as an addition to the Christian workers on the fields. Miss Clemenger (for the Sunday school), Mr. Matthews (for the Y.M.C.A.), Mr. Iing (on behalf of the Baptist Church), welcomed Mr. Caldwell to the district. A number of songs were rendered during the evening, as follows:-"Anchored," Mr. T. Edwards; "Nazareth," Mr. Mellowship; "Daddy," Miss Gladys Edwards; “River of Years," Mr. McGregor; "Better Bide a Wee," Mrs. James; "Nancy Lee," Mr. Arnold. After the programme had been gone through coffee and light refreshments were handed round by the ladies and young men of the church. The Rev. Mr. Caldwell then replied to the kindly addresses of welcome, and, though he did not map out any programme of work, gave all to understand that he had come to work, and work in harmony with other churches, and wanted the support of the members of his church. On Friday night the new church on Lake View Areas intend welcoming the rev. gentleman with a somewhat similar function."
Ref. Western Argus 27 August 1901
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| Trinity Congregational Church - Perth |
"3.30 p.m.-Conference on "Our Present Position and Future Outlook," opened by Rev. Asbury Caldwell"
Ref. The West Australian 19 October 1901
Edith, Asbury’s wife, did not accompany him to Kalgoorlie. She was either pregnant or nursing their second child, Eerena Grace. At the time Kalgoorlie was a wild west mining town with no water supply - not the place for babies.
The following extract from Wikipedia gives a small insight into the situation: -
"The Goldfields Water Supply Scheme is a pipeline and dam project which delivers potable water to communities in Western Australia's Eastern Goldfields, particularly Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie. The project was commissioned in 1896 and was completed in 1903.It is highly likely that Asbury stayed in North Fremantle with his family while he was attending the Congregational Union conference. This also gave him the opportunity of conducting services at his previous parish: -
During the early 1890s, thousands of settlers had swarmed into the barren and dry desert centre of Western Australia in search of gold, but existing infrastructure for the supply of water was non-existent and an urgent need arose. The scheme enabled the benefits of the gold discovery to be realised and brought immense wealth into the previously struggling economy. Abundant water became available at a cost of three shillings and sixpence per thousand gallons, compared to water which had previously been carted by rail to Coolgardie previously at the rate of over £3 per thousand gallons. The position was even worse at Kalgoorlie."
Ref. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldfields_Water_Supply_Scheme
"North Fremantle - 11a.m. and 7.30p.m. – Rev. Asbury Caldwell"Kalgoorlie 1902
Ref. The West Australian 26 October 1901
When he arrived at Kalgoorlie, the membership of the church consisted of 18 people, and Sunday congregations averaged 15 to 18 in the morning, and 40 to 60 in the evening. By early 1902 he was well advanced in making a mark on the community. On 14 January the following article appeared in the Kalgoorlie Argus:-
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| The Miners Institute - Built 1902 |
"POPULAR GOSPEL SERVICE.-The first of what is apparently going to be a long series of "Popular Gospel Services," on the lines of the "Pleasant Sunday" entertainments, so popular in the Eastern capitals, was held in the Miners' Institute last night. The hall was crowded almost to the doors, and, as the audience evidently appreciated what was put before them, the promoters have no reason to complain of lack of encouragement. Appropriate sacred music, instrumental and vocal, was rendered by Hall's Orchestra, Mrs. Johnson-James, the Misses May Hancock. Flo and Blanche James, and a mixed choir under the conductorship of Mr. T. Edwards. The Rev. Asbury Caldwell conducted the service. No charge was made at the doors, but a collection was taken up during the service."The following month Edith joined Asbury. She was obviously highly regarded in North Fremantle as she was given a very well attended farewell by the parishioners. It was reported on by The West Australian on 6 February.
Ref. The Kalgoorlie Western Argus 14 January 1902
"PERSONAL. On Tuesday evening last the members and congregation of the North Fremantle Congregational Church, assisted by the members of the Ladies' Guild, tendered to Mrs. Asbury Caldwell, the wife of the late pastor, a farewell social prior to her departure for Kalgoorlie, where the Rev. Asbury Caldwell is at present located in charge of the Kalgoorlie Congregational Church. Mr. G. T. Fruin occupied the chair and in eulogistic terms spoke of the high esteem and regard in which the departing lady was held by all. Councillor Passmore, on behalf of the deacons, and Mr. W. J. Craig, on behalf of the members and congregation of the Church; Mr. Burnside, on behalf of the Sunday School, and Mrs. W. M. Saudilands, on behalf of the Ladies' Guild, all supported the chairman's remarks, and wished Mrs. Caldwell, on behalf of their various organisations, God-speed, prosperity, and every happiness in her new sphere of life."In his maiden speech in the town, Asbury had said that he intended working in harmony with the other churches. He made good his intent as in March he attended and spoke at a Presbyterian Church farewell to their pastor and his wife, Rev. and Mrs. Crow; then, in April he attended the welcome to the newly appointed district superintendent of the Wesleyan Church. His welcome speech was reported as follows: -
Ref. The West Australian 6 February 1902
"The Rev. Asbury Caldwell (Independent Church) said there was every need for the best of sympathy to exist between the various branches of the Christian Church. There was no church organisation more fitted from a working standard or for working in the cause of God than the Methodist Church, and in Western Australia today there was no greater aggressive force, or a church so well quipped to do the work of the Master on this big field as Methodism. He could say with the fullest assurance that Mr. Wheatley was a man well adapted for goldfields church work, and one who could, if necessary, play a "lone hand" in carrying out those enterprises worthy of the attention of the best men in the service of Christ. There was no place in Western Australia than the goldfields where such a man is more needed, a man who had a faculty of getting at the evils which exist in the community, and, if necessary, giving a little spurt to the efforts of the municipal authorities in eradicating the evils which exist in the place, and with which he was peculiarly adapted to grapple. He believed that Mr. Wheatley would make his presence felt during his stay in Kalgoorlie."Later in the month, Asbury returned once again to North Fremantle for the anniversary celebrations for the Deaconess movement founded by him during his stewardship of the church. While he was there, he took the opportunity to preach at the Congregational Church at Leederville.
Ref. Kalgoorlie Western Argus 22 April 1902
The deaconess movement had been most successful and Asbury was greatly praised for having implemented it.
"DEACONESS MOVEMENT AT NORTH FREMANTLE. The first anniversary of the deaconess movement in connection with the Congregational Church, at North Fremantle, was held in Albert Hall last week, there being a good attendance. Mr. F. Illingworth, M.L.A., presided, and there were also on the platform the Revs. A. Caldwell, C., Taylor, and W. L. Toshach, and Drs. D. Stewart, McColl, and Paget. The secretary, Mr. G. T. Frelin, read the first annual report of the committee, which traced the starting of the deaconess movement in the town. The proposal had been first introduced by the Rev. A. Caldwell, and approved in October, 1900. In the following month Mr. Caldwell preached on the cause, and promises were received for subscriptions, the estimated cost of the undertaking being £100 per annum. Efforts were made to procure a nurse adapted for the work, and the committee was successful in obtaining the services of Sister Agnes who was then in charge of the Angas College, South Australia. She arrived, and commenced her work in April of last year, and her efforts, the report continued, were much appreciated by the general public. The committee was keenly alive to the unselfish and untiring labours of the deaconess, and had every confidence in her and were glad to see that her influence for good was felt in the district. In October last, Miss Amy Kimpton, also of Angas College, who had gone through a medical course of studies there, joined Sister Agnes, and an arrangement was made by which the latter could give up two days per week of her deaconess work to Miss. Kimpton, without any increased cost to the fund. The balance-sheet, presented by the treasurer (Mr. W. Cooper) showed that the receipts up to the 14th inst. had been £88 12s. and the expenditure £87 19s. 8d. With the stipend due, however, there was a deficiency of £7 1s. The committee had only been able to reach £80 as stipend, the understanding being £100 per year, but the deaconess, in her unselfishness, was willing to accept the smaller sum for the time being, so that the work could go on longer. It was hoped that the donations this year would enable the original amount to be paid, as it was unfair to ask Sister Agnes to undertake the duties for less. Sister Agnes gave the meeting an interesting account of her work and visitations. She was much impressed with the need of such a sister in the district, and paid a tribute to the ready help of the various doctors she had met especially mentioning Dr. McColl, who had been ever ready to give his services without payment when the patients were poor and in distress. Mr. Illingworth expressed his sympathy with the work, and hoped the residents and friends would give the movement their practical help as well as sympathy. (Applause.) The Rev. A. Caldwell, who was heartily applauded, earnestly pleaded for more help. Dr. McColl paid a high tribute to the ability and kindly disposition of Sister Agnes in her sphere of usefulness, and Dr. Paget pointed out the practical good the work was accomplishing, such as in the relief of individual cases. The Rev. C. Taylor also addressed the meeting. He hoped that this year his church would be able to give some practical help. The Rev. W. L. Toshach also made a plea for more assistance in this Christian work. During the evening Miss Nicholson sang, "Tears" and Mr. Toshach "The Star of Bethlehem." The meeting concluded with notes of thanks to the chairman, speakers, and singers."Throughout his career, Asbury displayed a high level of Social conscience. He worked hard for the workers in achieving a fair wage, particularly involving Sunday labour. He spoke at a demonstration street meeting late in June. It was reported on 1 July 1902.
Ref. The West Australian 28 April 1902
"SUNDAY LABOR ON THE MINES. Substantial progress is being made with the movement initiated by the unions against unnecessary Sunday labor on the mines. In Hannan-street on Saturday night addresses were delivered by Mr. Tom Boyle, president of the A.W.A., and the Rev. Asbury Caldwell, urging the public to sign the petition to the Minister of Mines, now in circulation. Mr. Boyle maintained that total abstention from work on one day out of the seven was a physical and moral necessity, and the Rev. Mr. Caldwell, speaking from the same standpoint, said that the home life of many Australians on the fields was being seriously interfered with in order that dividends might be kept up in London. The contention that Sunday labor was necessary could be tested by legislation providing double pay for it. After the meeting, which was held at the stand of the A.W.A. Band, a large number of people signed the petition, the text of which is as follows:- "We, the undersigned, wish respectfully to draw the attention of the Minister for Mines to the fact that a great amount of unnecessary Sunday labor is done on the fields. Also, that the Sunday Observance Act is defective, and that the administration of the said Act does not provide for the worker that protection which he has a right to expect from the Government. We would suggest - (1) That the system of granting permits for Sunday labor be abolished, and would point out that under the present Act the mines inspector, if so disposed, may grant permits for any work, whether necessary or unnecessary. We think that the Act abovementioned gives the inspector an arbitrary power over men with whom he seldom or never comes in contact. (2) That a committee be appointed to inquire into the working of the mines, take evidence, and state what is necessary Sunday work. (3) That the police be empowered to go below or through the plant and premises of any mine to make all necessary investigations. (4) That in case of an infringement of the Act the employees of such mine be summoned before the local court, and any fines imposed against such men shall be recoverable from the person, manager, or company employing such men. (5) That 50 per cent. more wages be paid for all Sunday labor."On 5 August, Asbury’s plans to greatly expand the church to accommodate the large numbers of worshippers that he had attracted were announced. The Argus reported as follows:-
Ref. The Kalgoorlie Western Argus 1 July 1902
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| Façade of the new Congregational Church |
"CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH EXTENSIONS. - Extensive additions to the Congregational Church, Kalgoorlie, have been decided upon. The iron back wall of the present stone structure is to be removed, and an additional space, 74ft. by 31ft., built upon, so as to increase the seating accommodation to about 750, almost doubling that in existence. Farther to the rear a substantial wood and iron building is to be erected for the purposes of a gymnasium, game-room, and reading-room. Again, on the Boulder side of the church, a space capable of accommodating 300 seats is to be enclosed by steel roller-blinds (leaving an entrance from the front), floored, and furnished with garden seats to the extent indicated. It will not be roofed, and, by an ingenious arrangement, people sitting there will be as well able to hear the preacher as those inside the church proper. The idea is a novel one, but it will assuredly not fail of appreciation in the summer months. The Church will not be obliged to purchase land to carry out the project, as the present block is ample for all the additions contemplated. The cost is estimated at something like £1200, a third of which has been subscribed at a first call. A start is to be made shortly, as tenders will be called probably at the end of the week."In another place in the same newspaper, the following tongue in cheek article appeared:-
"ACCIDENT TO THE REV. A. CALDWELL. - The Rev. Asbury Caldwell met with a painful accident on Saturday. While performing his ablutions he fell upon the basin, smashing it, and one of the broken pieces severed the tendons of the rev. gentleman's right knee. Mr. Caldwell dressed the wound, which bled freely, himself, and managed to attend to his clerical duties yesterday, though not without having to be carried to and from the church and supported by a chair."On 12 September Asbury officiated at the wedding of an Arthur Elgin Hunter to Miss. Hilda Violet Leane. He may not have been aware at the time but Miss. Leane would later become related to him by marriage when her brother, Norman Short Leane, married his sister, Calla Marie Caldwell.
Ref. Kalgoorlie Western Argus 5 August 1902
On 12 October, reports in both The West Australian and Argus again pointed to Asbury’s Social conscience.
The following is what appeared in the Argus. The West Australian article was on similar lines.
"Congregational Church, Maritana street, Sunday, the Rev. Asbury Caldwell spoke strongly in favour of the Police Act Amendment Bill just introduced by the Premier, and then took a vote of the congregation for or against. Naturally the people did not vote against their pastor, and the verdict was practically unanimous in favour of the Bill. The secretary was then instructed to write to all the goldfields members, and request them to support the measure."
Ref. The West Australian 12 October 1902
On 2 December 1902 the Argus printed a six page article on, what was said to be, the history of the Congregational church in Kalgoorlie. However, most of the stories revolved around Asbury’s considerable achievements. The whole article is reproduced in Attachment 2.
The article tells of how, only a few months after his arrival in Kalgoorlie, it became necessary to transfer services to the Miners’ Institute and Her Majesty’s Theatre to accommodate the crowds of worshippers. It became necessary to hire a further 200 chairs to accommodate the regular 350 attendees. It goes on to record how, shortly after, it became necessary to greatly increase the size of the church so a program of extensions and additional development was agreed to, funded and finalized.
The first structure completed was a new building at the rear of the church which was occupied by the members of the Independent Club. The club was established by Asbury along the same lines, and for essentially the same reasons, as the West Palm Beach and North Fremantle libraries he established whilst stationed in those places.
The article reported of the club: -
"It was decided by the church that the board of deacons, as such, should keep their hands off the club, and that the men interested should have every chance to gather a strong body of men, which should use the club premises, regardless of church connection or attendance. It was felt that men were plenty in Kalgoorlie who would use such a place wisely, with no outside control, and the results have justified the thought. "We have no place to go," has been the cry, and it was deemed to be a part of the work of Christ to remedy that situation, without necessarily "churchifying" the place provided."The church extensions were completed in October and many of the church hierarchy came from afar for the ceremonies. It is said of the evening ceremonies, which doubtlessly would have been conducted by Asbury, that: -
“..the evening audience packed every available seat, and still many were turned away..”What would prove to be Asbury’s legacy to the town and which would bring him international fame (good and bad) was reported as follows: -
"Probably no one feature of the work of this church has called for more comment, adverse and favourable, than has the provision of seats outside under the open sky, where in the long summer men could sit and be in touch with the service, and a part of it, and yet use their pipes if they desired. Newspaper comment has come from all parts of the Commonwealth, and most writers have connected the idea, in some form or other, with the fact that this church is served by an American pastor. However, he assures this writer that his first conception of such an idea was formed in attending a great "Smokers Service" held in London in the summer of 1890. Hence the idea is English, not American. During some six months or more it had been noticed that a little company of men gathered in front of the church to stand outside listening to the music and the sermon, at a Sunday evening service. It seemed wise to provide seats for that little company of men, and to increase their numbers, and give them a chance to feel that the service was theirs as well as others. Hence, one side of the new building was made of folding doors, which open and permit the speaker to face an audience sitting outside, as well as one within the building. The sittings are always well filled, and the men seemingly enjoy the innovation, and no abuse has arisen, nor has any offence been felt within the church. A number of ladies may always be counted in the smokers' pavilion."
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| A Crowded Smokers Pavilion |
"A sound evidence of the solid interest which the newly formed congregation has in this enterprise is evident from the fact that instead of raising the needed funds to finance the building scheme through mortgage, debenture bonds were issued, and taken up largely by members and friends of the congregation, the same bearing interest at 5 per cent. per annum, and being payable on 30 days' notice. This method insures the steady and speedy reduction of the church debt, instead of the long drag of a mortgage. Money has been freely given and freely spent, but the congregation is kept in touch with the finances to such an extent that their knowledge of affairs gives them all the interest of committeemen. Every account and all expenditure is regulated by the vote of the church as a whole.The following picture shows how the church and Smokers Pavilion looked from the street. The Independent Club building is also just visible in the background.
