The Unveiling
The call to attend, with the bell ringing, was made by the Orange Town Crier. The text of the message was given in a magnificent voice, which in scientific terms must have exceeded 90 db, enough to drown the traffic noise! The appreciative crowd responded to his text vocally and with applause.
The Unveiling Ceremony for the first plaque at Robertson Park was performed by the Mayor of Orange, taking place opposite the fine Court House building. In unveiling the plaque, the Mayor outlined how it was that the Heritage Trail was being opened and thanked all those who had contributed to bringing it about, both historically and practically. Many of those present went on the walk around the Trail but a number left to join in the Commemorative Service at Bethel Rock.
Bethel Rock Commemorative Service
History records that the first church service west of Bathurst was held in the open air at Bethel Rock in 1829. This event was commemorated at a special open air church service at Bethel Rock, Byng, Sunday, 27 October. Some of those present dressed in period costume and there was a display of memorabilia from the early days of the Cornish Settlement at Byng.
Through the essential and willing co-operation of the Hawke family, a pathway through the grass leading from the Guyong road across the ridge to the Bethel Rock site was slashed. Visitors were able to move along the ridge to a parking area cut in the grass about 100 metres from the Rock. Pamphlets on the history of Byng and the Bethel Rock, and the Order of Service, were handed to all those present. On arrival, there was a sprinkling of rain but it did hold off later. Quite a few attending, including the Minister, were clad in period costume.
By 3 pm, the Orange Town Crier had arrived, called everyone to attend in a voice more mellow than that at the unveiling of the Heritage Trail and with a very fine text.
The service was conducted by the Orange Uniting Church Minister, Rev. G. Pankhurst. William "Parson" Tom would have been astounded at the beautiful organ music which led the singing of the hymns but it was Mr Pankhurst who drew people back to the dreams which "Parson" Tom must have had for the progress of the Cornish Settlement and the well-being of all those who had come to live and work there. He suggested that our dreams for the future were of paramount importance too.
During the sermon, there was lightning and thunder both to the north and south of the valley. In making one cogent point, there was a rather loud rumble of thunder. As one elderly lady remarked afterwards, "I believe the Lord spoke in favour." For some present, they were pleased that the lightning did not avail itself of the high peak of Bethel Rock to make the point more definitely.
A Colonial Bush Dance was held at the Orange Police & Citizens Club on 16 November, featuring the music of the Currency Lads Bush Band, with a floor show by the Australian Heritage Dance Group.
150th Year Celebration Day had four main features: The Grand Parade, The Festival in Moulder Park, alive with music, entertainment, rides of every description, a rock concert, line dancing, re-enactments, craft displays, kite flying, bike racing, and food of all descriptions.
A service by the Combined Churches of Orange commenced at 6pm at the Library Forum to celebrate 150 years of progress for the City. This was followed by a Concert and New Vaudeville Show presented by local performers with a spectacular Closing Ceremony with a massed choir and orchestra. The Gala Mayoral Ball brought to a conclusion Orange's 150th Celebrations.