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Renwick

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Arthur Renwick Church of England Section 1 Row 7 Plot 150

1 December 1927

DEATH OF REV. ARTHUR RENWICK

Widespread, sorrow was felt when the news became known of the death of Rev. Arthur Renwick, M.A, Rector of Christ Church, Gosford. This sad event, which took place on Saturday, cast a gloom not only over Gosford, but over every part of Erina Shire, for all over the area the late Rev. Renwick was well known and highly respected.

He had been a sufferer for years past, from heart trouble, but no matter how much he endured from this cause— and he suffered a great deal— he was always willing to assist anyone who needed his aid. Some weeks ago he was again severely attacked by his old complaint, and to the grief of a host of friends, this attack proved his last. It was thought he had passed the crisis, and general satisfaction was expressed at his apparent recovery; but on Saturday evening another seizure of the heart came upon him and the brave spirit passed from a weakened body between 6 and 7p.m. Rev. Renwick was an inspiration to all.

The Shire Council.

Erina Shire Council meeting on Monday, Cr. Taylor made regretful reference to the death of Rev. Renwick,

who he said was not only a fine Church man’, but took a prominent part in district Associations, at which meetings his advice and remarks were always attentively listened to. Most men in his position did not take such a keen and helpful interest in public affairs, and. the district had buffered a real loss in his sad death.

The speaker moved that a letter of condolence be sent to Mrs. Renwick. Cr. Pinkstone seconded, and Dr. Paul also paid a tribute to the deceased clergyman’s worth. The motion -was carried with Councillors and others present standing with bowed heads.

Fruitgrowers.

I wish to express, on behalf of the Fruitgrowers of our section, my family and myself, our deep sympathy with the family of Arthur Renwick.

The loss to this community is a very great one, for- every movement that had for its purpose the benefit of the community or individual had his active sympathy, His notable speeches and good advice to the children each Empire Day will have an abiding place in the hearts of the people;

His Christianity was larger than his creed, and his charity knew no boundary fences.

He has already built the monument to his memory, and adorned it with the fine gold of honor and the jewels of kindly deeds that have shown men the better way which is practical Christianity. Personally I have lost a dear friend. — W. E. Kirkness.

Before Rev. Renwick’s last illness, Mr. Perc Parry, on behalf of the Confirmation Candidates, presented him with a smoker’s stand.

The little ceremony took place at the Rectory, and Mr. Renwick was greatly pleased at the loving thought shown by his young friends. The junior parishioners will feel very keenly the loss of their loved and respected Rector.

8^th December 1927

The Good They Have Done Lives On

Memories which come poignantly at this time are this year deepened in pathos by, the death of another fine

district man — the Rev. Arthur Renwick, whose mortal remains were laid to rest a few days ago in the quiet of Point Clare Cemetery.

Two firm friends who had labored with him for the welfare of the community in which they lived — Robert James Baker and John Roe. It is fitting that they lie side by side. Each was a worthy man, whose death came as a sad blow to many relatives and friends: and loving remembrance of each softens such sorrowing recollections as come to us on the anniversary of R. .J. Baker’s death on December 5th, 1925.

According to a man’s true worth, so is the memory of him that remains long after the first shock of loss is as as uaged. It is two years since Robert James Baker passed from suffering to rest; and it is proof of his true man hood and the greatness of his heart that, his memory is still green with the leaders of his profession in the State, among those who lead the progress of the district, and with the writers who carry on the business that he built, as well as in the circle that was his glory and pride — his family.

Bob Baker has gone West — but he will long be remembered by those who valued his counsel in weighty affairs, by those who never asked in vain his help for district improvement, by those who looked up to him as an honored Chief of staff, and by his loved ones who never can forget an irreparable bereavement. The best of men must leave this life some are taken long before we would let them go. But a good man ‘s spirit never dies — it lives in the memory of those who knew him, inspiring them to honest effort as he was industrious, to fair dealing as he was just, to broad-mindedness as lie was tolerant.