The addition during the past 15 months has increased the membership of 163, and the evening congregation to upwards of 500 people."
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| The Congregational Church, Boulder road Kalgoorlie |
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| Members of the Ladies' Guild and helpers |
"They have done the hard tasks connected with church socials and other functions as increase the opportunity of mutual acquaintance in a rapidly growing congregation, and they have done this with good will and good welcome to all comers. Absence of "side" and "I am better than thou" has been habitual in dealing with all. The presidents have been in succession Mrs. E. W. Searne, Mrs. F. E. Towns, Mrs. Asbury Caldwell, and the present incumbent, Mrs. Samuel Wilson. Miss M. Williams is the faithful secretary."It cannot be recorded beyond doubt, but it is likely that the ladies would have arranged themselves in the above order. That being the case, the lady on Asbury’s right is his wife, Edith Elizabeth.
The article also contains a photo of Asbury surrounded by the committee of the Independent club.
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| Asbury seated centre row, third from the left. |
"KALGOORLIE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. - This church, which was recently opened in Kalgoorlie, presenting the most attractive audience room on the fields, is less than three years old. Rev. W. F. Turton, formerly of Johnston Memorial Church, Fremantle, started the enterprise, which has had remarkable growth during the past fifteen months under the pastorate of Rev. Asbury Caldwell, B.A., B.D., who resigned from the North Fremantle Congregational Church to take up work on the fields. The smokers' seats outside, and the general character of the Sunday evening services, with orchestra and special musical attractions, have drawn together a congregation composed largely of those who are not church attendants in the usual sense. The fact that such a congregation gave £950 within a period of four months toward building improvements, beside their regular contributions to maintenance of the church, shows that they appreciate the work that is going on. A Men's Club, of 170 members, is on the same premises and in constant use. The church building, with club house, offices and manse have a value of £4,000, on which there is a mortgage of £1,275, and floating indebtedness of £600 covered by that amount of subscriptions."Kalgoorlie 1903
By Asbury’s standards, the first half of 1903 passed fairly uneventfully but it was not so at home in America. The following article appeared in the newspaper, Highland Recorder, published in Monterey, Virginia, USA on 6 March 1903.
"CLERGYMAN'S ATTEMPTED SUICIDE. Chicago (Special). Rev. Dr. J. M. Caldwell, for many years presiding elder of the Methodist Church at Chicago and now pastor of the Union Avenue Methodist Church, attempted to end his life by throwing himself in front of a railroad train. He was unconscious when picked up. His leg was broken and he was internally injured, but it was said he might recover. Dr. Caldwell was arrested on a charge of disorderly conduct and released on bail."This was followed the next day, 7 March 1903 with the following article: -
"Rev. J. M. Caldwell, at one time a presiding elder in the Methodist Episcopal Church, was declared insane by a Chicago jury."Reporting the same story, The Salt Lake Herald, published in Salt Lake City, Utah on 7 March 1903, reveals: -
"INSANE REVIVALIST Chicago March 4 Rev Dr J M Caldwell, at one time pressing elder of the Methodist Episcopal church, was today declared insane by a jury in Judge Carter's court. He probably will be taken to a private sanatorium. The hearing was the outcome of an alleged attempt by the revivalist to commit suicide after having been arrested on a charge of disorderly conduct."Although we are not qualified to comment, it would appear that John Merrill suffered what we, today, might refer to as a nervous breakdown. It should be noted that he was back preaching in six months and he lived to around 90 years of age as a highly respected preacher in the Presbyterian Church.
Back in Australia, on 14 May Asbury attended the half yearly Congregational Union and Home Mission conference in Perth where he was accredited, with one other minister, to the Queensland Union and Australian Council meeting to be held in Queensland the following month.
One month later he was in Brisbane. He was heavily involved in conference matters and received mention on a number of occasions in the Brisbane Courier.
"The Interstate Conference resumed at 2.30 p.m., the chair being taken by the vice-president (Mr. Peter McLean). The attendance when the proceeding opened was only moderate, but soon increased considerably. The subject for consideration, "The Australasian Congregational Union," was introduced in an admirable paper by the Rev. G. W. Sharp (secretary of the Tasmanian Union), and in a speech by the Rev. Asbury Caldwell (Kalgoorlie, Western Australia)."
Ref. The Brisbane Courier 17 June 1903
"The Rev. Asbury Caldwell (West Australia) spoke in favour of responding to the invitation of their Presbyterian friends to meet them in conference. The question should be referred to the Australian Congregational Union."On his way home to Kalgoorlie from Brisbane, Asbury stopped off in Adelaide for around a week, possibly awaiting a connecting ship to Fremantle. This would have been the only mode of travel at the time as the railway line linking Perth to the East coast was not finalized until 1917.
Ref. The Brisbane Courier 18 June 1903
"COLONIAL MISSIONARY SOCIETY. - Rev. F. V. Dowling, B.A. (Claremont, W.A.), read a paper on the work of the Colonial Missionary Society in West Australia. It was shown that some £5200 had been given by the society towards home missions in that State. During seven years the work had advanced from four churches and a few mission stations to twenty-two causes. A sum of about £6000 had been raised towards home missions in the State itself, chiefly by the efforts of Trinity Church, Perth, and the generosity of the Hon. G. Randell. The most recent developments were those on the Kalgoorlie goldfield and in the neighbourhood of Perth. Rev. Asbury Caldwell was doing a great work on the goldfields. During seven years eighteen new causes had been opened, and the church membership was now 1200, the Sunday school scholars numbering 2000. It was impossible to force the development of the work in the State with only the help given by the local churches. A large amount of money (about £1,000,000 last year) was sent out of the State to the families of fathers and relatives of sons in the State, and in other directions. So that the help that would come from settled communities could not be expected from West Australia."
Ref. The Brisbane Courier 19 June 1903
"In Brighton-road Congregational Church to-morrow morning, the Rev. George Campbell, of Burwood Congregational Church, Sydney, preaches. The evening service will be conducted by the Rev. Asbury Caldwell, of Kalgoorlie, West Australia'"
Ref. The Brisbane Courier 20 June 1903
"CONGREGATIONAL JUBILEE INTERSTATE CONFERENCE.
THE BIBLE IN AND OUT OF STATE SCHOOLS. -The Interstate Congregational Conference was concluded at Ipswich yesterday. The morning session, which took place in the Brisbane-street Church, was preceded by a devotional service conducted by the Rev. A. R. Stephenson, M.A. Prayer was offered by the Rev. M.L. Johnson and the Rev. Asbury Caldwell."
Ref. The Brisbane Courier 23 June 1903
On 16 July, the Advertiser newspaper in Adelaide included the following two snippets: -
"The Rev. A. Caldwell, who is returning to Western Australia from the Congregational jubilee meetings which have recently taken place in Queensland, is at present in Adelaide. He is pastor of the Congregational Church at Kalgoorlie."and
"The Rev. A. Caldwell, an American, who has charge of the Kalgoorlie Congregational Church, is at present in Adelaide on his way back to the goldfields from Queensland. He has introduced several novelties into his church-work, including the addition of smokers' wing to his church."On the same day, The Register newspaper of Adelaide ran a lengthy, revealing interview with Asbury that was headed, “Why People Go To Church”. A full transcript of the interview is contained in Attachment 3.
Ref. The Advertiser 16 July 1903.
The interview dwelt extensively on the Smokers’ Pavilion and on a babies crèche that Asbury had developed to attract mothers of young babies to church. During the interview however, Asbury was able to include a plea for financial assistance for the support of South Australian miners working in the west.
During the time of his stay, Asbury preached at Stow Memorial church and at the Congregational church in Glenelg.
Just prior to his departure from Adelaide, Asbury made one further plea for financial assistance for the support of the South Australian miners.
"CHURCHES FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIAN MINERS. -The Rev. Asbury Caldwell, B.A., B.D., of the Kalgoorlie Congregational Church, returned by the mail steamer Oroya on Thursday. Mr. Caldwell feels that eastern state residents should support him in providing miners who have gone from east to west with spiritual knowledge. His idea is to erect circular iron churches, to seat 180 miners, at a cost of about £90 each. So far as this state is concerned, the movement met with an encouraging response, and altogether Mr. Caldwell was highly pleased with the result of his mission."Following the interview with the Register, there was quite an eruption in the South Australian press about Asbury’s smokers’ pavilion. It raged until it was quelled by a letter from Mary Lockwood, Superintendent, Anti-Narcotics Department, Women’s Christian Temperance Union.
Ref. The Register 24 July 1903.
"SMOKERS AND SMOKING. -To the Editor. Sir— The innovations of which the Rev. A Caldwell tells particularly the 'smokers pavilion' in connection with his church at Kalgoorlie have caused much discussion and a certain amount of correspondence. I have not the letters before me and am not replying to them more than to interested persons generally. Those who have listened to Mr. Caldwell's story of the efforts made to bring men within sound of the Gospel of Jesus Christ can only say 'God bless him and his co workers'. Let us beware, however, lest we pull down the work of any persons who are seeking to help humanity. Whether Mr. Caldwell and his deacons could have put up another word equally catching and less objectionable than 'smokers' is a problem for some inventive mind; but until it is forthcoming, let us refrain from useless criticism. Mr. Caldwell has earnestly endeavoured to meet conditions such as church people in Adelaide can scarcely picture. Shall we not rather turn our attention to the little boys on our own streets, who are sending up their young lives in smoke and their bodies down to early graves, many of them by way of the reformatory and the prison. There are few men who do not know all we can tell them about the evils of smoking. They know the effects on their bodies, they know how much they spend, and how far it would go towards building a house, or providing luxuries for their wives and children, or towards sending missionaries to the heathen but they are helpless to prevent boys from following the same road at a much earlier age because they are not prepared to sacrifice the habit themselves. Then it is the duty of those who are free to prevent the little ones from winding around them chains that will soon prove unbreakable. Let us teach them what cigarettes are made of, the results of smoking, why athletes abstain when training, why teachers can make more out of a boy who does not smoke, why employers employ boys who do not smoke. The Australian boys will respond to reason as quickly as other boys. For those who are not amenable to reason legislation is needed. Many of the men have gone to Kalgoorlie from South Australia, and have taken their pipes with them, not feeling complete without them. Let us make men without smoke, and they will go out to Western Australia and South Africa so much freer for the light against worst foes than the Boers. Mr. Caldwell tells us that in one month the men sent £90,000 to their families in the eastern states. Send men who will not smoke and we may expect another thousand or two in South Australia. I am, Sir. &- MARY A. LOCKWOOD, Superintendent 'Anti-Narcotics' Department. W.C.T.U."Two days later she followed up this letter with another along similar lines in The Advertiser.
Ref. The Register 25 July 1903
Shortly after his return to Kalgoorlie, Asbury presided over the annual meeting of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union at which he spoke on the evils of gambling.
"The Rev. Asbury Caldwell chose as the subject for his address "Gambling," and spoke of the impossibility of doing away with. it, save by the implanting of the real Christ ideal in man's life, because gambling, per se, was simply getting something for nothing, whether on the racecourse, in the gambling hall, on the share market, or on the bargain counter. The only final means of doing away with it was in the implanting of the Christian sentiment. The most flagrant form of gambling could be checked by legal enactment. The West Australian law was piebald. It prohibited gambling in some ways, and gave a Minister liberty to grant to churches and charitable organisations the privilege of conducting lotteries and raffles. All were on the same plane. The law that prohibited the gambling hell ought to as well prohibit church gambling and every form. No greater fallacy had ever been uttered than that men could not be reformed by legal enactment. Men had been reformed by the law, which raised an ideal and a standard of respectability. Without a consistent law they would stake the gambling fever here. He made a plea for consistency on the part of the Christian men and women (so-called). Coming from Adelaide in the steamer a few days ago he saw men in the saloon gambling who would not dream of going into a gambling hall. It was just the same."During the closing ceremonies, Asbury followed up his attack with what was described as a humorous little address on temperance.
Ref. Kalgoorlie Western Argus 1 September 1903
"W.C.T.U. CONFERENCE.-The final stage of the W.C.T.U. State convention, which was begun at Boulder on Monday last, was concluded by the holding of a meeting of the delegates and sympathisers at the Congregational Church, Kalgoorlie, on Friday when the Rev. Asbury Caldwell, presided. A couple of hymns were sung, and Mrs. Baxter rendered the old Scotch song, "Annie Laurie." Mrs. J. U. Ferguson, president of the convention, delivered an interesting address, in which she quoted the words of a number of eminent medical men in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, America, and Russia on the temperance question. None of the doctors referred to were teetotallers. One man, who was quoted, was the superintendent of a lunatic asylum, and the speaker, using his words, said that out of every 100 persons confined in the institution, 70 were there through the use of alcoholic liquors. Others, it was stated, all testified that liquor, even in small quantities, had a deteriorating effect on the human system. The Revs. J. Miles and Asbury Caldwell during the evening gave humorous little addresses, all winding up strongly in favour of temperance. Mrs. Gover, in the course of an address on the avoidance of strong drink, said that if women spread temperance and purity they would be doing a great work. Mrs. Brown made an appeal to those present to use their best endeavours to bring about prohibition of the liquor traffic. A collection was taken up and the meeting ended."On 22 September a meeting was held, chaired by Asbury, to talk about the new Congregational Church recently opened in South Kalgoorlie. The meeting was recorded as follows:-
Ref. Kalgoorlie Western Argus 1 September 1903
"SOCIAL. ---On Wednesday evening the Mechanics' Institute, Salisbury-road, was the scene of a very successful social held in connection with the Congregational Church recently opened in South Kalgoorlie. The hall was filled to overflowing. The Rev. Asbury Caldwell (pastor of the Kalgoorlie church) presided, and, in the course of his remarks, expressed the hope that as a result of the gathering, increased activity in religious work in the district would be aroused. He pointed out that the success of the church lay entirely with the inhabitants, and explained at length the rules of Congregational Churches, emphasising the broad lines on which they was based. In response to a request by the chairman, a large number of those present signified, by show of hands, their willingness to support the new enterprise. The chairman also announced that Mr. T. E. Phillips had been placed in charge of the district. During the evening songs were rendered by Misses Salmon and Potts, and Messrs. Craik, Phillips, and Wood, in a pleasing manner, while the recitations of Misses Kenely and Gartrel, and Mr. Northwood were well received, the latter being recalled. Miss Salmon accompanied with efficiency. The singing of "Auld Lang Syne" brought an enjoyable evening to a close."On 15 December, in the lead up to Christmas 1903, we enter into a new world; a world of a multitude of followers intent on hearing the words of a great orator. We suddenly become one of 500+, only a small proportion of which are adherents of the religion practised by him, who pack his church to hear him utter the word of God. As if through the hand of God, we too are given the opportunity of hearing him. We read his words; words he uttered over 100 years ago. They remain as pertinent today as they did then.
Ref. Kalgoorlie Western Argus 22 September 1903
For many Christmas is a time of great sadness. The emptiness of their lives becomes overbearing. Seeing others rejoicing in the love of family when they are so alone tears at the very fabric of their being. Asbury’s story is very much about childhood memories and how they need to be developed. It starts with the memory of a child of a Christmas in the northern hemisphere and compares it to the now – his own experiences. The entire story oscillates between the past and the current. There is anguish in his words. How much of it is his story?
Christmas, but no snow! No jingling sleigh bells or merry shouts of youth dashing over the ice. No Christmas trees decked with fleece and tinsel, with flickering lights and gifts that are the handiwork of love and tender regard. No wide chimneys and soaring fires. No such feast and merriment as adorned the Christmas days of our childhood in the old lands.Only days after the Christmas message was published, a severe cyclone hit the town of Kalgoorlie causing considerable damage. A number of properties were destroyed by fire following lightning strikes and others, including the All Hallows convent school in neighbouring Boulder, were raised to the ground. Although there were 200 children in the school at the time, there were no fatalities. Electricity supply to a number of areas was outed for a few days.
Christmas - and 100 degrees in the shade! The sun a ball of fire instead of a warming brightness. The air filled with red dust, not white snow flakes. A picnic party in a cumbersome drag, not an old-fashioned party sleigh, makes its way to camp amidst the insects and dust, under a few scraggy images of trees. Laughter and song, cricket and sports, make up the day's pleasure; while a few old fogies lie under the trees and dream of a different clime.
