Commemorative Service for Rev Christopher Bunning

The Co-Chair of our Deacons, Nick Brunton, led a special commemorative and healing service on Sunday 11 October for the Reverend Christopher Bunning, which coincided with World Mental Health Day. Nick undertook meticulous research, in particularly reaching out to and collaborating with the Charlotte Baptist Chapel (formerly Rose Street Edinburgh). Bunning left Rose Street and came over to Australia from Scotland and was the Minister at Aberdeen Street Baptist in Geelong for eleven years before being called to West Melbourne in 1884. He was a highly respected and influential Minister for nine years here at West Melbourne before his pastorate ended tragically when he suffered from severe physical illness and mental distress, leading to his untimely death by drowning in late November 1893. It truly weas a healing experience for those who were able to attend.