The McCallums and their community
![]() |
Friendship arises out of mere companionship when two or more of the companions discover that they have in common some insight or interest or even taste which the others do not share and which, till that moment, each believed to be his own unique treasure (or burden). The typical expression of opening friendship would be something like, “What? You too? I thought I was the only one.” —C. S. Lewis, The Four Loves PHOTO CAPTION: The McCallum family with Murray Gofton, Jennifer Fenton and Julie Gofton inside the Sunday School at its new home. |
The McCallum Family in Springfield, Northeast Tasmania, are one of Australia’s few Amish families. The more I read about them, I feel they are like the New Order Amish or the Beachy Amish Mennonites, in the sense that although they live off the grid, they are very friendly to their neighbourhood and the public. They also play musical instruments (where most Amish do not).
They follow the 4 core values of the Amish culture: faith, family, community and simple life. This family have inspired me to learn from them. The first blog post I did on them was an introduction, this blog post will be about their community life where they bought the St Paul’s Sunday School. The next blog post on them will be about family banking.
I will post this article and videos from Jeff Jennings before, I give my thoughts.
![]() |
We need to reach the millions who live in cities, the hundreds of thousands in industrial centers, the tens of thousands in medium-sized towns, the thousands in small towns, and the hundreds in villages -- all these at once. Like a volcanic eruption, a spiritual revolution needs to spread through the country, to spur people to crucial decisions. People have to recognize the futility of splitting life up into politics, economics, the humanities, and religion. We must be awakened to a life in which all of these things are completely integrated. - Eberhard Arnold [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.azquotes.com/quote/968138] BLOG: https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2023/07/140th-birthday-for-eberhard-arnold-july.html |
DISCLAIMER: This article is written by Taylor Clyne. It does not belong to me.
Sunday School breathes new life
• The McCallum family with Murray Gofton, Jennifer Fenton and Julie Gofton inside the Sunday School at its new home.
• The St Paul’s Sunday School on the move to its new location. Drone shot by Jeff Jennings.
By
Taylor Clyne
March 04, 2020
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIN1qszhed_FoBFFsMANp2GDb3sicYBXrViw05Xou7Slj_-4ksqGHLY-4ZOCo01NrK4S_CS3A6jbkwgk3GDLTaNrM5pf0_0me6BSvJ9ynS0T2q24kig01x-i2f2AA0usIuPqodTWhK1Y8clPdmV3B6KnS0qNf4PATq1F-i4k9A7915NhObKQo4zVRwug/w400-h225/Amish%20Community%204c.jpg)
The
St Paul’s Sunday School on the move to its new location. Drone shot by Jeff
Jennings.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIN1qszhed_FoBFFsMANp2GDb3sicYBXrViw05Xou7Slj_-4ksqGHLY-4ZOCo01NrK4S_CS3A6jbkwgk3GDLTaNrM5pf0_0me6BSvJ9ynS0T2q24kig01x-i2f2AA0usIuPqodTWhK1Y8clPdmV3B6KnS0qNf4PATq1F-i4k9A7915NhObKQo4zVRwug/w400-h225/Amish%20Community%204c.jpg)
The St Paul’s Sunday School on the move to its new location. Drone shot by Jeff Jennings.
The next chapter has begun for St Paul's 126-year-old Sunday School after a mammoth community effort to relocate the historic building to its new home with the McCallum Amish family.
Now residing next to the Springfield Hall with new all-day sun shining over its dilapidated exterior, the road to restoration and a reflection on its life makes quite the story.
The Church of England Sunday School was built in 1894 on a quarter acre block donated by Mrs Cherry near the intersection of the current Tasman Highway and South Springfield Road.
In 1923 it was moved by George Gofton driving his bullock team just down the road to its site on his land, in memory of his father James William Gofton who died in 1923 aged 73.
Here it was the base for the St Paul’s Mothers’ Union and was still operated by the Church until they sold it off in 1998.
In the same year the building was purchased by Una and Tom Gofton, both great supporters of St Paul’s, and until their recent passing had sat on Gofton land for 97 years.
Son Murray Gofton said the family’s decision to sell the special hall to the McCallum’s was an easy one.
“It was an easy decision given the recent history, mum very much wanted someone to take on the Sunday School and look after it,” he said.
“It was first offered to the Anglican Church and St Paul’s but after much discussion they decided that they wouldn’t take up the donation.
“Mum and Dad had a beautiful relationship with their neighbours the McCallums and when mum passed, she very much wanted them to buy the land.
“At the time they weren’t in the position to do so but instead the proposal of the church came about.
