Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

The Baptist Church was crowded on Sunday evening, November 25th. when a Praise and Thanksgiving service was held to celebrate the safe return of Pte. Oswald B. Wilson, one of the church officers' and secretary of the Sunday School. Seated on the platform were Crs. H. Hughes (president of the Shire), Rouget. and McGhee. Mr. J. Hutchinson (superintendent of the Sunday School). Mr. S. J. Wilson (secretary of the church) and Ptes. Allan W. Frier and Oswald Wilson.

The service was an intensely spiritual one, and the note of praise and thanksgiving was sounded right through. Pastor J. J. Proctor conducted the services, which opened with the Doxology, followed by "God Save the King." and "God Save our Splendid Men." Rev. Proctor then read Psalm 104, after which he explained the object of the service. In his opinion, every time a boat load of heroes returned, he thought the Prime Minister should call for a thanksgiving service in some central place. He considered that the church, to some extent, had been lacking in honoring our returned men, leaving it for outside bodies to do. He had much pleasure in welcoming home a soldier of Oswald Wilson's stamp, and had read his letters with great interest, giving accounts of the people and the places he was visiting in the old land, having met those self-same people years ago himself when it was his privilege to go home.

President Hughes expressed his pleasure at being present at such a service. He knew Os. Wilson as a boy: he also knew his father as a boy: and he felt right glad to welcome him back from the front. Os. Wilson had heard the call of Empire: he had left a comfortable position in the local bank to suffer the hardships of war, and had returned to us maimed: but they were honorable scars. Many a young man would be proud of such wounds. He felt proud of the boys who were willing to face death so bravely when king and country called them, and he hoped that Pte Wilson and his friend, Allan Frier, would live long and enjoy good health and be a help to the community in which they lived.

Cr. Rouget said he had the same sentiments as Mr. Proctor. and he thought the Exhibition or Town Hall should be taken to hold a large thanksgiving service each time our boys returned. He was pleased to add his word of welcome to those of the president and the pastor. These two lads had gone out to fight a ruthless foe and returned after each losing a right leg. We could never thank them enough for what they had done. Nothing was too good for our brave men. The Christian church to-day was stripped of its noblest and best young men, who willingly gave up all to avenge that brave little country, Belgium. He prayed that the two heroes before them that night would soon regain their usual health, and be helpful citizens here again, as they were before they went away.

Mr. J. Hutchinson. as superintendent of the Sunday School, said he was glad to he able to give a word of welcome to his co-worker. Os. Wilson, who had helped him so much in the school until he heard the call to higher service abroad, and he trusted that the church, the school, and the town, would he the better for his return. The highest honor and respect should be paid to our brave fellows who had done so much for us.

Mr. S. J. Wilson thanked all for their kind expressions of welcome to his son and his friend, Allan Frier, of Geelong. He had a lot to thank God for-the skill of nurses and doctors, the kindness of friends in England and Scotland, were almost unbelievable. He wished to pay a great tribute to the Red Cross. Its work amongst our lads was beyond telling, and he urged all to do their utmost in Red Cross work.

Pte. Oswald Wilson responded. He felt overwhelmed by the great welcome accorded him at the railway station and again at the church. He was only sorry he could not have done more for king and country, but God had ordained it otherwise. He felt he had only done his duty, and what young man would flinch at that. He and his friend had been shown the utmost kindness everywhere. If it had not been for the skill and wonderful patience of doctors and nurses, he would not have been alive that night. The Red Cross had been a great factor in making life more enjoyable, and it was a noble work carried on by noble women. He felt if there was anyone who should praise God for His wonderful goodness he was the one. It encouraged them greatly in all times of danger and pain to know that there were loved ones at home praying for them, upholding them before the Throne of Grace. If it were possible he would willingly go back and help the poor boys in the trenches. His thoughts were ever with them. But, as that was impossible, he urged every young man to do his bit in the mighty struggle.

Pte. Allan Frier briefly responded, thanking all the speakers for their kind remarks. Although he was a Geelong boy, he felt it was an honor to be present that night to welcome his pal. Os. Wilson. They were companions in affliction, and suffered williingly in such a good cause. They had travelled through Scotland and England together, and had nothing but kindness shown them. He could fully endorse all that had been said about Red Cross work. They thanked God for His protecting care and for all the good friends He had raised up for them.

During the service. Mrs. Thompson sang "After the Rain Comes the Sunshine." and Miss Newsome sang "Twas Wondrous Love That He Should Let Us Meet Again." Rev. Proctor made an earnest appeal to any eligible young men who cared to fill those two boys' gaps in the ranks, and heartfelt prayer was offered for those who had recently been bereaved.

Source: 1917 'WELCOME HOME TO PTE. OSWALD WILSON.', Ringwood and Croydon Chronicle (Vic. : 1914 - 1918), 30 November, p. 3. , viewed 12 July 2026, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92088176