A Parson in the Australian Bush by CHS Matthews

A Parson in the Australian Bush

by CHS Matthews

Rigby, 1973, ISBN 085179520, black and white photographic plates, illustrated end-papers (maps), hardcover, dust-jacket

Very Good Condition, minor edge and shelf wear, minor rubbing to edges and corners, dust-jacket shows minor edge and shelf wear, no inscriptions (see photographs)

"It was the time of the worst recorded drought in Australian history; temperatures in the open hovered around 130 degrees and both the land and the people were dispirited.  Matthews' base was Gilgandra and his parish was the Castlereagh District, vaguely described by a colleague as having 'no set boundaries, just uncounted square miles'.  With the exception of a solitary church at Gilgandra - an iron-roofed shed lacking even an alter - he was a parson without a pulpit.  his first service was held in the bar of an outback pub to the accompaniment of a beer-stained piano; his first wedding was held at 6 a.m. to avoid the heat of the day"