MARRACOONDA

Marracoonda

The district of Marracoonda is situated in the Shire of Katanning and straddles the Great Southern Highway (Northam-Cranbrook Road).

The name Marracoonda is derived from the Aboriginal words “Marr” (hand) and “Coonda” (Coonac) pertaining to hands/claws. The area name comes from the Marracoonda Pools in the nearby Carrolup River. Its history dates back to the earliest days of settlement of the region with Prossers’ , Beecks’, Kings’ , Ranfords’ and Meharrys’ being some of its earliest settlers.

In 1907 the Baptist circuit of Katanning was divided into two as in the previous four years, five new stations had opened up. One circuit would be based at Woodanilling and the other at Katanning. Woodanilling circuit took in Cartmeticup, Cartmeticup East and Wardering plus the two places handed over by Wagin – Boyerine and Dumbleyung Lake.

The Katanning circuit encompassed Marracoonda, Carrolup (where a new building would soon supersede the old one), Coompatine, Ewlyamartup and Wernup.

The Baptist Union parishioners of Marracoonda raised the funds to build a stone church building which has a steep pitched corrugated iron gable roof. A front porch has been added (some time after the original construction) possibly in 1920 as the bricks have been fined in Coates’ brickworks. The foundation stone was laid by Mrs Metters on 3 June 1903. She was the wife of the Rev Alfred Metters who was based at Katanning at the time.

At the rear of the building (western end) a supper room was constructed with tongue and groove wooden ceiling. The interior of the church features wide jarrah tongue and groove flooring and there is a raised alter. Ceilings are masonite and electricity has been added. (from the inHerit website)

Mrs. G. E. Beeck
Mrs Beeck was the prime mover for the establishment of the Silver Chain Bush Nursing Association. With her husband she pioneered a farm at Marracoonda, Katanning.
Martha Caroline Beeck
Married and arrived Marracoonda the same day.

ALEXANDER PROSSER

Alexander Prosser

A South Australian by birth, Alexander Prosser migrated to this State with the Beeck family in l892 and shortly after selected land at Marracoonda, which he developed and added to as the years passed. He built it into the fine property he so aptly named ‘Happy Valley’. As soon as he had a home of his own, he married Anna, daughter of Mr. E. R. Beeck and served for nearly 50 years on the Katanning Road Board – 10 as its Chairman.
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Marracoonda Baptist Church.

Marracoonda Baptist Church c2000

BAPTIST CHURCH.
LAYING OF FOUNDATION STONE AT MARRACOONDA

Great Southern Herald
6 June 1903

On Wednesday afternoon, June 3, another evidence of the Baptists’ desire to bring the Gospel before the people on the Great Southern Railway was given in the laying of the foundation stone of a Baptist church at Marracoonda. Pioneer work was initiated in the Marracoonda district some seven years ago, and from that time services have been continuously carried on in the home of Mr. A. Prosser, and latterly in the State School house.

The undertaking to build a place of worship has been in view for some time, and it is now a cause of satisfaction to the friends interested that their desires in this respect are so soon to be realised in the completion of the building whose stone was laid this week.
The proceedings on Wednesday last opened about 4.30 o’clock with a hymn, prayer, and scripture read by Pastor D. Woods. About 75 visitors were present from Katanning and surrounding districts. Rev. A. Metters, late pastor of the Katanning Church, and now of Fremantle, attended as the representative of the Baptist Union of W.A., of which he is the vice-president. In an opening address as chairman of the gathering he took the occasion to congratulate the people of Marracoonda that steps had been taken to provide a building for the worship of God.

At the invitation of the local friends the ceremony of declaring the foundation stone well and truly laid was entrusted to Mrs Metters. Short addresses were delivered by Rev. F. H. Radford, of Wagin, Superintendent of Home Missions, Rev. W. Kennedy, of Narrogin, and Messrs Meharry, Prosser, Ranford, Harris, King and Beeck, Sen. A collection, taken up amounted to £14 5s. The building is to be built of stone with brick quoins and will have a seating capacity for 70 people.

After the ceremony had come to a conclusion an adjournment was made to the residence of Mr and Mrs Prosser, where every provision was made for the visitors to have tea, In the evening, at 8 o’clock, a public meeting was held in the State School, addresses being delivered by various speakers, Mr C. A. Harris acting as chairman. Solos and recitations were contribution by friends. A pleasant evening was brought to a conclusion by all partaking of supper.

NEW BAPTIST CHURCH AT MARRACOONDA.

Great Southern Herald
12 September 1903

The new Baptist Church was opened at Marracoonda on Sunday last (6 September), when the Rev A. A. Medley, of Katanning, preached in the afternoon and evening under most favourable auspices.

There were overflowing congregations at both services. The erection of this neat, substantial, stone church, almost free of debt, on grounds generously given by Mr A. Prosser, reflects great credit on the Baptists of the Marracoonda district. The opening celebrations were continued on Wednesday the 9th inst, when a successful tea and public meeting was held.

