AHatherleigh shearing shed was recently the venue for a traditional church service but with a decidedly rural twist.
Around 40 members of the Anglican Parish of Millicent/Penola gathered to praise God, sing hymns and hear Biblical passages at the Blessing of the Fleece.
Two wool bales became a makeshift altar for the cross, candles and eucharistic vessels.
As part of the yearly service, a sheep was shorn and blessed as a tangible way of thanking God for His bounty.
Local Anglicans have long been connected with agricultural pursuits such as woolgrowing or in support roles like shearers, stock agents and drovers.
The 2023 hosts at their White Waterhole homestead were Trevor and Carolyn Rayson.
They purchased the property a decade ago from members of the pioneering Bateman family who had chosen the name on account of the white sand at a watering point.
The Raysons were scheduled to hold the service a year ago but wet weather meant access to their shearing shed was not possible.
As a result, the 2022 Blessing of The Fleece was held indoors at St Michael and All Angels Church in Millicent.
The Blessing of the Fleece has been held across the district for decades with the hosts including Helen and Trevor Hutchesson (Millicent), Helen and Don Ferguson (Mount Burr), Nan and Bob Sapiatzer (Sebastopol), Janet and Roger Martin (Beachport) and Dot and Chris Wallis (Wattle Range).
The fifth Bishop of the Diocese of the Murray, the Right Reverend Keith Dalby led this year’s service and he was assisted by the Reverend Jean Housley and the Reverend Alison Dutton.
In his address, Bishop Keith said there are many passages in the Bible which refer to sheep.
“In the New Testament, sheep are God’s people and the bishop is the shepherd who carries the crozier and is responsible for looking after the flock” he said.
Parishioner Ruth Stratford read the bible lessons while the sheep was shorn by Justin Figg.
At the conclusion of the service, a barbecue lunch was enjoyed with lamb provided by the Rayson family.
Ms Stratford and Mr Rayson provided light entertainment over lunch by reciting bush poetry.
The first recorded Blessing of The Fleece in an Anglican church occurred in Tasmania in 1953.