The homes are small and crowded. Heat and flies vie with each other in keeping the night-shift miner, who is seeking sleep this Christmas day, from finding his comfort. One-third of the population are spending the holidays at the coast. The Children's Seaside Excursions have divided families only too glad to get the little ones away from the hottest days of the year. Many men are at work all the day through. Here is a sacrifice that the mass may have work to-morrow, many must work to-day, and Christmas becomes no better than any ordinary Sunday, when thousands go to their regular and often needless toil. Christmas is not for all.
Yes! Christmas, and none of the old-land customs and Yule-tide happiness! But there is another view of the picture. There are no bare feet bleeding on icy pavements. No hungry starvelings with pinched faces pressed against the bake-shop window panes. No herded millions with neither sun nor pure air in tenements, breathing pestilence, and pressed by debt to toil for the sweater through the merry Christmas days. No fireless homes. No freezing cab and tram drivers. No disappointed ones expected at home until the last moment, and then kept by some special care from the annual family gathering. We are so far away that we have no expectations to disappoint.
There were services in the churches this morning. But Christmas Eve is "shopping night," so that all were out late and few attend. There will be carols in the recreation reserves this evening for those who pay, and concerts and plays for those who prefer the halls and theatres. Gifts are exchanged. Plum pudding marks the day as "special" in the boarding houses and homes. But the lonely dryblower or prospector has none of these things. The day is to him as other days, save - what? What is it that marks a difference? Ah! It is Christmas! and Christmas has its memories and its significance to the soul as well as its outward joys.
Christmas among the Westralian miners is different, but it is still a festival, and means much to all. It has its disadvantages and its compensations. By some means there is the same atmosphere of prophetic goodness of a Saviour born in this sunny southland as in the snowbound north countries which have so filled literature with Christmas traditions as to make our ways seem unorthodox.
What is this Christmas to the miner and his associates? It is first of all a festival of memory. Holy, happy memories of childhood link us with the infant Jesus. We saw His star in the years gone by. We see the same star now and here. It was the star of hope; the star of ideal purity and innocence; the star of a Saviour of mankind. "Peace on earth and goodwill toward men" was the song of the angels. It was the song of the cradle, when we were babes. It was the song we sang together in childhood, and now the memory lives anew. The song verily lives within us. The resurrection of that melody in this mining camp is a miracle. God Himself speaks in His angelic message, and its harmony is "in tune with the Infinite." It is as though the "morning stars sang together" in the key of this one star of hope.
And what a festival the memory brings! Games, toys, laughter, joy all without care. We were happy then. We trusted. Whom? Was it God? Perhaps, dimly. It was father and mother. It was life itself. It was the whole world. It was the Maker of the worlds. It was a trust that never inquired whom or what was its basis. It was simple, perfect trust. What a memory! How and why should it be so fully a Christmas memory? Surely God and man conspired with earth to make it the season of trust. The infant Saviour was the inspiration that lead men into the conspiracy. The hidden promise of God implanted within the hearts of all men helped them to recognise that star and to exercise that trust. "Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye can in no wise see the Kingdom of God."
I see it now! This festival of memory is Gods providence keeping green in my withered old heart the childish trust that has neither been frozen in the winter's cold of the north nor blighted in the burning heat of the south. My childish faith. O, God,
"Make me a child again.and the festival of memory shall have done its work in advancing "Peace on earth" if I can by this star of hope come to trust life and Thee, the giver of life, in childlike simplicity; not to impiously analyse every concept of Thy being; not to demand that Thou shouldest explain to my weak mind just why Thou hast placed me here and another in the King's palace;
Just for to-night,"
"Simply trusting, every day,But there are children, on the fields also. We old miners are not the only ones to think of. How selfish we grow. Shall this be only a festival of memory for the old? Shall no memories be given to the young, who have so few of what we counted the means of enjoyment when we were young? God forbid.
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all."
Gather in the little ones. Let none be overlooked. Teach them "the old, old story." A simple maiden, a heavenly messenger, the promise of God; a crowded village, visitors entertained in a stable, the babe in the manger; the angel choir and the shepherds, the star and the Magi, the name that is given "because He shall save His people from their sins." Children, "we have seen His star." We bid you come and see. Listen The song of that simple maid is the promise of the future:
"He exalteth them of low degree;Sing it, children. Sing it to those who do not believe it; to the weary and heavy laden; to the downcast and out-of-work; to the broken-hearted sinner. Sing it until they are compelled to believe it. Sing it in your souls. Let the song fill you with joy. Express your joy that it may grow within you. Sing. Run. Play. Eat. Drink. Receive your gifts. But, best of all, give. Give again. Give more. It is blessed to give. "It is more blessed to give" on this Christmas festival "than to receive." Let no little playmate be without some Christmas gift of love. It must not cost money necessarily, but it must cost love and care.
The hungry He filleth with good things."
Little one, do you see that grizzled old miner who is spending his day alone in his camp? He does not invite you to come to him. He is unpleasant to children. He has hardened, under the drink, perhaps. Possibly a nagging wife. More likely still the sin was on his side, and his own conscience has driven him away from men; and now he is a lonely, hardened, hopeless, old man. But this Christmas day will call back that star of hope. That is why God is giving him another Christmas. He is shut in his camp holding his festival of memory. Many years have come back to him. He is sitting in the home of his young manhood. A flaxen-haired little maid is sitting on his knee, running her fingers through his not yet whitened locks; she puts her two little hands on his two cheeks and demands her kiss, her "sweet kiss,.. just between the eyes, daddie." But it was one of the last. The tears are in his eyes now, for memory is taking him beside the little mound in the cemetery where he laid her away. He could not understand that God had a garden into which He was just transplanting that little flower. He began to hate God. Then he hated men. Then he hated the world, and life went away, and has dragged himself through many sins and sorrows up to now. And God has given him one more Christmas. God has taken him back to the little child, just such a child as you are. Give. Give. Give the old man the kiss he needs to see the miracle of resurrected love and tenderness in his own heart. That is what he needs. Tell him of your presents. Make him explain the picture in your new book. Make him hold your doll. You are giving him "peace and goodwill." But run away, dear, if you see anyone coming, for that old grizzly greybeard is more bashful than a young maiden, because he has been shut in with himself alone for so many years.
Awake, ye children, to the festival of song, and joy, and laughter, and giving! Awake, ye churches! Give these memories to the children of the fields, else how poor will they be in the after years. Selfish men and women! Will you rob the children of Christmas Eve that you may do the shopping and strolling possible to 300 other days in the year; that you may listen to mere classic oratorio? Whoever compares oratorio with the songs of childhood and the carols and hymns of Christmastide? Crowd not, the children aside for your own selfish entertainment. Give to them, and it shall be given to you. "Lose your life" among their joys at this time, and "you shall find your life" living anew in all that long festival of memory which these little ones must live over every Christmas time so long as their earth shall last. Paint pictures in the galleries of their little minds that shall be bright in all the after years. Doubt and question will come. Friends will fail. Confidence will be shattered. Hopes blighted. Ambitions broken. But if the old men can look back at each succeeding Christmastime and say "We have seen His star," and followed it to the manger, they may in the beginning have seen but a little babe. In the end they will have seen the Son of God, and He will save them from their sins. And "inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these, ye did it unto me."
Ref. Kalgoorlie Western Argus 15 December 1903.
Three days later a public meeting was held to determine what could be done to assist those worst hit by the cyclone. A committee was formed, of which Asbury was a member.
Kalgoorlie 1904
It was business as usual for the first few months of 1904 until May when the annual business meeting of the Congregational Union and Home mission was held in Kalgoorlie with Asbury as the presiding pastor. The programme organised by him was not all devoted to matters of the church. Delegates were treated to external dinners and afternoon teas at different venues and excursions such as tram rides and mine tours were organised to showcase the town and its activities.
In the middle of the conference, two momentous situations arose. On 13 May, Asbury's mother Emma and sister Calla arrived in Albany from the USA on their way to Kalgoorlie. Four days later, probably on or about the day they arrived in Kalgoorlie, a telegram arrived from Brown-street Newcastle Congregational church offering Asbury the position of pastor of their church. He and another couple were nominated as the Western Australian delegates to the forthcoming Victorian conference.
Word of the Brown-street offer soon spread and on 4 June it was reported in the South Australian press. Even there he was highly regarded. The report concluded with the words:-
“Mr. Caldwell is a most indefatigable worker, and by his industry, the charm of his personality, the versatility of his methods and his pulpit power, he has succeeded in building up a vigorous and aggressive church in spite of many difficulties.”Asbury obviously gave the offer a considerable amount of thought but on 25 June, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that he had declined the offer.
Ref. The Regtister 4 June 1904.
On 2 August 1904 Asbury was elected as a member of the board of the Mechanics Institute, a twelve month appointment.
Although it is a little obscure, a report in The West Australian on 10 October gave the first indication that Calla Marie was in Kalgoorlie. It was contained in a report on the Congregational church bazaar held on 4 October.
“The American Stall, a very enticing retreat was in the charge of Miss Caldwell, who had many fair assistants. One of the delights of the refreshment room was the American chafing supper provided, all kinds of cool drinks, ice creams, etc., also being procurable. The decorations consisted of red, white, and blue and American flags.”Edith Elizabeth, Asbury’s wife also participated: -
“The Hannans Star Stall was, perhaps, the sweetest of all, as here one could purchase all kinds of candy. It was presided over by Mesdames Asbury Caldwell and N.H. Barr, who seemed to be kept continually busy.”Obviously, Asbury’s rejection of Brown-street was not accepted by that congregation and negotiations continued until, at the next meeting of the Congregational Union, his resignation from the pastorate of Kalgoorlie was accepted with regret.
Ref. The West Australian 10 October 1904
After that, matters continued at a pace. Asbury had one last message for the people of the town so, on 22 November, his 1904 Christmas message was delivered via the Argus. The message was preceded by an impressive depiction of a stained glass window incorporating, among other things, representations of all the surrounding Congregational churches.
THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS.—"A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM."
FAITH. A BABE IS BORN
A new star appears in the heavens and God speaks to men. In the presence of the Babe. We dare not doubt God. Infant hunger is God's promise of food. Weakness promises care. Ignorance promises instruction. The child knows not whom he trusts - without doubt or fear. His cry is bold. He simply expects to lie answered. This is Faith. The angels of God so trust. Christmas and birthdays have no room for doubt. Only trust.
HOPE. A BABE IS BORN
The heavens open and angelic songs of HOPE are sifted upon this world's darkness. "Now are we Sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be." God wills "Peace on Earth - Goodwill among Men." That is the promise of fulfilment. We may have long to wait, but we shall have longer to enjoy the peace when it comes. The Bethlehem babe's promise is being fulfilled. “At evening time it shall be light." "Joy cometh in the morning.”
LOVE. A BABE IS BORN
"Thou shalt call His name Jesus; for He shall save His people from their sins." Love is His demand from His earthly parents. Love is His bearing toward others as he grows - Love is His Law -Love is His Gospel - Love is His God. His only expression of love to God is by love to men and by simple trust. The true Xmas buries hatred and sends love on its mission of deeds. "Love one another as I have loved you"
JOY. A BABE IS BORN
Welcome Him with joy. Give Him no sense that he crowds our little flock. The angels rejoice. The blind, the deaf, the sick will rejoice at His coming. Make no long faces on His day. It is in truest sympathy with Jesus, when His name is associated with merry shouts of children, with feasting and with pure pleasure. "Now abideth Faith, Hope, Love: these three, and the greatest of these is love." Where these abide, joy abides. "Rejoice evermore."
--ASBURY CALDWELLThis story of faith, hope, love and joy give very little indication of what was imminent in the life of the Caldwells. Three days later, a farewell function was held by the members of the Independent Club to honour Asbury prior to his departure for the East.
Ref. Kalgoorlie Western Argus 22 November 1904
"The members of the Independent Club gave a farewell social to the Rev. Asbury Caldwell on Friday evening last. Mr. W. Taylor was in the chair. Mr. G. Hill proposed the toast of Success to the Club, coupled with the name of its founder and ex-president, the guest of the evening. Mr. Caldwell suitably responded, wishing the club every success, and hoping that its scope and good work might be enlarged. The chairman, in proposing the health of Mr. Caldwell, expressed the regret felt himself and his fellow members of the club at that gentleman's departure from Kalgoorlie, and his consequent resignation of the presidency of the club, and on behalf of all wished him farewell and success. The toast was supported by Dr. Leger Erson and drunk with musical honours. Mr. Caldwell, in reply, said that any work he had been able to do for the club or for individual members of it had always been a sincere pleasure to him. If at any time he had seemed to fail in his zeal for the club, it was not through wilful neglect, but because his time had beet very fully occupied. and other duties had called him elsewhere. He hoped that with reconstruction new life would be instilled into the club. The toast of past and present officers was proposed by Mr. S. Gilbert, supported by Mr. Aumuller, and responded to by Mr. B. Sheiles. Mr. Harris then presented Mr. Caldwell with a suitably inscribed case of pipes and tobacco pouch as a token of esteem from the members of the club, wishing him good-bye and prosperity. Mr. Caldwell thanked the members of the club for their gift and for all the nice things they had said that evening about himself and his work among them. The toasts of the chairman and the press were also honoured. During the evening recitations were given by Dr. Leger Ersen and Messrs, Gilchrist, Goode, and Rosman. The singing of "Auld Lang Syne" brought a very pleasant gathering to a close."Around the same time, The Clerical Association of Kalgoorlie, placed on record the its appreciation of the work done by Asbury and another farewell function was held in the Congregational church.
Ref. Kalgoorlie Western Argus 29 November 1904
"A DEPARTING PASTOR. -The Rev. Asbury Caldwell, pastor of the Kalgoorlie Congregational Church for the past three and a half years, was given a farewell social in the Boulder-road Church recently, prior to his taking up a call in the eastern States. The church was well filled. The gathering included ministers of the various denominations. Mr. E. W. Stearne acted chairman. The Rev. Mr. Dunstan, in referring to Mr. Caldwell spoke very highly of the good work he had accomplished in the church. He regretted that Kalgoorlie was losing so broad and liberal-minded a man, who had worked both night and day in to improve the conditions of those whom trouble of any kind had overtaken. The ministers of the various churches and representatives of all classes of the people also spoke in praise of the sterling qualities of Mr. Caldwell. At the conclusion of the addresses Mr. Stearne, on behalf of the officers and members of the church and innumerable friends, presented him with a beautifully mounted address which reads in terms appropriate to the occasion. Mr. Cropley, on behalf of Mr. Caldwell’s Bible class, presented him width an illuminated address as a token of the interest he had always manifested in the young men, and the good work he had done amongst them. Miss Clemenger, on behalf the ladies guild, presented Mr. Caldwell with a nicely mounted purse with contents. In making the presentation, Miss Clemenger spoke highly of the assistance Mr. Caldwell had been to her as deaconess and the ladies guild in working amongst the sick and poor. Mrs. Bennett-Wilkinson, Miss. Cole, and. Messrs. Edwards and Turner contributed several vocal and instrumental items during the evening and the ladies made a, special effort in providing refreshments. Mr. Caldwell left Kalgoorlie by Tuesday’s express. A large number of friends, as the train was about move out, sang "God be with you till we meet again."Asbury did leave Kalgoorlie for Perth by train, most likely with Florence Olive, but just as likely, without his wife Edith Elizabeth or their daughter, Eerena Grace. Also left behind were probably his mum Emma and sister Calla.
Ref. Kalgoorlie Western Argus 6 December 1904
From Perth, what was left of family made their way to Bunbury where they caught the steamship Perth bound for Newcastle. Never a shrinking violet, Asbury again made The Advertiser newspaper in Adelaide where the ship made a call.
"A CHRISTENING AT SEA. - There was a smack of humour in the report of one of the officers on the trip of the steamer Perth, from Bunbury. It is worth quoting:-"Nothing of particular interest occurred, except that two of the children were christened by the Rev. A. Caldwell, one of the passengers, on December 14. The incident caused quite a lot of excitement amongst the lady passengers at the time."In the same edition, the following item also appeared.
"The Rev. A. Caldwell, whose ministry at the Kalgoorlie Congregational Church, where he has labored for the past few years, was signalised by such marked success, and who wielded such a potent influence among the mining fraternity on the fields, largely through the instrumentality of a smokers' pavilion which he established at the church, has relinquished his charge. Mr. Caldwell was a passenger by the steamer Perth, which arrived at Port Adelaide on Friday evening, en-route to Newcastle, New South Wales, where he has accepted a call."Newcastle 1905
Ref. The Advertiser 17 December 1904
All indications up until now had been that Asbury had accepted the offer from Brown-street but he had not informed them so. He was obviously still in negotiations with them. On 20 January 1905, the Sydney Morning Herald recorded: -
"A special meeting of the members of the Brown-street Congregational Church was held last night to deal with the vacant pastorate. A call had been given to the Rev. Asbury Caldwell, late of Kalgoorlie, who came to an understanding that he should occupy the pulpit for a month before finally determining to accept the call. Mr. Caldwell intimated last night that be was prepared to accept the invitation. The decision gave great pleasure."Negotiations were obviously successful as the following item appeared in The Sydney Morning Herald on 28 January.