Mr M. King occupied the chair and congratulated the Marracoonda people on the heroic and generous spirit they had shown in building such a fine church in the locality. The Rev. A. S. Wilson, of Perth, who represented the Baptist Union of W.A., spoke hearty congratulatory words on behalf of the Union, and also complimented the district in having secured Mr Medley as their pastor. The Rev. W. Kennedy who had done splendid service in the earlier history of the church, expressed his pleasure at being present and sharing in the joyous occasion. The Rev. A. K. Ross (Presbyterian) congratulated them on behalf of his Church and Pastor Woods, of Woodanilling did likewise.

Mr P. Quartermaine’s secretarial report showed that much self-denial and generosity had been displayed in establishing the Church, and the treasurer’s report, read by Mr G. Beeck, was also of an encouraging character.

During the evening members of the Katanning Choir rendered choruses, and an instrumental duet (organ and violin) by Mrs M. King and Mr A. Morrell was well received. Votes of thanks were accorded the ladies who provided and presided at the tea, and the singing of the Doxology brought a successful and memorable meeting to a close.

MARRACOONDA BAPTIST CHURCH

Great Southern Herald
16 September 1905

The anniversary of the Marracoonda Baptist Church was held last Sunday when Pastor D. Shaw, of Tambellup, preached two excellent sermons. On Wednesday a largely attended tea meeting was held. Visitors were present from Cartmeticup, Woodanilling, Carrolup and Katanning. A sumptuous tea was provided by the ladies, after which a public meeting followed.

Mr W, Gilmour, of Katanning, presided, and in a neat address, congratulated the church on its success. The treasurer’s report submitted by Mr F. Quartermaine and supplemented by Mr Alex. Prosser, showed that good progress had been made and although money had been devoted to necessary improvements and comfort, a few pounds only remained as a debt upon the fine stone church in which they met for worship.

Pastors Shaw (Tambellup) and D. Woods (Woodanilling) also gave addresses. A glee party, composed of local singers, rendered a musical selection very creditably, and the Katanning church choir under the leadership of Mr Percy Rogers and assisted by the organ (Miss Cass), first violin (Mr Morrell, and second violin (Mr F. Rogers), rendered several anthems which were much appreciated. Pastor Shaw sang “The Heavenly Rest” in good style.

A duet by Amanda and Vera Beeck was well given. A child’s song by little Gracie Prosser to autoharp accompaniment by Mr Allan Prosser delighted the audience. Mr Morrell and Mr F. Rogers and Miss Cass gave an instrumental selection.
Votes of thanks were proposed by Rev A. A. Medley to all who had worked to secure so successful an anniversary, after which supper was provided in Marracoonda’s hospitable manner.

WEDDING REPORT – WILSON-MEHARRY.

Great Southern Herald
29 April, 1905

Our Marracoonda correspondent sends a full description of the Wilson-Meharry wedding which was briefly referred to last week :—
On Wednesday, April 19, a very popular wedding was celebrated at “Gannawarra,” the home of Mr and Mrs W. Meharry, the contracting parties being Mr Douglas Wilson, of Woodanilling, and Elizabeth Ann, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Meharry.

The ceremony was conducted by the Rev. A. Lusted, Presbyterian minister, at Katanning, in the presence of a large number of friends. Miss Mitchell, cousin of the bride, performed the duties of bridesmaid, assisted by the bride’s little sister, Miss Leila Meharry. The bridegroom was supported by his brother, Mr Albert Wilson, in the capacity of best man.

The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a very pretty dress of grey voile, trimmed with white silk, applique trimmings and gold buttons with the usual wreath and embroidered veil and carried a bouquet of white chrysanthemums and bridal creeper with white streamers. The first bridesmaid wore a handsome dress of grey cashmere trimmed with white silk, silk insertion and ruchings of silk ribbons. The little bridesmaid wore a pretty dress of white muslin trimmed with insertion and lace and streamers of blue ribbons.

After the ceremony an adjournment was made to the breakfast table when, after justice had been done to the good things provided, the following toast list was honored: “Bride and bridegroom,” proposed by Mr J. Mitchell, responded to by the bridegroom; “Bridesmaids,” proposed by Mr T. T. Cornelius, responded to by Mr A. Wilson; “Bride’s Parents,” proposed by Rev. Lusted, acknowledged by Mr Meharry, sen.; ” Guests,” proposed by Mr Mouritz, replied to by Mr G. A. Beeck.

The happy couple were then driven amidst showers of rice and old boots to Woodanilling to catch the 2.20 train for Perth where the honeymoon is to be spent. The bride’s travelling dress was of blue fancy voile trimmed with white silk, gold buttons with beaver hat trimmed with ostrich plumes.

