Coronation celebrated in Archies Creek

ROYAL memorabilia set the scene for a special service to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III, with Grace Chapel in Archies Creek hosting the detailed and reverential event.

Local monarchist and lifelong collector of royal memorabilia, Evelyn Chetland, was in her element speaking alongside some of her treasured items.

She reflected on Charles having spent most of his life preparing to be King and having watched his mother’s coronation when he was just four years old.

Pastor Peter Muir was another fitting speaker given his own upbringing, recalling his parents’ passion for the monarchy.

“When we had a dog, we couldn’t have anything but a corgi,” he said of their devotion.

“They always painted a positive picture of the Royal Family and the monarchy.” 

Peter then moved onto the strong ties between the coronation and religion, something that was clear to see on Saturday evening when the event got underway.

“God save the King is mentioned eight times in the Old Testament,” Peter said.

Martin Andrew detailed the Coronation Stone, outlining its religious significance as well as particulars such as its 153-kilo weight and variety of names by which it is known.

Wonthaggi RSL president Dan Lucas highlighted the long association between the RSL and the monarchy, noting Australian service personnel play an important role in the coronation, and extending his congratulations to King Charles on behalf of the RSL.

While the Grace Chapel audience had a largely royalist vibe, Wonthaggi’s Tom Gordon was an exception.

“I’m probably a republican but I respect the crown,” Tom said, adding he thinks it’s time to think about being a country in our own right but without breaking ties with Britain.

Another attendee, Sandra Fowler, was a child during Queen Elizabeth II’s first visit to Australia after her coronation and would have presented the then new monarch with flowers if not for a health problem.

The most stirring moment of the celebratory service was a rousing rendition of ‘God Save the King’, with the audience enthusiastically singing its first two verses.