Revd. George Kingston

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When the Rev. George Kingston with his wife and four small children migrated from Ireland in 1954 to settle in Denmark where he was to become the Rector of the Church of England Parish in the town, the communities of Denmark and westwards had no idea the impact this amazing man would have on their districts.

George Kingston was in his thirties – he was big in stature and in personality – in fact you could almost say he took Denmark and its western districts by storm.

He quickly became known throughout the district and made friends easily with parishioners.

The Rev. Kingston travelled out to Walpole regularly and held Church services in the little Mission House which had been moved from the Hazelvale district to its new position near where St George’s Church Hall is today. However, where formerly Church Services had only attracted up to ten church goers, services with Rev. Kingston increased over time until fifty or sixty people eagerly made their way to hear his sermons. He welcomed all religions to his services and that fact endeared him to the community.

A new building was the obvious answer and as George Kingston had building experience from his life in Ireland he set to work to bring the dream of a new Church Hall to fruition. He became known as the “building parson”. With this dynamic and inspirational man at the helm, the idea quickly became a reality.

Planning began in 1955 and with the aid of a qualified carpenter in charge, building began in January 1956.

From then on donations of all forms of assistance flowed in. For example, the stumps were cut and split on a farmer’s property from donated timber. Equipment, vehicles and labour were all freely given and alongside the labouring community George Kingston could be found wielding a shovel or a handsaw. George Kingston’s motto was “when you want something done, ask the busiest person”.

The project was embraced by the whole community and at the suggestion of the Rev. Kingston, many farmers donated the proceeds of the sale a calf from their herd

The building was opened in June 1956 (with the ceiling to be added later due to dwindling funds). There was a strong suggestion to name the hall Kingston Hall but as the Rev. George declined this honour it was named St George’s Church Hall. A fitting tribute to this amazing man who became everybody’s friend as well as a well-loved spiritual leader.

The Rev Kingston left the district in 1957 to work in Gosnells. He died in August 2013

George Kingston also held services in the Tingledale Hall where again he was extremely popular. My memory of him was his regular arrival at the Hall, when he would hurry in, wiry hair standing on end, pull on his cassock (usually crumpled) and take his place at the front of the parishioners where his work boots could be seen peeping out from under the robe. Truly an amazing man who will long be remembered throughout the district.

Information from on-line article by Bill Armstrong and Joe Burton and from my memories.
– Molly Smith

This article was published in the Walpole Weekly, 5 July 2017.