
Ms Godding
In 1890 the Brunswick Baptist Church deacons met to discuss the behaviour and subsequent disciplinary action against one church member, known simply as Miss Godding.
Miss Godding had recently taken part in a public dance.
In her history 'Brunswick Baptist Church - The First 50 Years', the Rev. Dr. Marita Munro explains:
(Miss Godding) admitted the fact but she was in no way sorry for the action she had taken.
Acting secretary, Jesse Burton, was instructed to write to her for an explanation:
As our church is entirely opposed to dancing on scriptural grounds,
I am instructed to write and ask if you still intend to follow the same line of action...
I trust a reply will be forthcoming at your earliest convenience,
so that the church may decide what course of action to pursue.
No reply was forthcoming and Miss Godding's name
was removed from the membership roll in December 1890.
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Today, Miss Godding is honoured at our church as the feminist icon that she is. Our large "dance" hall is named in her honour, and is currently occupied by the wonderful people from Oddaný Gallery.