Ref. The Sydney Morning Herald 20 January 1905
"The Rev. Asbury Caldwell, late of Kalgoorlie, W.A., has accepted a unanimous call to the pastorate of Brown-street Congregational Church, Newcastle. Mr. Caldwell begins his work at once."His acceptance of the position caused considerable interest in Queensland where he had visited some eighteen months previously to attend the Queensland Congregational Union meeting. The Brisbane Courier ran the following story.
Ref. The Sydney Morning Herald 28 January 1905
"Rev. Asbury Caldwell, late of Kalgoorlie, W.A. has accepted the call of the Brown-street Congregational Church, Newcastle, New South Whales, which pulpit was formerly occupied by the Rev. L. L. Wirt B.D., now in Brisbane. The conditions named by Mr. Caldwell having been complied with, he will preach his inaugural sermon there to-morrow. Mr. Caldwell sees in Newcastle the need of an Institutional Church, and his plans for a forward movement to include a new edifice adapted for social and philanthropic as well as distinctively religious ministrations. A board of visiting deaconesses will bring the church into vital touch with the poor of the city. Indeed, a fund has already been opened to provide in advance the salary of a nursing sister. The church grounds, which form a natural amphitheatre, are being converted into an out-of-door auditorium, where, in fine weather, all regular services of the church will be held. Mr. Caldwell is an American, and has had much experience in the sphere of social service. His settlement in Newcastle at the present time is most opportune, for it is believed his life and labours here will have a salutary effect upon the unsettled industrial conditions of that important coal-mining centre."Asbury did not waste any time in further developing a reputation as an innovator. We are aware that following the success of the Deaconess movement he formed in Fremantle to provide comfort and support for the sick and needy, he established a similarly successful group in Kalgoorlie. (Ref. the farewell social from the congregation of the Kalgoorlie church.) One of his first actions in taking over the pastorate of Newcastle was to establish a fund specifically for the purpose of forming a movement in that city. (Ref. the above Brisbane Courier report.) As further evidence that he was intent on change, the following article appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Ref. The Brisbane Courier 4 February 1905
"NOVEL SERVICE. - The Rev. A. Caldwell, late of Kalgoorlie, who recently became pastor of the Brown-street Congregational Church, initiated a novel form of evening service to-night, by holding it on the lawn outside the building. The ground was lighted by electricity, seats being arranged in tiers on the terrace facing the lawn, and music was provided by an orchestra. Non-church goers were specially invited, and, the weather being favourable, there was a large attendance."This service also attracted the attention of the New Zealand press and on 1 March, the following article was published in the West Coast Times.
Ref. The Sydney Morning Herald 6 February 1905
"The Rev Asbury Caldwell, the new pastor of a Congregational Church, Newcastle, New South Wales, has introduced a plan of holding Sunday evening service on a spacious lawn beside the church, instead of in the building. Five tiers of seats have been erected on the terrace overlooking the lawn, an additional accommodation for the large congregation and also for the Minister and choir is arranged on the level area. The place is brilliantly lighted with electricity, and on fine evenings an opportunity is afforded of taking part in church services under cool, pleasant, and comfortable circumstances, often impossible in buildings which necessarily become hot and stuffy when crowded. There was a large congregation on the first night, when Mr Caldwell conducted the first service under these novel conditions. He explained that the whole motive and purpose behind the movement was that he believed he was called upon to preach the gospel to those who did not attend churches. If Christ were doing His work in Newcastle to-day, he would be more outside than inside. Mr Caldwell came from Kalgoorlie to Newcastle. In the former town he broke away from the conventional by taking down one wall of his church, and providing accommodation outside for men who were not prepared to dress themselves up in ordinary church going fashion or to do without their pipe for the duration of a service."There is not a great deal of difference between the latitudes of Kalgoorlie and Newcastle, but their climates are a world apart. Kalgoorlie is in the remote central arid region of Western Australia and Newcastle is on the east coast, just over 100 kilometres north of Sydney. Sydney is reported to have one of the most moderate climates in the country. However, there are a number of similarities. Both are support centres for very large mining areas, Kalgoorlie gold and Newcastle coal. At the time there were a number of small satellite settlements around both places that had a need for religious support. As he had done in the west, Asbury provided that support for the towns around Newcastle.
Ref. The West Coast Times, New Zealand 1 March 1905.
Asbury’s pastorate at Newcastle lasted for only around two years. During that time he was reported as having conducted a mission at Teralba - a satellite town, celebrated the extension of debt by the congregation at West Maitland - another satellite town, and preached at an ecumenical service in Newcastle’s St. Phillips Presbyterian Church.
He also continued his opposition to alcohol and gambling. On the matter of alcohol, the Sydney Morning Herald reported: -
"AMENDMENT OF THE LIQUOR LAWS. -The proposals on the part of the Government to amend the Liquor Act command considerable interest In the northern district. Discussions have taken place at meetings of the various religious bodies and temperance societies. At the Congregational Church, Brown-street, last night, the following resolution was proposed by the Rev. A. Caldwell at the close of the Service, and carried unanimously:-"That this congregation notes with pleasure the introduction of the Liquor Amendment Bill, and urges upon the Government to secure its passage through Parliament with such amendments as may be posslble to reinforce the local option provisions of the bill."Newcastle 1906
Ref. The Sydney Morning Herald 29 September 1905
On the matter of gambling: -
"SUPPRESSION OF GAMBLING. -A largely-attended meeting was held in Brown-street Congregational Church to-night under the auspices of the Newcastle Ministers' Association to voice protests against the growth of the gambling evil. The Rev. A. Caldwell, pastor of the church, presided."On 17 November, The Sydney Morning Herald reported: -
Ref. The Sydney Morning Herald 31 July 1906
"Mr. W. T. Hooker, pastor of the Congregational Churches at Lambton and Islington, and Mr. W. A. Marsh, pastor of the Congregational Church at Stockton, who have completed their extra-mural course of studies, will be ordained to the Christian ministry next week. The Revs. V. V. Pratt, M A., Dr. Roseby, Charles White, M.A., N. J. Cocks, M A., J. H. Toms, Asbury Caldwell, and W. L. Patison are expected to take part in the ordination.There was apparently some activity which sought to have him change his mind. However, on 30 November his final decision was announced.
The Rev. Asbury Caldwell has resigned the pastorate of the Brown-street Church, Newcastle."
Ref. The Sydney Morning Herald 17 November 1906
"RESIGNATION OF A PASTOR. -The Rev. Asbury Caldwell, B.A., B.D., pastor of the Brown-street Congregational Church, has handed in his resignation. At the close of the Sunday evening service on November 11 he announced his resignation before the members of the church. At a large meeting called by the secretary, held on Thursday, it was decided to request Mr. Caldwell to reconsider his resignation. From the pulpit last Sunday, however, he gave his final answer that the resignation must stand. He was there to serve rather than be served, and in view of the heavy debt, for which he assumed no responsibility, he felt the best thing for the Brown-street Church would be that he stood aside for someone whose support would be less costly."The decision was again widely reported. The following item appeared in a northern New South Wales newspaper.
Ref. The Sydney Morning Herald 30 November 1906
"The Rev. Asbury Caldwell is resigning the pastorate of the Congregational Church at Newcastle, in order that a pastor less costly may be appointed. The church is heavily in debt."Asbury was admired and respected by his congregation in Newcastle, just as he had been in his previous pastorates. A large crowd assembled to bid him farewell.
Ref. Clarence and Richmond Examiner 1 December 1906
"PRESENTATION TO REV. A. CALDWELL. -A largely attended meeting was held at the Brown street Congregational Church to-night to bid farewell to the Rev. Asbury Caldwell, who has resigned from the pastorate, after two years vigorous ministry. Mr. Ramsay Gow, the oldest adherent of the Church, presented the Rev. A. Caldwell with a purse of sovereigns, containing £65 10s, on behalf of the congregation, and spoke feelingly of the practical services and earnest work of their late pastor. On behalf of the Women's Guild, Mrs. Pepper handed Mr. Caldwell a gold sovereign case. Dr. Goding (U.S. Consul), Revs. Coulter, Mona Jones, Marsh, Adams, and Duesbury also spoke eulogistically of the retiring pastor. Mr. Caldwell will leave for Ipswich to-morrow, and afterwards go to America, where he will take up his work. Yesterday, he was presented with a group photo, by the Young People's Own Society."
Ref. The Sydney Morning Herald 31 January 1906
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| The Certificate of Appreciation handed to Asbury at his farewell. |
Brown street is close to the centre of Newcastle, approximately 500 meters from the harbour. It is very steep, leading up to prestigious Cooks Hill. The views to the harbour would have provided an excellent backdrop for the open air services instigated by Asbury during the course of his ministery. Unfortunately the church was demolished in 1978 to make way for a new development.
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| Demolition of Brown Street Congregational Church in September 1974 |
Ipswich 1907
Little is known about Asbury’s time in Ipswich; however, we do know that at one point he addressed a “men only” meeting.
"The Rev. A. Caldwell, who has been conducting a mission last week in connection with the Central Congregational Church, addressed a meeting for men only this afternoon. There was a very large attendance, and he dealt principally with the duties of the Christian community in regard to moral questions."Around April/May of 1907, Asbury and Florence returned to America for a short visit. Upon their return they stayed for a little time in Newcastle.
Ref. The Brisbane Courier 11 February 1907
"The Rev. Asbury Caldwell, who resigned from the Brown-street Congregational Church Newcastle N.S.W. a few months ago, in order to pay a visit to his old home in Colorado, U.S.A., has returned to Australia, and is at present the guest of Mayor and Mrs. James of Newcastle."It is believed they then returned to Ipswich for a short time before tendering his resignation from the ministry.
Ref. The Brisbane Courier 13 July 1907
"Mr. Asbury Caldwell, until recently pastor of Brown-street Congregational Church, Newcastle, has received by cable from the United States Government, at Washington, an appointment as American Consular Agent in Brisbane. Mr. Caldwell resigned from the Church a few weeks ago. He will commence duties on Wednesday."Brisbane/Ipswich 1908
Ref. The Sydney Morning Herald 17 October 1907
Upon her arrival in Brisbane, Florence Olive was employed by Rothwells Mens Wear in the office as a result of which, it appears, she attended Stott and Hoare’s Business College where she studied shorthand. In the Junior Division Quarterly exam, in April, she achieved a pass mark of 95%, which placed her equal fourth in the class then, for the half yearly exam, in the Intermediate Division, she achieved a pass mark of 81%, which was also equal fourth position.
In the meantime, Asbury busied himself with the duties of US Consular Agent, attending functions and writing reports to his superiors in America. Two functions reported in the Brisbane Courier were held by the Consuls of Greece and Denmark to honour the birthdays of the Kings of those countries. Some of his consular reports were carried in the US press.
"PENSIONS FOR WIDOWS IN AUSTRALIA. -In stating that the Australian stale of Queensland in 1879 began a system of subsidizing widows in the care of their children Consular Agent Asbury Caldwell of Brisbane writes of its further development The idea has steadily grown and it has been found wiser for the state to pension the mother for the care of her children than to condemn her to such employment which would cause her to neglect the children The following new wale of weekly allowances was authorized by the recent Parliament to take effect May 1 1908. For one child $1.22 two children $1.10 each three children 97 cents each four children 91 cents each more than four children a maximum of $4,38. - Consular Reports"It must have been late in 1907 or early 1908 that Asbury suffered a severe stroke that affected him physically and possibly mentally.
Ref. The Paducah Evening Sun Paducah Ky. 22 October 1908
--- Three years ago he had his first stroke ---.Being incapacitated probably resulted in Asbury being unable to properly carry out the duties of Consular Agent. This appears to be borne out by the fact there were no further consular reports published from him after that time. He certainly would have been unable to carry on as a preacher.
Ref. Obituary - The Valentine Democrat, Valentine, Nebraska 17 October 1910
Newcastle 1909/10
It was only just over four months before Asbury died that his mum Emma, who appears to have been living with her daughter, Asbury's sister Calla Marie, finally returned home to America. She left Sydney on 6 June 1910 aboard the steamship Marama on her way to Canada. Canadian and U.S. immigration documents state that her previous place of residence was Adelaide, Australia, her closest living relative in Australia was her son, Rev. A Caldwell, and she was on her way to return to her husband, Rev. J. M. Caldwell, at Valentine, Nebraska. It would appear that she remained in Australia until this time after arriving with Calla in 1904, even though the aforementioned immigration documents state that she left New York for overseas in 1905. The document also offers Asbury's address in Newcastle at the time Emma departed but unfortunately it is nor readable. It looks like Newcastle --- --- Newcastle.
For the ending of the life of James Asbury Caldwell we have two versions. Family lore has it that he was an alcoholic, sold typewriters door to door for a living, and died by his own hand – the result of taking poison. Media reports and official documents now available, and the Obituary written by his grieving father in America, cast doubt on the cause of death and it would appear that he was not a typewriter salesman but the Manager of the Newcastle Business College. The following report of his death appeared in the Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners Advocate on 10 October 1910.
And in another section of the paper:-
"OBITUARY Rev. Asbury .Caldwell A. B. the only son of the Rev. Dr. and Mrs. J. M. Caldwell, died suddenly October 8, 1910, at New Castle, New South Wales, Australia, where he had been called as pastor of the Brown St. Congregational church six years ago. He was born in Rock River Seminary and Collegiate Institute, at Mt. Morris, Illinois, Oct. 13, 1868, and hence lacked but five days of being 42 years old. Though his life was not long it had been a very strenuous one. He was a brilliant student, and at 12 years of age was in the high school of Chicago; at 15 was entered freshman at the North Western University, and at the age of 20 was in charge of a church at Ulysses, Kan. At 21 he accompanied his father upon his trip to the Holy Land, Egypt and Europe, and returning accepted a call to Joliet, Ill. Later he was pastor of the Congregational church at Palm Beach, Fla. and from there went to Australia, 13 years ago, and was pastor of a church at Freemantle and Kalgoorlie in West Australia, going from there to Newcastle, a city of 70,000 inhabitants, where he served the leading Congregational church, from which six others had been organized. Three years ago he had his first stroke of paralysis and another two years ago, and died as a result; of the third."This version appears to be confirmed by a Coroner’s Inquest:-
Ref. Obituary - The Valentine Democrat, Valentine, Nebraska 17 October 1910
“Found dead West Street Newcastle. Cause of death - Natural causes - Fatty degeneration of the heart. Post mortem conducted by: Dr. J. L. Beeston”The death certificate also appears to solve some issues not previously understood. It is known that Florence Olive became a ward of Mr Thomas Rothwell of Rothwells Menswear but it was not known when or why. The death certificate states that the deceased lived for six years in Western Australia, four years in New South Wales and one year in Queensland. This means that, following his stroke in late 1908, approximately one year after he had arrived in Queensland, Asbury returned to Newcastle and lived there for the next two years until he died. From the media reports of his death, it appears that Florence returned to Newcastle with him. It is therefore deduced that it was after Asbury's death that she became the ward of Rothwell. She continued living with the Rothwell family probably until she turned 21. She was 21 years and 9 months when, on 12 April 1912, she married William Patrick Cassidy in Saint Stephen’s Roman Catholic cathedral in Brisbane. From the wedding certificate we know that at the time of their marriage he was living at “The Mansions” in George Street, Brisbane and she in “Chatsworth”, also of George Street. Both of these establishments were considered high class boarding houses.
Ref. Inquest held at Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia 10 October 1910. Charles Hibble, Coroner.
The death certificate also confirms that his five daughters, four by Fannie and one by Edith Elizabeth, were all still alive at the time of his death.
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| Death Certificate |
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| Grave. Sandgate Cemetery, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, Congregational, Section 4C NE, Lot 15. Photo courtesy John Stephen Richardson |
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| Asbury’s Gravestone. Sandgate Cemetery, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia Congregational Section. Photo courtesy John Stephen Richardson |
"CALDWELL. –On the 8th October, at Newcastle, New South Wales, Asbury, only son of Dr. J. M. and Mrs. E. M. Caldwell, of Chicago, U.S.A., and brother to Mrs. Norman S. Leane, of Wattle-street, Malvern. West Australian papers please copy."
Ref. The Advertiser 11 October 1910
Coroners Report – Left of Page
No.