“I know they would be very happy about the outcome and the fact it’s going to get the love it deserves.”
Moving day took place on Friday afternoon thanks to the expertise of another neighbour John Lette and his sizable low loader alongside many other family and friend helpers.
“I was a bit surprised, she travelled down really well, it gave a bit of a lurch when we first left the site and I thought aww geez this isn’t going to be good but the top never moved at all and it arrived looking great,” Murray explained.
![]() |
The family that works together, eats together, and prays together, stays together. – Amish Proverb Meet the McCallums, one of Australia's few Amish families Ever wanted to not just slow down, but jump off the grid? A family leaves behind the trappings of the 21st century to lead a simple, pious life in rural Tasmania. Springfield Farm Fresh Produce - McCallum Family [PHOTO SOURCE: https://maps.app.goo.gl/r9BLz6rNjPR59YG99] BLOG: https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2023/05/family-value-quotes.html BLOG: https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2023/11/the-mccallums-one-of-australias-few.html |
Bethany McCallum said the afternoon was quite emotional with many memories shared from attending community members.
“We wished Una was here to see it happen,” she said.
“This is going to be such a wonderful project for our family, we would like to hold church in it and have a place for the community to come and hear hymns.
“The acoustics are amazing, we couldn’t help ourselves and had a sing in it the first night it arrived,” Bethany said.
The interior still has the original blackwood timbers and dainty square timber windows that were used in its construction in 1894, both features the McCallums say they plan to refresh and rejuvenate.
“The roof is leaking quite badly so that will be our first item to fix, as well as the cladding and installation of front steps.”
The McCallums say once they have completed the project, they would love to hold monthly music nights and have opportunities for public viewing.
“We would also really like to put a special plaque on the front with the Gofton’s name on it to truly thank them for their kindness and generosity in making this happen,” Bethany said.
It is so pleasing to see the historic icon being preserved and used as a place of peace, harmony and family enjoyment.
Congratulations to all involved.
24A KING
ST | SCOTTSDALE | TASMANIA | 7260
OFFICE HOURS: MON – THUR 9am TO 5pm
OFFICE: 03 6352 2642
EDITOR EMAIL: editor@northeasternadvertiser.com
https://northeasternadvertiser.com/featured-articles/sunday-school-breathes-new-life
![]() |
A happy home is more than a roof over your head, it’s a foundation under your feet. – Amish proverb Painting of an Amish family and their farm – Amish Cheer cards P. Buckley Moss always inspires. [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=833692898559777&set=a.538551114740625] BLOG: https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2023/05/family-value-quotes.html |
![]() |
New life for church hall in North East Advertiser [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=622308563231360&set=a.468559138606304&type=3&] BLOG: https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2023/11/the-mccallums-and-their-community.html |
![]() |
Two Amish women riding on a buggy
Amish buggies are a
common sight in many rural areas, but what do you really know about them? These
traditional horse-drawn carriages have a rich history and cultural significance
within the Amish community. In this guide, we'll explore the design, purpose,
and unique features of Amish buggies
The Very First Horse and Buggy [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=916573710579729&set=a.428825349354570] https://thesamuraiseven7.blogspot.com/2024/04/sisters-of-sword-2-samurai-sisters.html https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2023/11/the-mccallums-and-their-community.html |
THE THREE VIDEOS BY JEFF JENNINGS ON THE MOVING OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL HALL:
UHD Amish Sunday School Springfield
On a magnificent day in late Summer, the re location of the old Springfield Sunday School by the McCallum Amish family and friends was particularly moving. The old building was in danger of oblivion but now this enterprising family are going to restore it its former glory and use it as a place of peace, harmony and enjoyment.The interior still has the original blackwood timbers that were used in its construction in 1894.The music I selected for this video clip comes from the movie "Witness" which featured an Amish family in the USA in the 1980's. The most moving part of the music is the track "Building the Barn" which was the background to scenes of Amish families coming together to erect a barn for one of the group
FB VIDEO SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/DorsetTasHistory/posts/pfbid0h6PMWAM5Ct6uoTb584LgUMndyhJ3sbPohrAcYyLwa3b18jWaoRKBSV7pN9avm93pl
RUMBLE VIDEO: https://rumble.com/v1baph7-uhd-amish-sunday-school-springfield.html
BITCHUTE VIDEO: https://www.bitchute.com/video/Hfv1btO8Onwf/
VKontake Video: https://vk.com/video543023742_456239068
YT VIDEO SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEnm5MjGz_E&t=74s
UHD Amish Sunday School Springfield Part 2
Part 2 of the evolution of the old Springfield Sunday School. This building has had an interesting history having been moved three times. Built in 1894 on land near the present Springfield store it was moved in 1923 to land owned by George Gofton. Then in 2020 it was moved by the McCallum family to its present location near the Springfield Hall.