Robert James Baker passed from this life on December 5th — at a typical season of his life, when his working hours were wont to be brimful of the cares of the business, and his brief hours of leisure were bright with glad plans for the happiness of others. The coming season’s thoughts are fittingly linked it with the memory of this man who gloried in the Christmas spirit of good will to men. Bob Baker, big-hearted, respected Chief, never-failing friend, devoted husband, loving father, has. gone Beyond; but his memory remains, a beacon. Well may he rest!

Reverend Renwick was one of the first to set an Honor roll up in the church and was instrumental in the dedicating and organising of the Gosford War Memorial Park.

Frederick Cox

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Fred Cox Methodist Section 1 Row 1 Plot 1

First Burial at Point Clare Cemetery 1916 and Auctioneer and Trader Extraordinaire

Methodist Section 1 Row 1 plot 1

Frederick Cox arrived in 1909 and bought a pre existing business from William Burns. It was a mixed business with branches in Gosford and Woy Woy. He traded in some land deals and was a licensed Auctioneer.

In 1911 we have Fred Cox proposing land sites with the council for a new cemetery. He was the President of the Progress Association and was one of the stronger voices of opposition when another proposed site on Presidents Hill was put forward.

15^th September, 1911

New Cemetery Sites.

Mr. T W Connelly, District Surveyor, visited Gosford on Tuesday last and, accompanied by Mr. F. Cox, President of the Progress Association, inspected two proposed sites for the new cemetery, both situated on the western side of Narara Creek — one on Crown land, and the other on land the property of Mr Fagan. We understand that Mr. Connelly favoured the latter site, and intends sending an officer to make further inquiries.

29 September 1911

Proposed New Cemetery For Gosford.

For a considerable time there has been a growing dissatisfaction with the site of the present cemetery, owing to the lower portion being so swampy that people object to burying their relatives and friends in graves that fill with water as soon as they are dug, with the result that the dryer portion, known as the general portion, is mostly used, and will in a few years become crowded. During last year the District Surveyor, Mr. T. W. Conolly, paid a visit to the cemetery at the invitation of some of the residents, and at once decided that something should be done in the way of securing a fresh site and closing the present one.

He recommended a position on the western slope of President’s Hill suitable as to dryness and elevation, but strongly objected to by the townspeople, for the reason that the locality was too valuable for residential purposes and was within the population area. The Progress Association then offered to submit to Mr. Conolly several sites more suitable for the purpose, and recommendations were accordingly made of several areas which were inspected by the Surveyor, the best in his opinion being selected, and the Assistant Surveyor sent to test the site for depth of soil and drainage. The Secretary of the Progress Association, Mr. W. E. Kirkness, is now in receipt of a letter from the District Surveyor, requesting that the public be asked to signify their approval or rejection of the proposed site, which is about 24 acres in area, being Government Subdivision Nos. 133, 134 and 142, adjoining Messrs. Fagan’s property on Cooranbene Creek, West Gosford.

Little did Fred Cox know that he would be the first to buried at Point Clare Cemetery in January 1916. There is a stone in the Catholic Section, RC 1,1,1 that mentions a death in 1915 (Cecil Morris at the battle of Lone Pine) but there was no body buried in that Grave at that time.

25^th January 1917

IN MEMORIAM.

COX. — In loving remembrance of our dear father, Frederick Cox, who died January 25th, 1916. Inserted by his loving sons, Gunner R. K. Cox and Driver C. A. Cox, A.I.F.

31 August 1922

MRS COX

OBITUARY.

MRS. FREDERICK COX

The community of Gosford were deeply Shocked on learning yesterday that Mrs. Susie Cox, relict of the late Mr. Frederick Cox, had passed away at her home, ‘Cora Lynn,’ East Gosford, about 9 a.m. The deceased lady complained of not feeling well last I Sunday, and later on Dr. Paul was called in unexpectedy — caused her relatives anxiety, serious symptoms being manifest, and, despite all that could be done by medical skill and expert nursing, she passed away* as above stated, at 9 o ‘clock on Wednesday morning, the cause of death owing to heart failure.

