Trinity Church Historical Society, 2004

This large volume contains 700 pages, of which 147 are taken up with endnotes, 15 appendices, biographical notes on the contributing authors, an extensive bibliography and two indices: one on names and the other on subjects. Wonderful!

This is an excellent reference book for those interested in Australian history and should sit on library shelves both private and public. In his Foreword, Professor Blainey states, 'This is one of the most comprehensive histories to be written of an Australian church'. I agree; the authors are to be congratulated.

Having tried to review this book in my own words – and without going too overboard in my praise – I can only turn to part of the accompanying explanatory leaflet by the General Editor himself, from which I quote: 'A German Church in the Garden of God reflects the life of an ethnic congregation preaching the universal Christian message. While fully integrated in everyday life in Australia, Trinity Lutheran Church in east Melbourne has maintained its distinctive German language and customs over these 150 years in a climate alternating between acceptance, tolerance, adversity and indifference.

'Authors from various walks of life, all with a keen interest in the history of German immigration to Australia, have contributed to the book. Chapters and essays each bear the cachet of their writer's individual approach and world view. They portray Trinity's history against the background of Melbourne's and indeed Victoria's and Australia's changing political, economic and cultural circumstances during the last century and a half. At the same time they trace the impact which world events and the resulting push-pull factors on migration have had on the life of trinity congregation.

'A German Church in the Garden of God, the definitive history of Trinity Church, provides a unique insight into the life of German-speaking immigrants to Victoria and Australia. This 700-page book is profusely illustrated with over 350 photographs, lithographs, maps and other documents including 16 colour pages; it will appeal to the reader with a general interest in Australian history as well as historians and genealogists who will find the detailed references a useful research tool.'

Thank you, Mr Mees! Succinct and to the point.

Review by Donald Crewe