Part 1 of the moving can be seen at https://www.facebook.com/460251911060177/videos/799099047265399
Its great to see the building being restored to its former glory by the Amish McCallum family and friends. The working bee was interrupted by a cold southerly squall just after a practice musical presentation by the family.
In the future, Part 3 will see the building completely restored and a musical presentation, keep watching this space.
FB VIDEO SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.jennings.31/videos/10222189649002915
RUMBLE VIDEO: https://rumble.com/v1bar2p-uhd-amish-sunday-school-springfield-part-2.html
BITCHUTE VIDEO: https://www.bitchute.com/video/iSRaFEZuGYgi/
VKontakte Video: https://vk.com/video543023742_456239069
The Heazlewood Violin Story
A moving story of the handover of a family treasure, to an Amish family who will cherish and play a violin,brought to the Springfield district of north east Tasmania, by the Heazlewood family in the pioneering days of Scottsdale.
FB VIDEO SOURCE: https://fb.watch/f1aN2ZXXCl/ …. ….. https://www.facebook.com/DorsetTasHistory/videos/358810769414416
RUMBLE VIDEO: https://rumble.com/v1gqsgj-the-heazlewood-violin-story.html
BITCHUTE VIDEO: https://www.bitchute.com/video/cfexyCOkg4ps/
VKontakte Video: https://vk.com/video543023742_456239071 .... https://vk.com/wall543023742_181
VIDEO SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n66vE3I4zJ4&t=996s
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/hobart-your-afternoon/family-heirloom-donated/13751210
MY THOUGHTS:
![]() |
Christianity means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ. No Christian community is more or less than this. Whether it is a brief, single encounter or the daily fellowship of years, Christian community is only this. We belong to one another only through and in Jesus Christ. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.azquotes.com/quote/875190] https://www.eberhardarnold.com/explore/intellectual-influences-and-contemporaries
|
As
mention above, the McCallums follow the Four core values of the Amish culture, they
bought the Sunday school hall to be used as a place of peace, harmony and family
enjoyment. They want to raise a community as the
Bruderhof founder, Eberhard Arnold
was quoted as saying:
![]() |
“We must live in community because we are stimulated by the same creative Spirit of unity who calls nature to unity and through whom work and culture shall become community in God.” — Eberhard Arnold [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.plough.com/en/topics/faith/prayer/eberhard-arnold-an-appreciation] BLOG: https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2023/07/140th-birthday-for-eberhard-arnold-july.html |
Like the Barnhouse Raising, the McCallum family and their friends and even the tradesmen all helped to not only move the hall but also to paint and fix the small building. I believe they could have completed it in less than a day or two. As there is an Amish proverb goes as saying: “
![]() |
Very few burdens are heavy if everyone lifts. – Amish Proverb [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.pinterest.com.au/amishw/amish-proverbs/] https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2023/06/team-preaching-is-like-barn-raising.html |
![]() |
If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. - J. R. R. Tolkien |
As J.R.R Tolkien mention above, the McCallum family are a musical family so they value food, cheer and song. The mother, Bethany is a music teacher, so she trains her children to be musical. Music is very good for the community, as it brings them closer together. As the famous musician, Ludwig Beethoven was quoted as saying:
![]() |
I wish you music to help with the burdens of life, and to help you release your happiness to others. - Ludwig van Beethoven [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.azquotes.com/quote/702875] |
In conclusion, the McCallum Family are a great inspiration for community living. I recommend people follow their example in living together. As Eberhard Arnold said:
![]() |
True community arises out of transformation, and only transformation can make real community. – Eberhard Arnold Explanation: Eberhard Arnold's quote, "True community arises out of transformation, and only transformation can make real community," highlights the deep connection between personal growth and the formation of genuine communities. According to Arnold, an authentic sense of belonging and interdependence within a community can only be achieved through individual transformation. This transformation encompasses inner change, personal development, and a willingness to transcend self-interest for the greater good of the community. In this context, transformation refers to an ongoing process of self-reflection, growth, and a conscious effort to nurture meaningful relationships. It is through this collective commitment to transformation that individuals can contribute to the creation of a vibrant, supportive, and interconnected community, where shared values, empathy, and mutual respect flourish. [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.bookey.app/quote-author/eberhard-arnold] BLOG: https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2023/07/140th-birthday-for-eberhard-arnold-july.html |
AMISH-MENNONITES LINKS:
“Buying a chunk of land, building a home, and raising our children away from the noise. That is the goal.”
