Street, where the National Bank now stands; (2) the site of the present Baptist Church; and (3) some half-acre lots near the intersection of Collins, Spring, and Little Collins Streets, now known as Dr. James' Corner. The first was considered altogether unsuitable because of thefloods,and the third because it was too far in the bush! for in 1843 there were hardly any houses further east than the Independent Church, which was quite in the country, and a long way out of town! The second, therefore, was unwillingly applied for, and its acceptance was taken with a gulp, for to receive assistance from the State was contrary to all the traditions of the denomination. However, it was their poverty, not their will consented.
By November, 1844, they had £300 in hand, portion of it coming from contributions by persons belonging to other religious persuasions, and the next step was to expedite the commencement of the new building as much as possible.
Foundation of the Baptist Church.
The first stone was laid on the 21st May, 1845, when there was an attendance of about 300 persons, including several ministers of other denominations. The day being beautifully fine, was hailed as an auspicious omen by the Rev. John Saunders, who had come from Sydney to be present. The rev. gentleman, in opening the proceedings, thus referred to the circumstance—"Truly with such a brilliant sky above us, 'the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth His handiwork.' To this Great Being let us on the present occasion address a Hymn of Praise." Then was sung the 117th Psalm—
"From all that dwell below the skies
Let the Creator's praise arise," &c.
The Rev. A. Morison next offered Solomon's declaratory prayer, 1 Kings viii. 22-61; and the Rev. W. Schofield invoked the Divine blessing on the undertaking.
The Rev. J. Saunders delivered an exceedingly appropriate address, after which was exhibited a brass plate, on which was engraved, by Mr. Thomas Ham (a son of the pastor, and one of the first engravers in Melbourne), the following inscription:—
THIS FOUNDATION STONE
Of the
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
In Australia Felix,
Was laid on the 21st May, A.D., 1845,
By the Rev. John Saunders, Pastor of the First Baptist Church, Sydney.
| Rev. John Ham, Pastor. | ||
| John Lush |  |
Deacons. |
| Robert Kerr |  |
|
| John Gill, Esq., Architect. |
This was the briefest composition of the kind ever buried under the feet of any of the old "holy places" in the city, and stands out in simple contrast to most of the "inscriptions" which have figured in some of the preceding religious notices. The inscribed plate was then placed in its cavity, and enclosed by the lowering of the upper stone, after which the architect displayed a plan of the proposed building, and read off its dimensions, viz, 50 feet by 33 feet. The Rev. J. Saunders offered a short prayer, and concluded with a benediction. Several donations were handed in, and the evening was signalized by a grand tea-party at the Mechanics' Institute. Though not quite finished,the church was opened on the 28th December of the same year.
The Rev. Dr. Lang, being on a visit from Sydney in January, 1846, he preached on the 25th to a numerous audience, and the result was a liberal contribution to the Building Fund.
The Rev. Mr. Ham continued in pastoral charge until the end of 1847, when the delicate state of his health obliged him to try the milder influence of the climate of Sydney, where he succeeded the Rev. John Saunders in the ministry, vacated also through ill-health. Whilst in Melbourne, Mr. Ham succeeded in establishing a mission for aboriginal children at the confluence of the Merri Creek and the Yarra, close by the Studley Park Falls. Here buildings were erected, and some youngsters of both sexes, from the Yarra and other tribes, found shelter, and were religiously and secularly educated. The boys were also