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Name of Deceased
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Date when held
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Where Held
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Coroner or Magistrate before whom held
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Date when received
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Age
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1010
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James Asbury Caldwell
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October 10th
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Court House Newcastle
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Charles Hibble
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October 15
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41
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Coroners Report – Right of Page
Where born
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Locality of Death
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Verdict
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Cash or property possessed by Deceased
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Medical
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Remarks
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Doctor’s name
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Whether “Post Mortem” held
| |||||
Chicago U.S.A.
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West Street Newcastle
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Found dead, death due to natural causes, namely fatty degeneration of the heart.
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Not known
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J. L. Beeston
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Yes
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Asbury’s contribution to the folklore of Australia, particularly of Kalgoorlie lived on for many years after his death. As late as 1947, the Lord Mayor of Perth was still praising his perceptiveness.
"When I was a boy I was compelled to go to church twice on Sundays and I feel that I have been all the better for it in after life. This council makes available £150 a year for community concerts on Perth Esplanade on Sunday evenings. Does it not seem a strange contrast that a crowd of from 3,000 to 5,000 people can be attracted mostly young? They come dressed anyhow, many of the girls in shorts and slacks." Declaring that he would like to see some method adopted of introducing the Church to young people, the Lord Mayor recalled a goldfields memory. The miners, he said, would not go to church, so the late Rev. A. Caldwell knocked one side out of his church and preached to a large gathering of miners sitting outside smoking, as well as to the congregation inside. He (the Lord Mayor) was certain that the minister by this means had done a lot of good. He would like to see the churches organise an Inter-denominational service on Perth Esplanade before the winter set in."Conclusion
Ref. The West Australian 8 March 1947.
I started this project with a number of preconceptions, believing Asbury to be a weak, possibly murderous individual who ended his own life in a cowardly manner. However, after finding an incredible amount about the life of our ancestor I am not so sure.
When I was young there was no television so radio was the main source of entertainment in the home. Of course I had many favourite serials that I would listen to during the week like, “Superman”, “Batman and Robin”, “The Air Adventures of Biggles” and “Hop Harrigan” to name just a few. However, on a Sunday evening, a listening must was a religious programme from America. “Life is Worth Living” was broadcast by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen.
I was not alone in listening to him. The programme had a weekly listening audience of four million people. Time referred to him in 1946 as "the golden-voiced Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen, U.S. Catholicism's famed proselytizer*" and reported that his radio broadcast received 3,000–6,000 letters weekly from listeners. His cause for canonization for sainthood was officially opened in 2002, so he is now referred to as a "Servant of God". He was a brilliant scholar who, through his preaching, could make you feel at one moment the comforting warmth of the glow of God and at the next, the agony and anguish of the fire of hell. Interestingly, he too was born in Illinois, USA.
(* Someone who tries to persuade people to share his/her religious or political beliefs.)
Like Fulton J. Sheen, Asbury was a brilliant individual. He had the drive to work for the betterment of the lives of his fellow man and the power to sway the feelings of large numbers of people. There was no radio in Australia when he was alive as the first official broadcast was not made here until 23 November 1923, thirteen years after his death. Had there been he may well exploited it in a similar manner to the way he used the press.
Just like Fulton J. Sheen also, he was predominantly an entertainer whose stage was a pulpit. Listeners to Fulton Sheen had but to turn on their radios in the comfort of their own homes to hear the great orator. For the 500 + from the wild west mining town of Kalgoorlie, it was not so easy. Even non-churchgoers would attend his services just to hear him speak. If the press of the day is to be believed, there were times when the numbers were so great, some had to be turned away.
One can never be sure but the weight of evidence seems to confirm that his death, at a tragically early age, was not self inflicted.
I have been unable to find any evidence that he murdered Fannie and have been unable to find any newspaper articles that mention her death let alone that she was possibly murdered by her husband. This is in spite of the fact that Asbury was a person of interest to the press.
Florence Olive always believed that her father had killed himself using poison. If she was living in Brisbane and him in Newcastle, and the official finding was that death was the result of natural causes, it is difficult to know how she may have developed this conception.
Maybe, just maybe, she was confusing her early childhood memories. Might it have been her mother, Fannie, who, as a jilted wife, killed herself in this manner and the blame shifted to Asbury because he had taken up with another woman, and a divorcee at that? On the other hand, maybe her memory associated her father with poison but it was not him that took it but who administered it. We may never know.
For reasons or in circumstances that escape us, Asbury walked away from two young families. Four daughters, whose ages ranged from eight down to two, were left with family and friends in America and a second wife and three year old daughter were left in Kalgoorlie. Whatever his failings, we who are his descendants can only look back and think, “If he had not made some of the life choices he did, I, in all probability, would not be here!”
The great scholar and preacher, Bishop Fulton J. Sheen’s legacy was a library of radio and video recordings of his work. I have attempted to make this the legacy of another great scholar and preacher, Reverend James Asbury Caldwell.
Families
The American Family Members
Fannie Caldwell (nee Brown)
Fannie was the daughter of Harvey H. Brown of Chicago ("John Caldwell and Sarah Dillingham Caldwell, Ipswich, MASS, 1654 - Genealogical Records of their Descendants, Eight Generations, 1654-1900". Ref. http://www.archive.org/details/johncaldwellsara1904cald) and, it appears, Maria Elizabeth Schenk. No record of her birth has been found and it is possible that none was ever officially recorded. We know from Asbury's application for a passport in 1896 that she was born in Braidwood, Will, Illinois, USA on 7 August 1867. Braidwood has been described by some as the "wildest town in the West". So bad was it that in 1877 a trainload of troops was sent from Chicago to take control and return the town to law and order. Birth recordings did not commence there until 1870.
The American Census of 1870 records personal details of a family of Browns in Reed, Will, Illinois, the local post office for which was Braidwood. The family comprised Henry (teamster, aged 27 and born in New York in about 1843), Elizabeth (aged 21 and born in Pennsylvania in about 1849), Fannie (aged 3 and born in Illinois in about 1867) and Clara (aged 11 months and born in Illinois in June 1869).
Citation
"United States Census, 1870," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M6WY-2PL : accessed 19 January 2016), Henry Brown, Illinois, United States; citing p. 30, family 223, NARA microfilm publication M593 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 545,791.
In the 1880 census, the Brown name was recorded as "Brow" who by now had moved to Chicago. There is, however, very little doubt that the record is of Fannie, her parents and her siblings.
Citation
"United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MXJM-BSP : accessed 19 January 2016), Harvey Brown, Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States; citing enumeration district ED 157, sheet 37D, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 0197; FHL microfilm 1,254,197.
In 1910 the family was as follows.
Citation
"United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MK88-MXH : accessed 19 January 2016), Harvey H Brown, Chicago Ward 32, Cook, Illinois, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 1378, sheet 3B, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,374,291.
Our trail of the family led to the death on 12 December 1942 of Clara B. McCarthy, nee Brown, born on 30 June 1869 in Braidwood, Will, Illinois. According to the Illinois, Deaths and Stillbirths Index, 1916-1947, her parents were Harvey H Brown, born Otselic, New York and Elizabeth Schenk, born Millcreek, Pennsylvania. Her marriage details, found in Cook County, Illinois, Marriages Index, 1871-1920, indicate that in 1891, at age 22, she married John McCarthy of Iowa, aged 48. The 1900 United States Federal Census reported her address at that time as Jefferson, Greene, Iowa.
The 1900 census also recorded the family of Harvey H Brown of Chicago (horse dealer, born June 1945 in New York, (this changed in later census and vital records to June 1842)), his wife, Lizzie (born December 1849 in Pennsylvania) and six of their children, three boys and three girls. The record for Lizzie (Elizabeth) also shows that, up to census date, she had mothered nine children, seven of which were still living. It is proven that the seventh living child was Clara in Iowa.
The census data on ages indicate that the family of this Harvey H Brown lived in Braidwood from 1869 when Clara B was born until at least 1873 when the eldest son, Harvey Minor, was born. However, the next child, Elizabeth (born 1875), and her younger siblings, were all born in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.
Harvey's death certificate shows the name of his wife as Maria E Brown and her own records her name as Maria Elizabeth.
The vital records of Harvey H Brown, his wife (Maria) Elizabeth and daughter Clara (B), are all identical to those of "Henry" Brown's family in the 1870 census. Furthermore, the vital records of the Fannie in that family are identical to those of Fannie Caldwell, nee Brown, wife of James Asbury Caldwell, who died about 1897. In this light, and as there are no records of a Harvey Brown in Braidwood in the 1870 census, we have made the assumption that the two census records of 1870 and 1900 are of the same family and therefore, that one of the two dead children of Elizabeth Brown in 1900 was Fannie.
The full details of our understanding of the circumstances surrounding Fannie's death have been recorded above.
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| Frances Miriam Stowers |
Frances Miriam never married, became a highly regarded and respected member of the West Palm Beach community, and died in West Palm Beach in 1972, aged 80.
In her early life she was: -
- a singer
"WEST PALM BEACH. Dec. 20 –One hour of the Women’s club meeting on Monday was given over to a most delightful musical program. Mrs. John Valedon Cowling presided. As this was the Christmas program all the numbers savored of the holiday spirit. Miss. Miriam Stowers sang “An Irish Noel”, by Augusta Holmes, and “At Dawning” by Cadman, in her usual pleasing manner."
Ref. The Miami News 20 December 1917.
- volunteer canteen worker in France on behalf of the Y.M.C.A. (at the end of WW1)
"MISS MIRIAM STOWERS ARRIVES FROM OVERSEAS -Word has just been received from Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Stowers of this city, who are spending the summer at Searsport, Maine, announcing the safe arrival from overseas of their daughter, Miss Miriam Stowers, who has been with the Y.M.C.A. in canteen work in France since February. Mrs. Stowers had planned to meet her in Boston but a slight operation prevented her from doing so.
In addition to letters of commendations of Miss Stowers’ unusually splendid work received from various executives of the “Y”, there are a number of Palm Beach county men recently returned from France who, although but few of them saw her, heard wonderful accounts from the men who were fortunate enough to come within her jurisdiction.
Having gone over in the General Federation of Women’s Clubs unit, Miss Stowers will be called upon by the Florida federation to make a tour of this state and tell of the work her unit did in France. Her letters, of necessity written hurriedly, have been so intensely interesting, that the spoken accounts are being greatly anticipated by her friends.
Her many friends are happy to know of her safe return to the Unites States, but will regret to learn that she will not return to this city until October, when the family will conclude their summer’s stay in the east."
Ref. The Palm Beach Post 22 August 1919
- a successful Truant Officer
"HIGH STANDARD OF ATTENDANCE IN THE SCHOOLS
Miss Miriam Stowers is Largely Responsible
PUPILS REALISE THE OBLIGATION
Training Leaves Indelible Mark on Child’s Character
“The attendance officer in West Palm Beach, Miss Miriam Stowers, is largely responsible for the average daily attendance being kept up to as high a standard as possible,” said Miss. Agnes Ballard yesterday. “She works very conscientiously and as a result pupils realise that school is an obligation, just as later they will find their business positions requiring their continued attention.”
Ref. The Palm Beach Post 14 November 1921
- and a ranking officer of the Girl Guides.
For much of her working life, Miriam was involved in the accommodation business. In 1931 the Town Council introduced a zoning plan that effectively required her to cease operating a boarding house out of her home that she was leasing at 139 Sea Breeze avenue West Palm Beach. After a lengthy legal battle, Miriam won her case.
"JUDGE DELAYS DECISION IN TOWN’S CASEA month and a half later the judge handed down his decision.
Tenant Would Operate Boarding House in Opposition Zoning Law
PETITION HEARD ASKING INJUNCTION
Members of Council Expect Ordinances To Be Upheld
Circuit Judge O.E.Chillingworth, at a hearing held before him yesterday reserved decision in a case where Miss Miriam Stowers, sought an injunction against the Town of Palm Beach to enjoin them from preventing her using property leased by her at 139 Seabreeze Avenue as a boarding house and residence for paying guests. It was indicated that decision might be made the first of the week.
Ion a hearing before the Town council December 23, Miss Stowers was denied permission to use her leased residence as a boarding house, the Council stating that its occupation as such was contrary to the zoning laws for residences in that section.
They then ordered that Miss Stowers be given a reasonable length of time to vacate the house unless she used it as a private dwelling for occupancy as such.
Miss Stowers, through her attorney, Mr. J. Field Wardlaw, maintained that the Town Council had not made a fair and reasonable interpretation of the law and that further, the town did not have legislative authority to enact an ordinance that would affect the use of property in such a manner.
Mr E. Harris Drew, of Drew and Robbins, attorneys for the Town of Palm Beach presented the case for the Town Council.
When interviewed last evening, Mr James M. Owens, president of the council, stated that “every member of the council expected the zoning law to be upheld in every respect as they were all very proud of the town and that they were prepared if necessary, to carry the case to the supreme court.
Mr. John I. Leonard, member of the council stated, “I am firmly behind the zoning act as it is now. I was a member of the zoning commission when the present laws was put into effect.
Mr William F. Christensen, third member of the council stated “the zoning law has got to be adhered to for the preservation of Palm Beach. He said further, “it can’t be otherwise.”
Mr. Louis D’Esterre, another council member, stated “There is no question but what the present zoning laws were needed for the protection of Palm Beach as a premier resort centre.”
Mr. Wm. Fremd, one of the oldest members of the council in point of service stated, “It is my opinion that the zoning law should be upheld to the letter and that Palm Beach needs it as a matter of protection from commercialism.”
Ref. Palm Beach Daily News 7 January 1932
"TOWN ZONING CODE HELD NOT RETROACTIVE. -The Palm Beach town zoning ordinance is not retroactive, according to a final decree handed down in circuit court Saturday by Judge C. E. Chillingworth. This decree makes permanent a restraining order against the town, preventing it from taking action against Miss F. Miriam Stowers of 139 Sea Breeze Avenue, to prevent her receiving paying guests in her home. The final decree held that “while the town has the right to regulate and control the erection and construction of buildings, it does not under the law have the right to regulate the use of buildings already constructed when the zoning law went into effect.” Miss Stowers was represented by J. Field Wardlaw."Later she purchased and operated a high class cottage hotel establishment.
Ref. Palm Beach Daily News 21 February 1932
"THE VILLAS. – The open air patio and the quaint English cottage restaurant at the Villas Cottage Hotel on Worth Avenue is the scene of much fashionable entertaining. Small tables, protected by gay colored awnings, are placed around the grounds and on the stone flagging. The view of Lake Worth and the green hedges and tropical flowers reminds one of the south of France. Miss. Miriam Stowers has received many complements upon the charm of the Villas and their surroundings. The buffet served there daily offers a wide choice of delicious and appetizing food. The English cottage restaurant is equally charming and is largely patronised during the dinner period."Eventually she sold the property to a developer who demolished it and built a large, unit complex. The sale was reported by a society writer as follows: -
Ref. Palm Beach Daily News 18 January 1939
"FROM MY NOTEBOOKMiriam died at West Palm Beach on 11 September 1972.
Say ‘Goodbye’ To Old Villas
By Helen Rich
Palm Beach, Oct. 3 – Worth Avenue is soon to take on a new look and Palm Beach is agog over it.
The Villas, charming old landmarks on the lower end of the Avenue facing the Lagoon are to be torn down to make way for a six-story co-operative apartment house which is to be the last word in super deluxe construction and equipment.
Although the Everglades Club has absolutely nothing to do officially with the new project, the club members are being given preference on the apartments and they are responding with such enthusiasm that it looks as though the original plan, conceived by the last ADDISON MIZNER, that the property be reserved for residences of Club members, is at last to be realized – thanks to owner MIRIAM STOWERS who has held off sale for years hoping for just this sort of deal.
“Mim”, as she is affectionately called by all of Palm Beach, has put a great labor of love into the Villas since she purchased the place long ago from the Everglades Club. She made it “home” to everyone who ever stayed there, including MADAME WELLINGTON KOO, the DUKE and DUCHESS OF SUTHERLAND, many members of the DUPONT clan, MRS. JOHN DEWAR of whiskey wealth, J. HOWARD PEW of oil, the QUINCY ADAMS SHAWS of Boston, and certainly to this writer.
The doors were always open to all of us. Nothing was ever locked. We just walked right in any time of day or night. There were always flowers in our rooms and special ones on the breakfast tray brought every morning by WELLINGTON, the dignified, soft-spoken, grey-haired Negro who has always been part of the Villas scene.
I haven’t yet asked what’s going to happen to Wellington, but I know Mim Stowers is leaving town when she leaves the Villas and I don’t blame her. We’ll all want to be as far away as possible the day the bulldozers move in;
ARCHITECT JOHN L. VOLK (who is spending much of his time in Miami these days watching the work on the new GEORGE B. STORER building he is constructing in Bay Harbor) promises that the new Everglades Villas will not be one of those shiny modern affairs. Neither will it be as Old World as the Club diagonally across the street, but it will be a compromise between the two which he thinks even Mizner would approve.