If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. - J. R. R. Tolkien
The McCallums – One of Australia’s few Amish families
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2023/11/the-mccallums-one-of-australias-few.html
The Church At Springfield
https://thechurchatspringfield.com.au/
True community arises out of transformation, and only transformation can make real community. – Eberhard Arnold
The McCallums and their community
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2023/11/the-mccallums-and-their-community.html
Brandenberger Family Music
https://www.youtube.com/c/BrandenbergerFamily
What makes Amish life simple: family, home, community, and faith.
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2023/11/community-living-quotes.html
The family that works together, eats together, and prays together, stays together. – Amish Proverb
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2023/05/family-value-quotes.html
Happiness comes from spiritual wealth, not material wealth... Happiness comes from giving, not getting. If we try hard to bring happiness to others, we cannot stop it from coming to us also. To get joy, we must give it, and to keep joy, we must scatter it. - John Templeton
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2023/07/participatory-budgeting-for-community.html
Amish Family Size: How many children is typical?
Amish families are large, with 6-7 and even up to 9 children on average
https://amishamerica.com/how-many-children-do-amish-have/
Four Core Values of the Amish culture:
https://www.amishbaskets.com/blogs/blog/amish-values
https://www.amishvillage.com/blog/the-4-core-values-of-the-amish-culture/
https://www.amishfarmandhouse.com/blog/learning-to-speak-like-the-amish/
https://swisshistorical.org/events/swiss-mennonite-175/
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2023/09/dawdi-haus-for-elderly-parents.html
Springfield Tea Room
https://www.aussiedestinationsunknown.com.au/2019/01/31/springfield-amish-tea-room-tasmania/
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fgBHoegufTk2Bs1UA
Heredi Jews singing = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO9_rhaLjZE
![]() |
Barn raising in Brampton A barn raising, also historically called a raising bee or rearing in the U.K., is a collective action of a community, in which a barn for one of the members is built or rebuilt collectively by members of the community. Barn raising was particularly common in 18th- and 19th-century rural North America. A barn was a necessary structure for any farmer, for example for storage of cereals and hay and keeping of animals. Yet a barn was also a large and costly structure, the assembly of which required more labor than a typical family could provide. Barn raising addressed the need by enlisting members of the community, unpaid, to assist in the building of their neighbors' barns. Because each member could ask others for help, reciprocation could eventually reasonably be presumed for each participant if the need were to arise. The tradition of "barn raising" continues, more or less unchanged, in some Amish and Old Order Mennonite communities, particularly in Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and some rural parts of Canada. The practice continues outside of these religious communities, albeit less frequently than in the 19th century. Most frames today are raised using a crane and small crew. |
VIDEOS ON THE PLAIN PEOPLE LINKS:
Very few burdens are heavy if everyone lifts. – Amish Proverb
We do not relegate the pulpit work, or the rest of the church’s teaching, to the lead pastor to handle as much as he can alone and then fill slots when he’s on vacation. We value plurality in teaching, and preaching, just as we value the plurality of elders in decision-making, oversight, and pastoral ministry throughout the week. We begin not by asking how the lead pastor can preach as much as possible, but by asking how we can most effectively teach and preach as a team of pastors.
- Team Preaching by David Mathis [https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/team-preaching]
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2023/06/team-preaching-is-like-barn-raising.html
"If we don't want the government to tell us how to conduct our church affairs, we had better not tell them how to run the government.” – 1001 Questions and Answers
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2023/10/how-amish-cope-with-covid.html
The Amish way of life | FULL DOCUMENTARY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRodjLbdTps&t=1463s
Inside the Amish & Mennonite Community - Full Documentary - Living Plain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwL_evg5z1I&t=1235s
Mennonites: Life in the Ultra-Conservative Christian Colonies of South America (Documentary)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdyVNoazurI
The lives of the Amish in the US | DW Documentary
Jan 6, 2024
A life just as it was 300 years ago: the Amish in the US. They live according to their own rules, reject technological advances, wear old-fashioned clothing and drive horse-drawn carts. An encounter with the Amish is like traveling back in time.
Originating from southern Germany and Switzerland, the Amish community brought its culture and language to the New World. Deeply rooted in their faith, the Amish adhere to strict codes and reject modern technology. For outsiders, these rules can sometimes appear strange. They traverse their rural communities in horse-drawn carts, but if a distance is too far, they’re allowed to use a shuttle service. They don’t use telephones unless it’s for business purposes and the device is located outside of the home.