The late Mrs. Cox, who was 60 years of age, was a native of Kelso, Singleton, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bailey, one of the district ‘s best known families. Mr. Bailey died some years ago, but Mrs. Bailey still resides at Dunolly, Singleton, in her 80th year. Miss Bailey married Mr. Frederick Cox at Singleton, and her husband passed away at Gosford in January, 1916, his death being a great loss to residents of town and district. The late Mr. Cox was a splendid townsman, and his memory will be treasured by relatives and friends for many years to come. Mr. and Mrs. Cox came to Gosford about 15 years ago.

Mr. Cox purchasing the storekeeping business then carried on, by Mr. William Burns. Some years later, Mr. Cox retired from active business life, and built a beautiful home, ‘Cora Lynn,’ at East Gosford. During the war period Mrs. Cox and her daughter, Miss Ivy Cox, took a prominent part in Red Cross work, and many a kindly and unostentatious deed stands to the memory of a kind arid charitable woman. Two of her sons served in the big war, and returned after the Armistice had been signed. Of the marriage there were three sons and one ‘daughter, all of whom survive their parents — Messrs Milton Cox (Parkes), Ray Cox (Gosford), Clare Cox (Sydney), and Miss Ivy Cox (Gosford). To them we offer our deepest sympathy in their irreparable loss, the funeral takes place this afternoon, in Point Clare cemetery, where the remains of Mr. *Cox were laid to rest some years ago.

Richard Henry Creighton and family

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Dulciebella Mary Creighton mother of Richard Henry Creighton The article notes she is buried at Point Frederick Cemetery with her husband, that is a long since closed down cemetery for really old school locals. Her son Richard is possibly the first of his family to be buried at Point Clare Cemetery.

4^th March 1920

DEATH OF MRS. CREIGHTON,

SENIOR.

On Sunday last Mrs. Dulciebella Mary Creighton, relict of the late Robert Creighton, died at Gosford at the age of 88 years, after a brief illness extending over three weeks. Deceased was born at Balmain, and when a girl came to Booker’s Bay, Woy Woy, where her father, Mr. Henry Piper, carried on business as a shipwright.

Practically all her life she resided in Brisbane Water district with the exception of a few years spent in Sydney and Melbourne. She leaves a family of three — Mr. Richard Creighton (Gosford), Mrs Harry Hammond (Gosford), and Mrs. W. Cassells (Camperdown), two other of the children (a son and daughter) failing to survive their mother. The late Mrs Creighton also leaves a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren. The remains were interred in the Church of England portion of Point Frederick Cemetery, being laid to rest alongside those of her husband. Rev. A. Renwick, Rector of Christ Church, conducted the graveside service.

Richard Henry Creighton married into the Meehan family in 1916, Richard and Kathleen are buried here at Point Clare Cemetery, in the Lawn section. Lawn 5 row 5 plot 62

26 October 1916

WEDDING. CREIGHTON—MEEHAN.

A pretty wedding took place at Christ Church, Gosford, on Tuesday, October 17th, when Miss Kathleen, third daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward Meehan, of Newcastle, was married to Richard Henry (Dick), only son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard

Creighton, of Gosford. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Arthur Renwick (Rector) assisted by the choir. Mr. J. W. Lees presided at the organ. The church was very prettily decorated by Mrs. F. Wheeler, who also constructed a handsome

archway of white lilies, sweet peas, and roses, in front of the altar, under which the happy couple were joined in the bonds of matrimony. The bride, who was given away by her uncle, Mr. Jack Allen, of Randwick, wore a beautiful china silk costume with hat to match. The bridal bouquet was of white sweet peas, stock and roses, and, with a silver purse, was the gift of the bridegroom. The bride was attended by Miss Agnes Meehan (sister of the bride) who wore a pale pink silk crepe frock with hat to match, and Miss Edith Creighton (sister of the bridegroom) who was attired in a cream silk crepe frock with hat to match. Their bouquets were of pink sweet peas, stock and
roses, which, with gold bangles, were the gifts of the bridegroom. The bride’s gift to the bridegroom was a gold mounted fountain pen. Mr. Walter Briscoe (of Greta) acted as best man, and Mr. Thomas Hennessey (of Randwick) as groomsman. Rev. A. Renwick presided at the reception, which was subsequently held at the Gosford Hall, when over sixty guests were received by Mrs. Creighton (mother of the bridegroom), who was attired in a black silk poplin with hat to harmonise. After the usual toasts
were honored, singing and dancing was indulged in. On leaving for the honeymoon, which is being [held?] at the Blue Mountains, the bride was attired in a beautiful blue satin charmeuse, with black tulle hat relieved with blue water lilies.

