Many almost insurmountable obstacles presented themselves, but Mr. Thane was determined, and at once set to work. He purchased an old patched-up tent for £1, and expended £2 or £3 in seats and small bush tables. Notices were issued, and Sunday morning saw him with a congregation of seven worshippers, viz., two Presbyterians, a solitary member of the Church of England, two Wesleyans, one Baptist, and one Congregationalist. At the conclusion of the service Mr. Thane announced that a public meeting would be held in the church on the following evening, when he would lay before them his credentials, &c. The meeting was held; only seven or eight persons attended. The agreement then entered into was that Mr. Thane was to be satisfied with the offerings of the people, which gradually increased from 3s. 6d., 5s., 7s., to 12s., 15s., 20s., and an occasional small nugget. After a few weeks it was arranged by two or three of the prime movers in this matter that a commodious iron house (built for a publichouse) should be rented at a rental of 12s. 6d. per week. The rent was always forthcoming. Comfortable seats were erected, and a large congregation gathered together within twelve months. Mr. Thane was duly ordained to the pastorate, and a new church, at a cost of £200, was built, the minister’s stipend increasing in like manner. Such was the beginning of that gentleman’s labours at Lambing Flat. After the decline of the goldfields Mr. Thane resigned his charge and went to England.