Children are expected to help with housework even when they’re attending school. But before they’re baptized as young adults and finally become part of the Amish community, they’re allowed to try what’s called the rumspringa: a period of time when they’re encouraged to behave like regular teenagers - before deciding on which lifestyle they prefer. But those who opt for a conventional, modern existence are exiled. The film sheds light on a fascinating world governed by tradition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9He5DVePvk
Cute Pony video = https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtQVOlhLXQ-/
![]() |
The McCallums go shopping in Woolworths. Elizabeth pushes Abi in the trolley.Credit: Meredith O'Shea Money is only a tool, not a goal. – Amish Proverb BLOG: https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2023/11/the-mccallums-one-of-australias-few.html |
Day 1 Moving Sunday School
Mar 1, 2023
This the detailed video of day 1 of moving the St Marks Sunday School from Bridport to Springfield. This building was used for a multitude of purposes, line and tap dancing, girl guides, cubs, brownies and a school library as well as a Sunday School. It was impressive to watch a team of professionals navigate the tight spaces to set up their gear and move the building without doing any damage. Part 2 will show how it travelled by road through Scottsdale, up Saliers Hill to its new home on the Amish family farm at Springfield.
FB SOURCE: https://fb.watch/j-CVILKhFe/
YT SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCr-eYMNqnA
RUMBLE VIDEO: https://rumble.com/v2j6jhu-day-1-moving-sunday-school.html
BITCHUTE VIDEO: https://www.bitchute.com/video/mESBcErrl83C/
VKontakte Video: https://vk.com/video543023742_456239089
https://goo.gl/maps/r3GFg991ScVhx7o27
https://www.abr.business.gov.au/ABN/View?id=40127826736
https://northeasternadvertiser.com/featured-articles/sunday-school-breathes-new-life
Day 2 Sunday School Move
Mar 2, 2023
This is the second day of the St Marks Sunday School moved to the McCallums Amish farm at Springfield. There was quite a crowd at Saliers Hill waiting to see the wide load negotiate the narrow avenue between the trees.
FB SOURCE: https://fb.watch/j-CY0RSLiJ/
YT SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edOfabIxfwY&t=247s
RUMBLE VIDEO: https://rumble.com/v2jluee-day-2-sunday-school-move.html
BITCHUTE VIDEO: https://www.bitchute.com/video/2nYELNl6BunJ/
VKontakte Video: https://vk.com/video543023742_456239090
https://vk.com/id543023742?w=wall543023742_224
https://goo.gl/maps/r3GFg991ScVhx7o27
https://www.abr.business.gov.au/ABN/View?id=40127826736
https://northeasternadvertiser.com/featured-articles/sunday-school-breathes-new-life
https://vimeo.com/539429269/5a910346a1
![]() |
Riestererhof: Bauernhof Urlaub in Münstertal Schwarzwald [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.riestererhof.de/] The Black Forest house (German: Schwarzwaldhaus) is a byre-dwelling that is found mainly in the central and southern parts of the Black Forest in southwestern Germany. It is characterised externally by a long hipped or half-hipped roof that descends to the height of the ground floor. This type of dwelling is suited to the conditions of the Black Forest: hillside locations, broad tracks, high levels of snowfall and heavy wind loading. Individual farms, such as the Hierahof near Kappel, which are still worked today, are over 400 years old. The Black Forest house is described by Dickinson as very characteristic of the Swabian farmstead type. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Forest_house |
INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY LINKS:
Foundation for Intentional Community (FFIC):
https://www.facebook.com/FoundationForIntentionalCommunity
https://ecovillagebook.org/ecovillages/sieben-linden/
https://www.facebook.com/OekodorfSiebenLinden
Pilgrim Hill, Tasmania:
https://www.pilgrimhill.com.au/en/
https://www.pilgrimhill.com.au/en/blog/
https://pilgrimhill.org/give.php
The Bruderhof:
https://www.facebook.com/TheBruderhof
Celastrina Rebecka
https://www.youtube.com/@celastrinarebecka
![]() |
An Amish farmhouse AKA Heemet in Pennsylvanian Dutch [PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.amishbaskets.com/blogs/blog/do-the-amish-use-banks] https://www.amishfarmandhouse.com/blog/learning-to-speak-like-the-amish/ BLOG: https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2023/11/the-mccallums-one-of-australias-few.html .... …. https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2023/09/dawdi-haus-for-elderly-parents.html |
Comments
Post a Comment