The apartments will be purchased by the square foot and each will be custom designed to suit the owner who will pay, according to location, anywhere from $24,000 for one bedroom to $100,000 for a penthouse.
There will be complete garage and storage facilities, air-conditioning and heating throughout, balconies and terraces overlooking Lake Worth and the golf course, and no end of services.
Ref. The Miami News 4 October 1953
"FUNERAL NOTICES. F. MIRIAM STOWERS. -Passed away Monday evening at 504 3rd Avenue So Lake Worth. Miss Stowers came to the Palm Beaches in 1895 from Chicago, Ill. She owned and operated the Villas Hotel on Worth Ave. Palm Beach from 1934 until 1959. During World War 1 she was active with the American Red Cross overseas and during World War 11 served as a hostess for R.A.F. Trainees at Clewiston. She was active in Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Mental Health Assoc. She was a graduate of Mt. Holyoke College in Massachusetts, formerly a member of the Everglades Club and was a member of the Bethesda by The Sea Episcopal Church. Survivors include one nephew William F. Newton Jr. of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Funeral service will be held at 11a.m. Thursday at the Bethesda by The Sea Episcopal Church conducted by Dr. Hansdon Carey. Following cremation internment will take place in the family plot at Woodlawn Cemetery Memorials may be made to the Boy Scouts or Girl Guides. Mizell Faville Zern Hibiscus Chapel in charge of arrangements."Emma B. Caldwell
Ref. The Palm Beach Post 13 September 1932
Nothing is known.
Helena M. Caldwell
Nothing is known about Helena’s life between the time her mother died and she arrived back in New York on 6 May 1932 from a visit to Germany. In the travel document she was referred to as Helen. She had been accompanied by her husband, William Fenton Newton, and son, William Fenton Newton Jr.
It was mentioned in The Miami News on 21 June 1921 that Frances Miriam, on her way to a Manhattan Girl Scout Camp in New York had visited her sister in Camp Mead and had spent some time in Boston visiting relatives and friends. This sister had to be either Emma or Helena but was probably the latter.
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| Helena and family returning to New York from a holiday in Germany in 1922 |
"Mr. and Mrs. William F. Newton and their son, William Newton Jr. who are in Winter Park this year, are spending the holidays with Mrs. Newton's sister, Miss. Miriam Stowers."Twelve months later, the Palm Beach Post reported that Helena was staying with Frances Miriam, this time for the season it also gave her current residence as Detroit.
Ref. The Palm Beach Post 27 November 1938.
"Miss. Stowers’ sister, Mrs. William F. Newton, Detroit, is with her for the season."It is of interest that the only relative mentioned in Frances Miriam’s funeral notice was William F. Newton Jr., Helena’s son.
Ref. The Palm Beach Post 24 November 1839.
The Australian Families
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| Florence Olive Caldwell |
As previously mentioned, at a time and under circumstances that are unclear, Florence Olive moved to Australia to live with her father and eventually married William Patrick Cassidy.
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| William Patrick Cassidy |
Sadly Paul died before she could tell us the whole of that story."Pop married an American girl – Florence Olive Caldwell in 1912. Their backgrounds were vastly different. Pop having grown up in the country then a stint at boarding school in Brisbane then he joined the Commonwealth Bank. He became the youngest bank manager of his time at 32. This was around the time he met my grandmother.
She was 11 years younger than he, very bright and outspoken. She came to Australia when she was 16, on her own on a sailing ship. They crossed the International Date Line on her 17th birthday and so missed that day. To get to Australia she travelled half way round the world. The reason Gran (Florence – never Flo) made that epic trip was because her mother had died when she was very young and Florence had gone to live with her Grandparents. Her three other sisters were sent to live with various other relations. Florence did not get on too well with her Grandmother who was very strict. Her Grandfather was an Episcopalian Bishop and her father was a Congregational Minister. Florence’s high spirits were not approved of and her grandmother would tell her that she would go to hell. To this Florence would reply, ‘If you are going to Heaven then I will go to Hell as there won’t be enough room in Heaven for both of us’.
Florence’s father, Asbury Caldwell, was given the post as the first American Consul to Australia. He came on his own leaving Florence with her grandparents but as soon as she was old enough to leave home she came out here to meet up with her father in Kalgoorlie W.A. She stayed with him until he died (actually he became an alcoholic after coming to Australia and ended up committing suicide.) Florence then went back to America. She did not stay there very long and she came back to Australia under the wardship of Tom Rothwell of Rothwells menstore (later to become Rothwells Merchant Bank). Florence worked in the office of Rothwells as a typist. Florence had a flair for clothes and she was often used as an early 1900’s model by a ladieswear shop to be seen and photographed at the races in the seasons latest creations. One particular outfit was the “balloon” dress where the outfit was gathered or pleated at the waist then ballooned out and then caught in by a band at the ankles. This was a very smart outfit until Florence went to board the tram to go to the races. The only way was to hitch the dress up to step up onto the platform, not very lady like. She was always a woman before her time. She smoked from the age of 18; wore slacks and wrote short stories. She never danced and did not drink alcohol unless absolutely necessary such as the time she decided to show Bill how it affected her when he came home from the club “worst for wear”. She sat on the front steps of their home and drank a whole bottle of beer then set out to wait for him to come home!! But that’s another story that I will tell you about later."
Pauline’s recorded the family’s understanding that Florence lived with her paternal grandparents after her father left. It must be noted, however, that the 1900 American census recorded the only residents in the Caldwell home as John Merrill, his wife, Emily and their youngest daughter, Calla Marie. Miriam shows up as having been living with Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Stowers as their daughter, Miriam Stowers, but there have been no records found of Florence, Emma or Helena. Our assumption is that she came out with her father when he first emigrated and, as recorded earlier, departed from Western Australia with him on 10 December 1904.
William and Florence had five children. Not long after their marriage, William was transferred by his employer, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, to Bundaberg, Queensland, where three of their children were born.
- Florence Irene Caldwell Cassidy (1913 - . Entered religious life. No children)
- Helen Virginia Cassidy (1915 – 2007. 4 children, 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren.)
- Frederick Reginald Cassidy (1917 – 1942. Died in a plane crash aged 25. No children.)
- Joan Margaret Aileen Cassidy (1920 – 1995. 7 children, ??? grandchildren, ??? great-grandchildren.)
- John Faris Gerard Cassidy (1925 - . 4 children, ??? grandchildren, ??? great-grandchildren.)
Their home was a central gathering place for the whole family. William was a very keen fisherman and he would take as many of his grandchildren who were old enough on full day fishing excursions as often as there was one or more happy to go.
Florence was not interested in fishing but she was an extremely keen follower of horse racing. No one, but no one, was allowed into the lounge room of their house on Saturday afternoons. She would be there with racing guide and pen, a packet of cigarettes and her telephone. The whole afternoon was spent studying form, smoking and ringing bets through to a local starting price bookmaker. SP bookies, as they were called, were not authorised by the State to operate so their activities were illegal. However, because Florence never drove a car, telephoning her bets to the bookie was the only way she could feed her passion. Her father, Asbury, would not have approved.
When finally Bar 20 became too much for William and Florence to handle, they sold it to their second child, Helen Virginia, and moved to Brisbane, settling into a retirement village in Aspley. They were only there for a few years when William was found to have throat cancer which took his life on 21 May 1968, at the age of 85.
A short time later, Florence moved to a nursing home in Clayfield, Brisbane but her stay there was not a happy one. She was constantly in trouble with the nursing staff for being too demanding and for her smoking. She left, by mutual agreement, and found a place in the Sundale Nursing Home in Buderim, Queensland where she died on 24 May 1978, aged 87.
Edith Elizabeth Alston
Edith Elizabeth at some time returned to Perth and in 1923 married a builder, John S White. She died in Armadale/Fremantle in 1957 aged 88 years.
Eerena Grace Caldwell
Eerena Grace attended Perth Modern School where she completed her Junior Certificate studies with passes in English, German, Geography, History, Biology and Physics. She started her career as a typiste but soon was winning eisteddfods as a contralto singer. At age 26 she left Western Australia for London where she studied music at the Royal College of Music. Shortly before her departure, The West Australian carried this story: -
"At 8.15 o'clock to-night, Miss Eerena Caldwell, who will leave for London next week to study at the Royal College of Music, will give a farewell recital in the Ross Memorial Hall. She will be assisted at the recital by Miss Margaret Sharp (violinist), Mr. H. G. Neate (baritone) and Mrs. Kohn, L.A.B., and Mr. A. J. Leckie, Mus. Bac, F.R.C.O. (accompanists). Tickets may be obtained at Musgrove's, and at the hall. In 1925 Dr. Davies, when examining for the University of Western Australia, awarded Miss Caldwell a special prize for singing, and last year Mr. Maurice Besly awarded her honours in the Associated Board examination. Both examiners spoke highly of Miss Caldwell's singing and musicianship, and it is upon their advice that she is going abroad to continue her studies."The following day, The West Australian carried the following critique of the concert.
Ref. the West Australian 1 March 1927
"MISS CALDWELL'S RECITAL. -There was an encouragingly large audience in Ross Memorial Hall last evening when Miss Eerena Caldwell gave a recital before sailing for London on Saturday to pursue her musical studies. She revealed a pure contralto voice of inherent musical beauty, singularly, even throughout its registers and more sparkling and bright in its upper register than most contraltos. The voice was well produced and the enunciation good, Miss Caldwell's programme was interesting and afforded her considerable scope for her vocal powers. It enabled her to prove that her musical perception is good. The classical and smooth-flowing "Dewy Violets," by Scarlotte, sung with excellent tone and nice repose, was the contralto's first song. In it her mezzo-voce was well managed, the serene beauty of Podowski's "L'Heure Exquise," was happily suggested and its ending "O Perfect Hour" was given with rare expressiveness. lt was a fine interpretation. Miss Caldwell did not fully realise the spirit of Mallinson's impressive "Slow, Horses. Slow” though the interpretation was by no means without understanding. Bantock's "The Tomb of an Unknown Woman," was well sung. One song new to Perth, was "Varuna,'' a powerful invocation by Holst, in which the singer lifted up her voice with impressive strength. Brahms's "Sapphie Ode," was marked by rich tone, if there was a slight faltering in some of the deeper notes. With a fine lilt she sang Roger Quilter's exultant song "Fair House of Joy," and gave a rhythmic rendering of ''Ships of Arcady" (Michael Head). Two songs by the interesting Composer, Stanford, "Boat Song," a pretty rippling thing, and "A Soft Day," were welcome. There were numerous encores and heaps of flowers for a young lady whose voice and happy temperament make her very popular. Miss Caldwell closed with an impressive rendering of "Three Fishers."
Ref. The West Australian 2 March 1927
"Hard on the heels of Miss Ida Geddes's farewell recital came another, the departing vocalist in this case being Miss Eerena Caldwell, a young contralto, who, on the advice of eminent visiting examiners, is going to England to pursue her studies at the Royal College of Music. Miss Caldwell pleased her admirers with an interesting programme given at the Ross Memorial Hall. Brahms, Mallinson, Scarlatti, Bantock, Quilter and Holst were some of the composers in a list predominantly British. Mr. H. G. Neate (bass), Miss Margaret Sharp (violinist), and Mr. A. J. Leckie (accompanist) assisted."She arrived in London on 22 April 1927 and lodged at Queen Alexandra House, Kensington Gore S.W.7. After graduating from the Royal College of Music, she had numerous singing engagements including very successful live performances on BBC radio.
Ref. Western Mail 10 March 1927
"Miss Eerena Caldwell, the Bunbury contralto, has met with considerable success on the wireless lately. Irish listeners have been particularly appreciative of her voice on the several occasions when she broadcast from the Belfast station of the British Broadcasting Corporation. At the recent recital in which she assisted M. Edward Fountaine, the pianist, at the Gretrian Hall, London, the audience filled the house - a very unusual experience for two artists making their London débuts."
Ref. The West Australian 16 August 1929
"Miss Eerena Caldwell, the Bunbury contralto, is a popular broadcaster from the Belfast broadcasting station. Miss Caldwell has been staying at Port-na-Blagh, with Mr. Godfrey Brown, conductor of the Belfast Philharmonic Orchestra and musical director of the B.B.C.'s Belfast station. The sands at Port-na-Blagh, a beautiful seaside village lying at the base of the mountainous Tiiconaill country, are reminiscent of Australian beaches. They are firm, fine, and white and have drifted great distances over the foothills, completely devastating a number, of farms."
Ref. the West Australian 13 September 1929
"Miss Eerena Caldwell, the Bunbury contralto, has returned to town for the new term at the Royal College of Music, having completed a varied holiday, which embraced Northern Ireland, the English lakes and Devonshire. Miss Caldwell has won an exhibition for the new term."
Ref. The West Australian 18 October 1929
"Miss Eerena Caldwell, of Bunbury, gave a recital at Amersham on Armistice Day. She is the possessor of a pleasing light contralto voice which proved particularly effective in a Schubert group. The more vivacious items, on the programme, such as Grahms's "Von Ewiger Liebe," Koechlin's "Le The," and Keel's "Sigh no more, Ladies," were sung with excellent verve and tonal purity. Debussy's "Mandoline" and Stewart's "Phantoms" were other items which stood out by virtue of their rendering. Her interpretations greatly pleased the audience."On 28 February 1931 she married Hugh Dickson, a botanist.
Ref. The West Australian 17 December 1929
"The engagement is announced of Hugh Dickson, only son of the late Mr. Hugh Dickson and of Mrs. Dickson, of Ormiston Park. Knock, Belfast, Northern Ireland, to Eerena Grace Caldwell, daughter of the late Rev Asbury Caldwell and Mrs. E. E. White, of Armadale, Western Australia."
Ref. Western Mail 29 January 1931
"It will be of interest to the friends of Miss Eerena Caldwell to hear of her approaching marriage to Mr. Hugh Dickson, B.Sc, of the Royal College of Science, London. Miss Caldwell has been studying at the Royal College of Music, and has qualified for the degrees of A.R.C.M. and L.R.A.M. The marriage is to take place at Belfast, Ireland, on February 28."They had one son, Hugh, born on 2 April 1932 at Kensington, London.
Ref. The West Australian 10 February 1931
"DICKSON (nee Caldwell). — On April 2, 1932, at 38 Cheniston Gardens. W.8, to Eerena, wife of Dr. Hugh Dickson — a son."For a number of years the family lived in Egypt where Hugh was a member of the Department of Botany, Egyptian University, Cairo. On 1 October 1933, the Oxford University Press published his paper on “Saltation Induced by X-rays in Seven Species of Chaetomium” and in 1935 his paper entitled “Studies in Coprinus sphaerosporus”2.
Ref. The West Australian 21 May 1932
Ref. 1 http://www.deepdyve.com/lp/oxford-university-press/saltation-induced-by-x-rays-in-seven-species-of-chaetomium-kwZ4k62wPi 2 http://aob.oxfordjournals.org/content/os-49/2/181.extract
The family spent a considerable amount of time travelling the world, including a visit to Brisbane, Queensland in 1933 when young Hugh was only one.
The Caldwell Name in Australia
For a short time after her marriage, Florence Olive retained Caldwell in her name, as Florence Olive Caldwell Cassidy, but she soon dropped it. With that came the demise of Caldwell as a birth name in this country. However, it has lived on as a given name.
Calla Marie, Asbury’s sister, included Caldwell as second/third given names. Her first born was Emile Calla Caldwell Leane and her third, Calla Marie Caldwell Leane. As a point of interest, she called the fourth child, a boy, Norman Asbury Leane.
Joan Margaret Aileen Cassidy named her second born, Peter Caldwell Battle, he named his third born, Jessica Caldwell Battle and her youngest, Paul Battle named his first born, Luke Caldwell Battle.
Attachment 1
A war of words that erupted when Asbury wrote the following letter in response to the report of an interview with Mr A. Mackenzie, a veteran of the First Boer War and survivor of the Battle of Majuba Hill and a letter to the editor by a Mr. Simon Lazarus.
THE BOERS AT HOME.The responses were quick. On Thursday 18 November 1899, Josh Copeland wrote:-
To The Editor.
Sir,-I read in this morning's paper with some amusement the dismantling of Mr. Mackenzie's romantic description of his long sufferings at the hands of the Boers. It does seem too bad after such a vivid picture has been presented as the fruit of ingenious imagination to strip it of all its salient features only in the interest of truth. But it is evident that "Verdumda Rooinek" was on the ground and knows what he is talking about.