Richard Henry Creighton

3^rd Generation Funeral Director

DOD 22 September 1931 Church of England Section 1 Row 4 Plot 88

Aged 71 years

His family moved here in 1844,

His grandfather was a carpenter/builder who began making coffins and then went into funeral directing from that as a start into the industry. His business was the first Funeral Directors in the district. The workshop and residence was on the old Public School site where the proposed tax office is to be built….. death and taxes… hmm he made the pews for the Church of England church,,, the one that got moved from East Gosford. Richards Father was also a builder and built the old public school then followed his father into the funeral directing business.

Richard also followed into the family business making him the third generation , and the current generation of Creighton’s is the 5^th. Richard loved cricket and sailing and was involved in organising and participating in regattas and competitions on the Brisbane Waters. Richard married into the Parry family another well known Gosford family name, marrying Emily Parry. The nature of his work made him one of the most respected men in the region, he was seen as a friend in need, never a bad word was said of him and was not prone to gossip. He saw many locals in their moments of venerableness. Richard was on the verge of retiring with his son learning the business and had book a holiday with his wife when he died. The first funeral his son participated in was that of his fathers.

24 September 1931

BEYOND THE VEIL

MR. R. H. CREIGHTON.

The death of Mr. Richard Henry Creighton, which took place at his residence at Gosford last Monday, following an attack of pleurisy and pneumonia, removes one of the oldest and most respected residents of the Brisbane Water District. Born at Gosford 71 years ago, his life was spent in this district except for short periods when he was engaged in gold-mining in the Narrandera district. He was a man of exceptionally high personal character, one who appreciated and lived up to a true ideal of service to his fellow man.

As a builder and contractor he was known throughout the district for the excellence of his craftsmanship, and everything that he did was characterized by the same thoroughness. For many years he had conducted the undertaking business of Messrs. R. H. Creighton & Son.
The late Mr. Creighton is survived by a widow, four daughters, Mrs. J. Sohier (West Gosford), Mrs. Don Robertson (Newcastle), Mrs. C. Morris (Gosford), and Mrs. J. Barnes (Gosford), and one son, Mr. Richard Creighton, of Bronte and Gosford.
The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, the Rev. A. E. Saxon conducting the service in the Church of England portion of the Point Clare Cemetery. An account of the funeral and other particulars of the life of the deceased will appear in our next issue.

Here is a September 1951 advertisement for the business

A Century of Service

Established in Gosford in 1844, the business of Funeral Directors has been carried on continuously over a period of 107 years by succeeding generations of the Creighton family — an unbroken line to the fifth generation.

The founder, Robert Creighton, was succeeded by his son, Robert Creighton Jnr., he in turn by his son, Richard Henry Creighton, followed by Richard Henry Creighton Jnr., whose

son, Richard John Creighton, represents the fifth generation of the family actively engaged in the business founded 107 years ago.

The code of service established by the first Robert Creighton

has in the succeeding years become a tradition, rigidly maintained but improving with the march of modern progress.

Today, the service is of the most modern description, and the establishment is the largest in any country town of the Commonwealth. Its plant is equal to anything in the cities.

There are two modern motor hearses and a new Chrysler chassis has recently been purchased for a third hearse.

The Casket Factory, built by R. H. Creighton Snr., in 1910, is still is use, but it is intended at an opportune time to build a The Chapel,- which forms part of a new, modern building in

Mann Street, Gosford, is dignified yet simple in its architectural style. When conditions warrant, additional Chapels are to be built at The Entrance, Wyong and at Woy Woy.