During the afternoon the guests amused themselves with outdoor games and singing, and subsequently with songs and dancing up fill about 2 a.m, when most of them made a start for home satisfied with having thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

MARRACOONDA
EARLY BIRTH RECORDS

1903 Rhoda Victoria Prosser
1903 Harold Frank Quartermaine
1904 Doreth Rita Quartermaine
1904 Walter August Beeck
1905 Ileen Hervy Quartermaine
1905 Gelderoy Charles Dav Beeck
1905 Sylvia May Green
1905 Clifford Alexander Prosser
1905 Blanche Florence Quartermaine
1905 Lewis Keith Meharry

MARRACOONDA SCHOOL PICNIC.

Great Southern Herald
18 October 1905

(From our resident correspondent)
Beautiful, weather prevailed last Friday when the annual school picnic at Marracoonda was held, and as a result there was a good muster from the surrounding districts, and Marracoonda turned out to a man, this being the red letter day of the year in that locality.
As usual a marquee was erected on the ground, and tastefully laid-out tables were loaded with good things. The refreshments were provided by the ladies of the district, who also waited on the tables and great credit is due to them for the very efficient manner in which they carried out their part of the day’s programme.

Money had been collected to raise funds for the children’s sports and other necessary expenses, and a good programme of events was submitted to the youngsters who thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Various games were played by the young people during the afternoon, with lolly scrambles every now and then as a diversion and, taken altogether, it was one of the most enjoyable picnics that has been held at Marracoonda, which is saying a good deal.

Among the visitors were Mrs Wesley Maley, Mrs Bird, Mrs Medley, Hons F. H. Piesse and Wesley Maley, and Revs Bird, Parish and Medley.

At the conclusion of the sports programme Mr Maley, in a few well chosen words, congratulated Miss Bell on the behaviour and efficiency of her school children and called for three cheers for the popular Marracoonda schoolmistress, which were heartily given. Mr Alex, Prosser replied on behalf of Miss Bell, and thanked Mr Maley for recognising the good work that lady was doing, and also for being present, and asked for three cheers for Mr Maley which call was heartily responded to.

Mr Maley thanked the residents for their reception of him but said he would also like cheers to be given for the Hon F. H. Piesse, who had had to leave earlier in the afternoon. These were given and the tables were again besieged, but withstood the onslaught, and the attacking party had, in the end, to retire defeated, but determined to renew the attack as soon as opportunity offered, possibly at Woodanilling on the 18th inst.

In the evening a dance was held in the schoolroom and was kept up till about 1.30 a.m. Music was supplied by an accordion played principally by the Messrs W & C Beeck and J. Baker. Songs were given Messrs Drake and Toms, also “Doctor” Jones and were much appreciated.

The secretary, Mr Sweetser, deserves, a word of praise for his untiring zeal, and he was ably assisted by an energetic committee whose efforts went a long way towards making the picnic the success it was.

Fatal Accident At Katanning
Young Married Woman Killed.

Mount Barker & Denmark Record
3 December, 1942

An old and popular picnic rendezvous for Katanning people, the Marracoonda Pools, where various devices for amusement, hot water, cool drinks, etc., are provided, was the scene of a regrettable tragedy on Sunday last when the heavy timbers of a swing collapsed.
A young married woman named Stella Louise Lawler (26), whose husband is overseas with the A.I.F., was on the swing at the time and was struck on the head by a beam. She was taken to Katanning, some 17 miles, by motor truck but was dead upon arrival at the hospital. Eric Chamberlain, a railway employee, was admitted to hospital suffering from probable delayed concussion.
With her two young children and her brother, and Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain, the unfortunate young woman had gone out to the resort, known as Beeck’s Pools, to spend the day amid the pleasant rustic surroundings. An inquest will be held.

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MARRACOONDA SCHOOL
1896 – 1929

The Marracoonda school operated from 1896 to 1929 and had ten teachers during its time.

They are listed below:
1900 to 1910 – Mary Bell (also first teacher in Katanning)
1911 – Jennie Galt
1912 to 1916 – Mary Cameron
1917 – Emma Bates
1918 to 1920 – Martha Keast
1921 – Doris Catchpole
1922 to 1923 – John Deacon
1924
1925 – John Maryon

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MARRACOONDA HONOUR ROLL

World War One

Honour Roll WW1

The Marracoonda honour roll is in the Katanning Historical Society’s collection which include several from schools that have closed. One of these lists the pupils of Marracoonda School, with an inscription that seems to suggest that all of those on the roll ‘Died in Action’. The service records for D.W. Terlich and for B.S. and L.T. Quartermaine show that not all of those on the roll were killed. Walter David Terlich (5203), who was a member of the Cyclists Corps, died in the field in France on 24 June 1916. His initials have been reversed on the Marracoonda Honour Roll.

B.S. Quartermaine is Private Beven Quartermaine (3431), who enlisted in March 1917 and was repatriated after being seriously wounded. At least six men from Katanning named ‘Quartermaine’ went to France, probably children of a couple of families, and hence not all pupils of Marracoonda. (Two Quartermaines, for example, are included on the Moojebing School honour board.) L.T. is Louis Theodore (6320), who returned to Australia safely in 1919.

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