Mr. Simon Lazarus's letter, immediately following the above mentioned, is about as ridiculous a description of the Boers as could be devised. Was Mr. Lazarus ever in the Boer country? If so, why need he tell such yarns as are the embodiment of his letter? Surely, if he was ever in the country, he must know that every other man who has ever looked upon the Boers in their homes knows that he has given an utterly false description of them; or does he trust to the bitterness engendered by the war to cover anything that anyone may imagine? I, personally, have received too many kindnesses at the hands of these same Boers to allow such a misrepresentation to go unchallenged.
He says: "As a whole the Boers are a dirty, filthy lot." There are dirty Boers, dirty Englishmen, and dirty men of all nations, but in long travel among them I have found their homes as clean as the homes of the British farmers in the same places and circumstances.
He says: "At 10 a.m. they go to bed. . . . A traveller arriving can see no one or get information from no one until four in the afternoon." I have chatted with hundreds of Boers at their farms during these hours, and had lunch with many of them at noon, and been treated right royally as a guest, although they supposed me to be an Englishman, and that the English were bent on taking their country from them at the very time they were entertaining me.
He says: "They do not work themselves, not a hand's stir, but have working for them Kaffirs, whom they treat most cruelly." No white man as a farmer does the hard manual labour in South Africa, whether English or Dutch. Black labour is too cheap, and the wages paid by all are very much alike, and very low. Some cases of cruelty exist, as they do in the North-West of this colony, but, as a class, it will be impossible to make the Boers responsible for worse treatment than is accorded the natives by the British. The largest corporation in South Africa, the De Beer's Diamond Mines, of which Cecil Rhodes is a director, herd their native labourers in compounds like cattle, and feed them so miserably that scurvy is present among the labourers almost constantly. That is a disease which every sea-faring man knows to be due to improper food and to be preventable, even at sea, and yet it is tolerated and numbers of deaths ore traced to it annually in the Kimberley compounds, in order that the shareholders of the diamond mines may draw larger dividends.
He says:-" If you say you are an Englishman (when stopping at Boer's houses) he will say, "Clear; you can't outspan or camp the night here, because you are an Englishman.' "Not once in a hundred times would any Englishman receive anything but kind treatment from a Boar if he carne to his house by day or night to stop as a guest, paying or otherwise. In almost half of the cases he would not be permitted to pay, and would insult the Boers by offering money for entertainment.
The Boers are at war with England, therefore say anything bad that you please about the Boers! Is that British chivalry? Is Simon Lazarus a Briton? Will Britons accept such statements and retail them, when they are contradicted by 99-100ths of Britons actually travelling among the Boers?
Regardless of the right or wrong of the war, the real British chivalry and honour cannot revel in such abominable slander and misrepresentation as is contained in the letter mentioned. For decency's sake, let us give even the devil his due.-Yours, etc.
. ASBURY CALDWELL. Perth, November 14 [1899].
To the Editor.And from Mr. Lazarus:-
Sir,-I cannot let the letter from Mr. Asbury Caldwell remain unanswered. I can with perfect safety thoroughly endorse the whole of Mr. Simon Lazarus's letter and more, having lived in and travelled the whole of the South African Republic, including what was the new Republic, I say that the Boers, with very few exceptions, are a filthy race of people. They have really no morals-intermarrying within their own families, dirty in habits and lazy; in fact, a Boer farmer will only just grow sufficient to support his household, a few mealies, tobacco, sugar cane, and rear a few hundred goats and sheep. They are absolutely without any education whatever, and are very cruel to the niggers they employ for the most trivial fault. I have seen boys (niggers) lashed to a waggon wheel and flogged with a shambock within au inch of death, and left bleeding and exposed to the sun until released by their own friends at dusk. This is not a solitary instance by any means. "When I was travelling through Zululand I had with me four Zulus, and on reaching the black Umvolosi River, which was slightly in flood, I hesitated crossing, as the drift was unknown to me, also the country, so I sent one of my boys across to enquire at a farmhouse (Boers) if the river was safe to cross, as these rivers when up are very dangerous, owing to quicksands. The reply from the Boer farmer was "quite safe." I started, my travelling waggon - the bottom loaded with a complete fit of prospecting gear and twelve oxen. On reaching the centre of the river my waggon commenced to sink. I then went myself to this same Boer farmer, Pothkeeter by name, and asked him to loan me a span of oxen to draw me through, and he absolutely refused. Why? Because I was English, and if it had not been for some Basutos, I should have lost all. This same Pothkeeter, only a few weeks before, had flogged a white man for asking to sell him food. I saw this man (the white man) afterwards at Vryheid, and a complaint was laid before the then British Resident at Pretoria, Sir Jacobus de Wet; but no notice was taken of it. Again on an expedition I undertook from Johannesburg to the Kroat Le Taba, in the Foulspanburg district, I had great trouble to obtain supplies from the farmers, and in nearly all cases had to force bread and meat from them. They will not supply an Englishman no matter what he pays. You do not want much fresh meat. You can shoot in most districts all you require, and the rivers abound in beautiful fish. But there are some stores that you are bound to run out of. If you are American, French, anything but English, you are alright. Why, I remember in the far Northern Transvaal, when managing a mine belonging to an English company, I had a visit from the then Minister of Mines - Christian Joubert - with his retinue of officials, and I always flew the English white ensign (presented by the wife of one of my directors) on all holidays. This was flying when this man arrived, and he actually asked me to haul it down and run up the South African Republic flag, which he carried. Of course, I refused, and dared him to touch the lanyards, but to satisfy him ran the Transvaal flag up underneath the British. He then threatened to summon me and my white overseers to Pretoria for insulting a Minister of the Republic and the President. I need hardly say we heard no more about it. The old fellow stayed a few days and left in his spider for the Ellerton, where the same scene occurred. An Englishman's life in the Transvaal, if he is known to be English, is miserable in the extreme. Every impediment is put in his way. He is hampered all round, and in the courts no justice is to be found. As to their humane conduct in warfare, it is unknown. Anyone who has travelled past Brunker's Spruit and knows the history of that terrible massacre, and has seen the little English graveyards by the roadside, will banish any idea of humane treatment by the Boers. Again, what about Red House Kraal, where they actually fired upon and destroyed the English ambulances? These, leaving out Majuba and Laing's Nek, will, no doubt, be remembered in the present by our troops now at the front, and will be accounted for.
All the niggers working in the South African mines - not only Kimberley - are confined in compounds on the companies' premises, and I can fearlessly say - with all due respect to Mr. Caldwell - that I have never in one single instance seen a case of scurvy amongst any of the native races employed.
Their mode of living is a perfect antidote to this disease, and the compounds are well and cleanly kept. No stint of "scoff " is ever allowed to any niggers employed, and every week each gang is entitled to so much flesh - beef, mutton, or buck, whatever is going - or tobacco, as he chooses. The boys are all being well satisfied with the treatment they receive. There is also no compulsion. If a nigger won't work or is lazy, he is sent off. If sick, he is attended to and sent to his kraal or compound till fit to work.
With regard to the destruction of the mines at the Rand, I don't think it can be done, for reasons that I cannot name here. They are for the present well protected, and as soon as the country is reopened up under British rule, numbers of good properties will start work, and fresh country will be broken that will eclipse anything at present on the market. -Yours, etc.,
JOSH COPELAND. Fremantle, November 17.
To the Editor.Followed on Friday 17 November 1899 by a response from Mr Mackenzie: -
Sir,-I notice in to-day's issue a letter from Asbury Caldwell in direct contradiction of mine of the 7th inst. Perhaps Mr. Caldwell has only been in South Africa in very recent times, and quite overlooks the fact that I have written of times 26 years ago; or perhaps he has only visited the Boers through friends; or through speculating on the diamond fields, has been introduced to local Boers, within a radius of 15 or 20 miles or so of the Kimberley district, where no doubt, he would be most cordially treated. When I arrived at Capetown, they were just starting to make the railway to the Pareo enroute to Kimberley. No doubt, when Mr. Caldwell was there, he could go in the train from Capetown to Ladismith, Kimberley, Johannesburg, or any other place, in a comfortable first-class carriage, and on arriving at his destination he came to friends, perhaps, who held a good business position, and were on friendly terms with the local Boers. I have travelled there for months at a time without reaching any sort of a town at all; and although I had plenty of money in my pocket, I had to undergo experiences, some of which I have already related. I don't suppose Mr. Caldwell has over made a meal of skinned maize, which, at times, I have been only too pleased to obtain. A Britisher never slanders any other nation unneedfully. I am a Britisher, and what I have written are true facts from my experiences. From Mr. Caldwell's manner of writing, he has only been out among the Boers for a Sunday outing.- If he had travelled more in the interior of South Africa, as I have done, he would know more about them. No doubt, he has travelled a good deal by rail, which I had not the pleasure of enjoying when I was there. I quite agree with Mr. Caldwell that when you are welcomed at a house, they, as a rule, don't charge for your food, but they charged at that time, for forage, a rix dollar (eighteen pence) an oat sheaf, weighing from 3 to 5 lbs., and you used from 15 to 20 for your two horses or mules, over night; so while you paid nothing for your own food, in reality it cost rather dear. I don't wish to know what Mr. Caldwell's business in Africa was, but if he would like to know what mine was then, or if he would like to have a yarn in Afrikaner language, he shall be most willingly accommodated if he calls at my residence Bay street, Perth, as I don't wish to take up any more of your space.-Yours, etc.,
SIMON LAZARUS
THE BOERS AT HOME.On 23 November Asbury continued the fight.
TO THE EDITOR.
SIR,-When I furnished my experiences of the late Boer war which appeared in your issue of the 21st of last month, I had no idea of entering into newspaper correspondence on the matter. It is unnecessary to say that a man who has a respect for his own words is annoyed by Mr. Caldwell's letter that appeared in to-day's WEST AUSTRALIAN. If Mr. Caldwell will look up the interview of the 21st ult. he will find that I never said a word about having undergone sufferings among the Boers. I shortly described the battle of Majuba Hill, in which I took part. We were defeated. I made no attempt to explain away that fact or disguise it. I never accused the Boers of using unfair tactics. I never uttered a word about unkind treatment received by them. As a matter of fact, the treatment I received from the Boers was, all things considered, distinctly kind, and I have every regard for them as plucky and honourable opponents. My whole experience in the Transvaal was merely the fortune of war. I had no resentment then; I have none now. I am not going into this thing at any length I merely say there were slight inaccuracies in the account as it appeared in your columns (the result of my not being able to see it before it appeared in print); but, putting that aside, the account is an absolutely correct one, and I very strongly resent gratuitous insinuations on the part of people who were not there, and who allow thoughtlessness to carry them the length of saying cruel things which hurt a man's honour. If Mr. Caldwell or anyone else wishes for confirmation of anything I have said, I can give it. If he or anyone else wishes to examine into my military career, my papers will amply satisfy him on the point. I have no more to say, and shall not trouble you further; but your correspondent might have waited to see my reply to "Verdumda Rooineks," which I have placed in your hands.-Yours, etc.,
A. MACKENZIE. Stock Exchange Club,
Perth, November 15, 1899.
P.S.-I carefully refrain from saying anything about the present war. I have no opinions on the matter. I have a considerable sympathy with the Boers, who are, naturally enough, fighting for their country according to their rights. I must say, however, that while I was among them I saw nothing that justifies the rather injurious accounts of the way they live. They are rough, as we count roughness, but their private life and character, so far as I have seen, for morality, cleanliness, and conscientiousness, will compare favourably enough with our own. Other men's experience may be different, but that is how I found them.
THE BOERS AT HOME.On Friday, 24 November 1899, a Mr. Beukers, a Dutchman, came out in support of Asbury’s position. He wrote: -
To the Editor.
Sir,-I have no desire to carry on a newspaper discussion in the matter of upholding the Boers, nor have I undertaken to express my opinion of the justice or otherwise of the present war. I feel it right that I should vindicate my right to express a knowledge of the Boers as they are today and their mode of treating Englishmen, also of their manner of living. I have spent the past two years in travelling in all parts of South Africa, most of the time by cart and horses, and have been for months at a time wholly dependent upon the entertainment (paid or otherwise) of the Boers. I did not claim that they were all paragons of neatness. I do claim that in Western Australia and in America I have been in houses just as dirty as the filthiest house I have ever seen in South Africa, and that it would be dire injustice to judge all Western Australians or Americans by such exceptions. I also claim that I have had the kindest of treatment from the Boers, in many cases where I could not exchange conversation with them, for I speak no Dutch, and that they gave me this treatment supposing me to be English. Also that I have never in a single instance been refused entertainment nor treated discourteously by a Boer in his home.
As to the treatment of the natives, it is a case of "pot calling kettle black." There are abuses in all countries and by all races. I repeat my statement that scurvy is a common complaint in the De Beers Compound in Kimberley. My authority for the statement is the published statement of a physician, which states over the name of the writer, a resident practising physician in Kimberely, the charge being published in a Kimberely daily, that the disease had not been absent from the compound for more than two years, and proceeded to show that the De Beers Company were criminally responsible for the condition which could be remedied by the supply of proper provision. This does not say that all Englishmen abuse their servants, or that no Dutchman ever abuses his. It does admit the fact that there are brutal, inhuman monsters in all races and that it is unfair to judge all by such exceptions.
Mr. A. Mackenzie, in his reply to mine, stated the case when he said that his experience as a prisoner among them taught him that in cleanliness, morality and conscientiousness they compared favourably with any other Christian people. This is my experience (not opinion) based upon very close contact with them for two years last past. All this I say in the interest of the chivalry of giving even your enemy his due.-Yours, etc.
ASBURY CALDWELL. Perth, November 20.
BOERS AND AUSTRALIANS.It is noted that, at this time, a Rev. J. Beukebs was a minister of the Congregational church in Western Australia. It appears that he may have been the writer of this letter in support of a comrade but it seemed to put an end to the war of words.
TO THE EDITOR.
Sir,-He who wants to hit a dog can usually find a stick, but Mr. Lazarus must be very hard up for a reason to find in justification for the present war because 26 years ago, before there were many railways, the Boers in the back blocks were dirty, lazy and did not love an Englishman. It is somewhat amusing to read the effusions of Mr. Lazarus. I shall cast no reflection on his veracity, but, I have grave faults to find with his manner of reasoning and the conclusions he draws from isolated experiences. I am a Hollander, and it has been my privilege to travel over the greatest part of the desert country of Australia, which is not unlike the desert country of South Africa. On one occasion I travelled for some two months in company with an Englishman, who, I noticed, never washed himself. One day we camped at a place where there was abundance of water. I asked my companion why he did not take a bath and he answered that washing always gave him a cold and so he only washed once a year, about Christmas, when the weather was nice and hot. Again and again I have stopped at settlers' places where filth and dirt were unbearable, even to a traveller who becomes used to all sorts of things. Often have I seen natives, our own aboriginals, treated worse than the wild beasts and could fill a column or two with narrations of cruelty by Englishmen and Australians that would quite equal anything Mr. Lazarus can say of South Africa. I could also record many instances of inhospitable treatment. There lie scattered on the pages of my journals records of receptions in places hundreds of miles from civilisation, where one is accustomed to meet with help readily, which were as bad as, if not worse than, anything Mr. Lazarus relates of the Boers. Now, supposing I went back to Holland and published that in my opinion the Englishmen in Australia were a dirty, cruel, inhospitable lot, just about fit to be swept off the earth, I would undoubtedly do Australia a great injustice, and yet I would not do anything worse than Mr. Lazarus does to the Dutchmen of South Africa. Mr. Lazarus writes of 26 years ago. If I mistake not, that was just about the time when Sir E. T. Shepstone had annexed the Transvaal to the British Crown against the will of at least three fourths of the Boers. Is it to be wondered at that Englishmen were not loved very much just then? Supposing Russia took possession of Western Australia and tried to establish her laws and regulations here, would we be prepared to hug every Russian as a brother? I doubt it. I say, with Mr. Caldwell, for decency sake let all this evil speaking of a brave and honest race of men cease. The Boers have faults-grave faults, no doubt - but if every nation had to expiate her own sins ere she had a right to sit in judgement upon another, England would not get on the judicial bench for a long time to come.-Yours, etc,
JOHN BEUKEBS. Busselton, November 21.
Attachment 2
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| Rev. Asbury Caldwell, Pastor Congregational Church, Kalgoorlie |
At the very beginning of the life of Kalgoorlie an effort was made by the Rev. Cumberland Clark to establish a Congregational Church. For some months services were held in the old Open Call, on Hannan-street, when that street was still a mere dusty road, dotted with stumps. Many of the early settlers will remember those services, and the opening of the same when the Rev. W. T. Kench, pastor of Trinity Church, Perth, presided. But the removal of Mr. Clark, and failure to complete the organisation of the church, led to its disbanding, and all through the busiest years of growth Kalgoorlie knew no Congregational work.