Today, the service covers the Brisbane Water District and funerals are conducted to all parts of the State. There are representatives in all the capital cities of the Commonwealth.

In order to further extend and improve the service, the firm was recently incorporated under the Co’mpanies Act, with ( Mr R. H. Creighton, who has had extensive experience both ‘ here and in other parts of the State, as Managing Director.

Incorporation will ensure the continuity of operations and the tradition of service will be maintained in the years to come.

RH CREIGHTON

CENTRAL COAST FUNERAL SERVICE PTY LTD

The stone of a girl clinging to a cross is quite a common one in the mid century, called “Rock of Ages”, there are examples of it at Waverley, Rookwood and Northern Suburbs Cemetery’s.

Vera Irene Manning

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Grave Site Church of England Section 6 Row 1 Plots 1

Vera Irene Manning

Apprentice Hairdresser, Died 5^th April, 1944, aged 17 years. Vera’s Parents are in the adjoining plots.

Sydney Morning Herald

7^th April 1944

MYSTERY DEATH OF GIRL

No Trace of Clothes

No clue to the circumstances preceding the death of Miss Vera Irene Manning, 18, of Gosford was found by the police yesterday. Miss Manning’s nude body was recovered from the sea off Bondi on Wednesday afternoon.

Apparently she fell from the cliffs at McKenzie Point. Her attache case containing personal belongings including her identity card and her shoes were found near the edge of a 100ft drop on the point, but no trace of her clothes has yet been discovered.

The police theory is that she undressed on top of the cliff before she fell to her death and that her clothing was subsequently blown into the sea or into a deep crevice in the rocks.

The dead girl’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Manning of Gosford, who are almost prostrate with grief, identified the body in Sydney yesterday.

They told ten police that they are utterly mystified by the tragedy. Their daughter was refined and modest and she seemed to be quite happy and in normal health when she left home to travel to Sydney by the 6.40 a.m. train from Gosford on Wednesday. She used to do this daily to attend hairdressing classes at the Sydney Technical College and return to Gosford by the afternoon train.

A post-mortem on Wednesday disclosed that her spine and several small bones in her body were fractured and that she had been injured internally.

The police have discovered nothing to suggest that she had received any of her injuries before she fell from the cliff.

The Argus

8^th April 1944

LIFESAVERS’ RISK TO RECOVER BODY FROM SEA

SYDNEY, Wed: Members of the North Bondi and Bondi life-saving clubs risked being dashed against precipitous rocks in a surfboat when they went out to recover the nude body of a girl seen floating out to sea 100 yards off McKenzie’s Point, South Bondi, today. The girl was later identified as Miss Vera Irene Manning, 18, whose home was in William st, Gosford, but who came to Sydney every day to attend a hairdressing class.

Police believe that she crashed 60ft into the sea from the top of a cliff between Tamarama Bay and McKenzie Point during the morning.

Shortly after noon Henry Griffiths, of Narromine, who is staying at the Hotel Bondi, saw the girl’s body being tossed about in a wild sea off McKenzie Point.

Police sought the aid of life-savers, and a surfboat was manned. Mountainous seas were crashing against the cliffs, and they were only able to get the surfboat to within 100 yards of the body.

Jack Duff, who is the official life-saver, then put on a belt, to which a line was attached, and he plunged in. Though buffeted by the waves, he was able to reach the body and bring it to the boat with the .aid of the life-line.

A post-mortem examination later at the city morgue disclosed that the girl’s spine and several bones in her body had been fractured and she was injured internally.

Police, after investigations, formed the opinion that the girl undressed on cliffs where her attache case was found before she crashed over the cliff. A search failed to find any of her clothing, and detectives believe that it was blown into the sea by the strong wind.

Barrier Mail

17^th may 1944

STOP PRESS

SYDNEY. – The Coroner today found that Vera Irene Manning (17), student hairdresser, committed -suicide by throwing herself off a cliff at Mackenzie Point, Bondi.

* I note with interest there was no Family Notice in the Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate (1906 – 1954), I expect due to the perceived “shame” of the suicide verdict.