Polden William
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William Polden Jnr. The Bunyip Friday 30th May 1902 detailed the great shock that William Polden Jnr. had “crossed the bar”. His illness was a brief one although friends “detected signs that he was somewhat run down and would be better for a rest”. He complained “only of a headache and lapsed into unconsciousness from which he never returned. The deceased has left a widow and three little children."
"The Baptist Church, of which he was 14 years as a member, has sustained a heavy loss by his decease”. “…for 8 ½ years he held the position of Secretary.” “For some years he occupied a position on the deaconate, and for the last two years carried out with exemplary faithfulness the duties of Treasurer. He was never afraid of work and put his whole soul and ability into everything he undertook. He was a man of conscience, splendidly loyal to his convictions; a man to be depended upon.”
“He was what is commonly called a “sticker”, so consistent and persistent. His was a big tender heart and a beautifully sympathetic spirit. He filled the important post of Secretary of the Sunday-School. That he greatly endeared himself to the members and adherents of the Baptist Church was evident last Sunday morning. Signs were not wanting that he left a large number of friends who mourned the passing away of one dearly beloved.”
“The Rev. H.E.Hughes conducted a most impressive in memoriam service, and during the rendering of the “Dead March” almost the whole congregation was moved to tears.” “William Polden died in the faith of Christ at the early age of 32”. “The deceased gentleman was a prominent member of the Rechabites and Sons Temperance orders.”
William Polden lived in Union [Second] Street, Gawler South and was interred in the Willaston Cemetery on May 30th 1902.
[From research undertaken by GHT member Margaret Howse, the Second Street home was in lots 216 to 218. This positions it just south of 3rd Street on Second Street.]
Bunyip Friday 26th September 1902, …”The teachers have decided to erect new classrooms for the boys, and the new buildings are to be called the “Will Polden Memorial Classrooms” in memory of our late secretary”. ..”The Rev. H.E. Hughes explained that the proposal was to build three classrooms. They would cost about 100 pounds, and they had about 15 pounds in hand. They hoped to raise another 15 pounds bu that anniversary, and when they got 30 pounds more would go to work.”
E.H.Coombe, MP - History of Gawler 1837 – 1908 p184 says “In April 1903,a lecture Hall as a memorial to the late Mr. Wm. Polden was erected.”
There are many reference to a wooden bridge called “Polden’s crossing” which eventually got destroyed in a flood and it is possible that the name was generated by the service in the Gawler community given by William Polden Jnr.
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