Backward Glance: Silent Night

Christmas will soon be here and children from many parts of the world can hardly wait for St Nicholas, or Santa Claus as he is commonly known, to visit.

Though Santa plays an important part so does the meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate it.

Today we step back in time to discover how people on the Sunshine Coast have celebrated Christmas over the years.

Some things don’t change like people heading to their church at Christmas to give thanks for all we have here on the Sunshine Coast.

Attending a church service could sometimes be difficult for those who wanted to worship in years gone by.

During the Christmas holidays, the Salvation Army established a camp meeting at Maroochy Heads, now known as Maroochydore.

Brigadier Kyle of Brisbane arranged to visit the camp which was held from December 24 to 29, 1897.

After a pleasant journey by train and a substantial walk to Petrie Creek, he caught a boat to the camp.

The brigadier marched into the camp with the music of two cornets accompanying him.

Large camp fires were lit and the children in the camp kept the scene very lively.

Due to popularity of the Christmas camp, it continued for more than 20 years.

An advertisement in the Nambour Chronicle in 1912 advertised the Salvation Army camp as “Natures pick me up” and “Come to tent town, where the ocean breezes blow”.

At Christmas time in 1927, Reverend De La Perrelle, who was the Anglican vicar based in Nambour, set out to visit his parishioners.

His predecessors had relied on horses, trains and walking to travel throughout the large parish stretching as far as Mooloolah out to Kenilworth and up towards Eumundi.

One vicar even had a motorbike. The parish decided the reverend should have a car and he was supplied with a 4 cylinder Rugby tourer in 1925.

The little Rugby tourer automobile certainly helped a lot but at times a miracle was perhaps needed on the rough and hazardous roads and tracks.

There was no Christmas Day service in Maroochydore in 1927 as the vicar became bogged and had to turn back on the Eudlo Flats to his hometown Nambour.

During World War II, large military camps were positioned throughout the Sunshine Coast.

It was a time of fear and worry for many.

Troop trains pulled into Landsborough and many church services were held in the School of Arts Hall.

Parishioners carried the altar linens and necessary vessels needed for a Catholic mass to the hall.

Army chaplains were there to care for the troops but it was the locals with their Christmas spirit and caring that many men took with them as they headed towards the horrors of war.

The freshly baked cakes and treats supplied for supper stayed in their memories as did the young women who offered to write to a lonely young soldier.

Many lasting relationships were established due to the kindness of strangers.

In December 1974, a Christmas barbecue was held in Nambour Salvation Army Corps.

Each adult was charged admission and Santa came to Nambour to check on the good boys and girls of the district before Christmas Day.

Everyone had a wonderful time of worship and a pig donated by Stan Gittens of Maleny may have played a part in the success of the barbecue.

Times have changed but trees and nativity scenes still remain a feature of Christmas displays and children still look out for Santa, leaving him something to eat on his magical journey.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas from the Sunshine Coast Libraries Heritage Library team.

Thanks to Sunshine Coast Council’s Heritage Library Officers for the words and Picture Sunshine Coast for the images.

Image captions

Hero: Santa Claus with 'Day and Grimes letter to Santa Competition' winners, Nambour, December 1957.

Carousel images:

Image 1: Children and members of the North Caloundra Deep Sea Amateur Fishing Club and North Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club in fancy dress, Moffat Beach camping ground showing Club members in costumes for a Christmas parade. Moffat Beach, ca 1960.

Image 2: Highset residence decorated as 'Santas workshop' for the Christmas season, Orsova Terrace, Caloundra, ca 2000.

Image 3: Saint Nicholas procession, Currie Street, Nambour, December 1956.

Image 4: Christmas party at the Southern Electric Authority of Queensland recreation room, Currie Street, Nambour, 9 December 1967.

Image 5: Nisbet family Christmas campsite at Kings Beach, Caloundra, 1937.

Image 6: 29th/46th Australian Infantry Battalion at their camp near Caloundra having Christmas dinner, December 25, 1942.