In December, 1899, the Congregational Union of W.A. took the matter in hand, definitely arranged for the Rev. W. F. Turton to resign his pastorate of the Johnson Memorial Church, in Fremantle, and form a congregation in Kalgoorlie. A church was built, on the property secured at that time, on
Boulder-road, than which there is no more central location held by any church in Kalgoorlie. Struggling against ill-health and many disadvantages, Mr. Turton remained on the fields for about 15 months, having gathered together a nucleus of what was destined to become a strong aggressive church.
Early in August, 1901, the Rev. Asbury Caldwell, then pastor of the North Fremantle Church, was called, and settled here on August 15. The membership of the church at that date consisted of 18 people, and Sunday congregations averaged 15 to 18 in the morning, and 40 to 60 in theevening. The growth of the enterprise from that date has been steady and gratifying. During the summer of 1901-2, when church attendance usually falls off considerably, special services were arranged at the Miners' Institute and at Her Majesty's Theatre, and at the close of the summer, on returning to the church, it became necessary to hire an additional 200 chairs, providing sittings for 350, which were kept well filled.
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| The Congregational Church, Kalgoorlie |
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| The Choir, Congregational Church, Kalgoorlie |
When tenders were called, it be came evident that the work planned could not be done for the £1000 originally allotted for expenditure and contracts were let which called for £1310.
The club buildings were first completed and immediately occupied by the Independent Club. It was decided by the church that the board of deacons, as such, should keep their hands off the club, and that the men interested should have every chance to gather a strong body of men, which should use the club premises, regardless of church connection or attendance. It was felt that men were plenty in Kalgoorlie who would use such a place wisely, with no outside control, and the results have justified the thought. "We have no place to go," has been the cry, and it was deemed to be a part of the work of Christ to remedy that situation, without necessarily "church-fying" the place provided.
The church building was completed for opening on October 26 when special services were conducted by the Rev. D. Burford Hooke, secretary of the Colonial Missionary Society, London, and the Rev. W. T. Kench, pastor of Trinity Church, Perth. These services were well attended by day, and the evening audience packed every available seat, and still many were turned away. The sum of £500 was subscribed and given towards the cost of the building at the evening service and with that already mentioned, provided £900 of the money spent.
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| The Interior, Congregational Church, Kalgoorlie |
Probably no one feature of the work of this church has called for more comment, adverse and favourable, than has the provision of seats outside under the open sky, where in the long summer men could sit and be in touch with the service, and a part of it, and yet use their pipes if they desired. Newspaper comment has come from all parts of the Commonwealth, and most writers have connected the idea, in some form or other, with the fact that this church is served by an American pastor. However, he assures this writer that his first conception of such an idea was formed in attending a great "Smokers Service." held in London in the summer of 1890. Hence the idea is English, not American. During some six months or more it had been noticed that a little company of men gathered in front of the church to stand outside listening to the music and the sermon, at a Sunday evening service. It seemed wise to provide seats for that little company of men, and to increase their numbers, and give them a chance to feel that the service was theirs as well as others. Hence, one side of the new building was made of folding doors, which open and permit the speaker to face an audience sitting outside, as well as one within the building. The sittings are always well filled, and the men seemingly enjoy the innovation, and no abuse has arisen, nor has any offence been felt within the church. A number of ladies may always be counted in the smokers' pavilion.
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| The Smokers Pavilion, Congregational Church, Kalgoorlie |
A sound evidence of the solid interest which the newly formed congregation has in this enterprise, is evident from the fact that instead of raising the needed funds to finance the building scheme through mortgage, debenture bonds were issued, and taken up largely by members and friends of the congregation, the same bearing interest at 5 per cent. per annum, and being payable on 30 days' notice. This method insures the steady and speedy reduction of the church debt, instead of the long drag of a mortgage. Money has been freely given and freely spent, but the congregation is kept in touch with the finances to such an extent that their knowledge of affairs gives them all the interest of committeemen. Every account and all expenditure is regulated by the vote of the church as a whole.
The addition during the past 15 months have increased the membership of 163, and the evening congregation to upwards of 500 people.
The Sunday school has also steadily grown under the superintendence of Mr. G. T. Harris, and is represented in one of the illustrations at their annual picnic, jointly with the Circular Church Sunday school.
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| Group of Sunday School Children, Congregational Churches, Kalgoorlie, Trafalgar and Boulder Block |
The Ladies' Guild, who are depicted together with the stalls at one of the recent Sales of Work, have been a constant help in many ways. They have felt that it was possible to make a sale of work unobjectionable and yet useful, and thence have barred every gambling feature there-from. They have been unremitting in their visiting and carrying out of neighbourly, kindly help to one another.
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| The Ladies Guild and Helpers at Recent Sale of Work, Congregational Church, Kalgoorlie |
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| A VIEW OF THE STALLS AT RECENT SALE OF WORK HELD BY THE LADIES' GUILD AT THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, KALGOORLIE. (Biltoft Studio, Kalgoorlie.) |
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| Another View of the Stall |
The Christian Endeavour Society was brought together by Mr. Frank Jorgensen, who has recently withdrawn to return to the east, and has been succeeded by Mr. W. H. R. Gartrell as president. Messrs Jayne and Colson are the joint secretaries.
The board of management of the church consists at the present time of Mr. J. Henderson (secretary), Mr. P. S. Jayne (minute secretary). Cr. W. C. Johnson (treasurer), and Messrs. E. W. Stearne, W. H. R. Gartrell. G. T. Harris, G. Everett, F. H. Crundall, S. Shearing (deacons), and Miss M. Clemenger (deaconess). The building committee consisted of the above, with Messrs. T. Edwards, F. Jorgensen, and J. F. Smith.
The pastor, Rev. Asbury Caldwell, says that the real causes for the growth of this movement are in the fact that the church is united as one man, without dissension; that it has a large nucleus of hard workers, men and women who love the work and are willing to sacrifice both time and money to its interests. In fact, that this is the whole secret we are assured. Hard work, steady work, day work and night work, from pastor and people combined, and all that work with a sense of the fact that the cause is for the increasing of the strength and happiness of men and women, and that it is a privilege to have a part in so divine a task.
Trafalgar Church.
The Trafalgar church was formed in June, 1901, by the Rev. Asbury Caldwell during a short visit paid by him to the fields before his settlement at the Kalgoorlie church. The building was erected |
| The Interior, Congregational Church, Trafalgar |
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| The Manse, Congregational Church, Trafalgar |
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| The Circular Congregational Church, Boulder Block |
KALGOORLIE INDEPENDENT CLUB.
It was early in April last the club enterprise was launched, the Rev. Asbury Caldwell being the founder. The club's headquarters were then at Mercantile Chambers, Egan-street at the outset the success of the venture was never in doubt. The member ship stood at 50, while today it is considerably more than double that number. The aims and purposes for which the club was brought into being are:-To provide a comfortable resort for the young men of the town, free from sectarian bias, and governed by rules broad based enough to give the fullest liberties to members. From the inception the club's activity was appreciably felt to such an extent that the expediency of taking steps to enlarge the sphere of its usefulness soon became apparent. Accordingly the board of management of the Congregational Church undertook the responsibility of erecting the necessary buildings, and on September 1 last the club entered into possession of their new and commodious quarters at 6 Maritana-street. The building is 64ft. long by 24ft. wide, and comprises a gymnasium room 36ft. x 24ft. well equipped; ping-pong room, with two full-size tables, and a comfortably furnished reading-room, containing up-to-date magazines, papers, etc. Parlour games are also indulged in, such as chess, draughts, etc. Incidentally gymnasium club, ping-pong club tennis club. etc.. have sprung up. and the support accorded to each augurs well for their continued prosperity. Literary evenings are held every fort- night, and are fast becoming an important factor in the club's life. The syllabus just prepared is very interesting and should prove a source of much profit and enjoyment to members and others. The officers of the club are:-President, Rev. Asbury Caldwell; vice-presidents, Messrs. R. Walker. Harold Palmer, R. S. Barr, and H. Cowper; secretary, Mr. R. Malcolmson; assistant-secretary, Mr. W. H. Holmes; treasurer, Mr. A. Mathews; committee, Messrs. W. H. Loveridge, S. D. Kelly, T. Edwards. C. Allen, A. C. Barr, John Williams. W K. Thomas, and B. Clemengger.
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| Committee, Kalgoorlie Independent Club Back row (Left to right): - W. H. Holmes, C.Allen, S. D. Kelly, W. H. Loveridge, A.C. Barr, J. Williams Second Row – T. Edwards, H. Cowper (Vice President), Rev. Asbury Caldwell (President), R. S. Barr (Vice President), Horold Parmer (Vice President), R. Walker (Vive President) Front Row – R Malcolmson (Secretary, A Mathews (Treasurer) |
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| Group of Members, The Independent Club, Kalgoorlie - At the Opening of the New Premises. |
Attachment 3
WHY PEOPLE GO TO CHURCH.
A SMOKERS RESERVE AND A CRECHE AN INTERESTING INTERVIEW
[By our Special Reporter.]
A church where men worship in an atmosphere of tobacco smoke, and where women, temporarily parted from their prattling babies, can listen to the preacher while their offspring are being looked after by a tender sisterhood, must surely be unique in Christendom. The writers who have been complaining that religious denominations are selling their birthrights for a mess of social pottage and are "cheapening'' Christianity with their pleasant Sunday afternoons, sacred band solos, and phonographic sermons, would, no doubt, concentrate a whole artillery of criticism on this citadel of a novel formula. This would not disconcert the Rev. Asbury Caldwell, B.A., B.D. the pastor of the Kalgoorlie Congregational Church, the author of the innovations referred to, and with whom I had an interesting chat on Wednesday afternoon.
Better than Empty Churches. — “Every man must work out his own personality in his own way”, he remarked. “This is how I look at it. While I do not wholly agree with the adoption of attractive, entertaining features for the purpose of securing larger congregations, I would sooner follow this course than preach to empty buildings, as many do. We in Kalgoorlie began our work when that town had ceased to grow, and of necessity we drew our adherents from non-churchgoers. Now, in order to do this we had to meet them half-way. As an experiment we provided a smokers' reserve outside the main building. At first there were only a few chairs, but we had to keep on increasing the number, until now this department of the church is filled to overflowing. The innovation was made 18 months or two years ago. Then we had an, audience of 100, but now I preach to 300 people in the church proper and 250 smokers."
Miners and Their Pipes. — “What suggested the innovation?”— “This is how it came about. When I started my work in Western Australia I secured the biggest hall I could find, and conducted a 10 weeks' Sunday night service for the miners. The place was always packed, but I noticed that a crowd of men who puffed their pipes consistently remained outside. On my return to my church at Kalgoorlie I observed little groups of smokers who only got as far as the church door. I wanted to talk to those miners, but I knew that I would not get them inside without their pipes. I felt that if 25 or 50 men were prepared to stand outside and listen without an invitation more would come if invited and provided with seats with the same retirement and privilege. So I had a portion of the church property fenced in with galvanized iron 10 ft. high and seats provided. The reserve is connected with the building by folded doors, which are thrown open. The arrangement is such that I am able to see the men from where I stand and they see me, but the other members of the congregation are actually in complete ignorance of their presence. There is no roof to the enclosure but the star-lit sky, and they puff their clouds of smoke into the fresh air. The reserve is lighted by electricity, and the floor is covered with a layer of sawdust. Inveterate smokers are the best churchgoers in wet weather. It is only the family man who stops home when it rains, and, consequently, when the elements are raging the miners put their pipes in their pockets and come into the church.”
No Disorder. — “They can do without their smoke some times, then?”— “Oh, yes. Do you know that although I have had this reserve all these months, I have not seen a dozen matches struck? As a rule they put their pipes away before the service is half over, and there are some who find consolation in merely sucking the stems. Ladies sometimes sit in these seats, and their presence has a silent influence. There has never once been the slightest disorder.”
Looking After Babies. — “You undertake to look after babies, too?”— “Yes. On Sunday mornings and evenings we convert the gymnasium into a crèche, and the idea has been wonderfully successful. It took on right away. You see I wanted to get the mothers who have no servants, and they won't come to church if the baby is inclined to be talkative and vivacious. Now, when the proud mother attends with her offspring she takes it to the crèche and leaves it in charge of a trained sister, who is assisted by a number of Christian Endeavour girls, who know their business right well. We can take care of between 30 and 40 of these miniature citizens.”
Cradles and Toys to Play With. — “How do you entertain them?” — “They are placed in swinging chairs and basket cradles, and we give them a few toys to play with. It's a grand sight, I can tell you. We never hear them crying in the church. They are too far away for that. If their voices were audible we would have all the mothers' scampering off to soothe the darlings.” — “I suppose there are no difficulties of identification after the service?” — “Not a bit of it. A mother who leaves a girl at the crèche before she goes into church never receives a boy in return.”
Football and Cardplaying. — “On the goldfields we have a large number of men whose choice is between spending their time playing cards in the back parlour of an hotel and playing football in the fresh air. By all means let them play football. Where the choice is between home conditions and settled surroundings and dissipating the Sabbath by making it merely a day of sport, then I say put down the sport. But I would rather have men on the football field than playing cards in an hotel. I don't know that there is any dividing line between religious and secular life. The churches which are carrying an atmosphere of religion into social life are breaking down old barriers, and the sooner they are all broken down the better. The church has conditions to deal with now that it never had before. In the cities with the boarding house and glum elements the family life to a large extent has ceased. The church, then, must provide something which will take its place. It must do for these people what the family life has done or should have done.”
The Church to the People. — “In Sydney the, number of neglected children, in proportion to the population, excels anything I have seen in any part of the world. When I was in that state the police, those engaged in rescue work, and city missionaries, gave me the same verdict, that the slum evils were growing faster than the population. This means that the church in that city has not met the conditions of hopelessness by that which can take its place. The church must go to the people. It is not a question merely of pulpit attraction. The whole life of the church must touch the social life of the masses and the atmosphere of Christ's presence must be infused in all directions of activity.”
Sufficient Churches in Adelaide. — “Do you know Adelaide is regarded as the City of Churches?” — “Well, you have a sufficient number in Adelaide increase their effectiveness. It is a shame that the Congregational, Presbyterian and Methodist Churches are so close to each other that the singing in one interferes with the volume of song in the other. Your Protestant authorities should recognise that petty rivalry in religious work is a sin, and that there is such a thing as a large spiritedness, which incites one and another to action.”
American Church Methods. — “Have you noticed any difference between Australian and American church methods?” — “Since I have been in Australia I have noticed this difference. In America there are fewer churches and larger congregations. Over there institutional work is extensively carried on, but here it is not a feature of religious operation. And for this reason where there is one large congregation there is scope for this benevolent work, and it is absent where the same number of people are scattered among several churches. The expenses are necessarily heavier. It is the same in business life. Small concerns are far more costly in proportion to their 'turnover' than a large establishment.
Congregational Progress. — “Our work in Western Australia, as a whole, has made rapid growth. In the past seven years the number of Congregational Churches has increased from three to 23, and while the population has tripled our membership has multiplied by six. That is the true test of progress.''
An Appeal. — “What is the object of your visit to South Australia?” — 'It is this. In Western Australia there are a number of mining settlements, each having between 300 and 400 men, who have come from the eastern states, and as their wives and families are in these parts they are sending their wages over here. Year in and year out they are uncared for spiritually, and I feel that once a place of worship is provided for them, they will maintain it. I have therefore been commissioned to interview a few of the well-to-do men in the east who are interested in our work, and seek their co-operation in the construction of economical buildings, which can afterwards be easily moved. The idea is to erect circular iron churches in the back country mining districts at a cost of about £90 each. These will seat 180 miners. The circular plan is chosen because a building of this character can be erected without upright supports, and should it be necessary to remove them the work of demolition consists only of knocking out a few rows of rivets. There are 20 or 30 small mining communities in Western Australia where Sunday is like every other day. In one of these settlements there is the smallest manse in Australasia. It comprises two rooms made of canvas, in which one of my assistants lives, moves, and has his being. I have already visited Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, and in those states the response has been very encouraging.
Personal. — Mr. Caldwell was born in Chicago 35 years ago, and received his ministerial training in the celebrated North-Western University, where he took both of his degrees. On the completion of a comprehensive course of study and a brilliant scholastic career he accepted the pastorate of a church just outside his native city, and became chaplain of the second largest prison in the United States. It was while passing through Australia four years ago that Mr. Caldwell received and accepted a call to the Congregational Church at Kalgoorlie, which he quickly made to loom high over the religious horizon of the western state.
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