The Presbyterian Church at Shelford was erected in 1859, close to 'Golf Hill', one of Victoria's oldest pastoral properties, which was established in 1836. The window was an early design by Christian Waller (1894-1954), dating from 1931. The unusual design did not follow a traditional style, eschewing architectural work in canopy and base and instead dividing the space into three lancet shapes. The central section was filled with a large galleon, a reference to Commodore Biddlecombe's naval career, and the outer sections Waller reserved for various devices (birds etc.) as well as the two saints, St. Andrew for Biddlecombe's Scottish heritage and St. Nicholas, patron saint of seafarers.
John Biddlecombe (1858-1929) was born at Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England. He was in Australia by the 1890s and serving as a Sub-Lieutenant in the Victorian Navy, having previously served as a Merchant Marine officer on the Cluny Castlefor England. Lieutenant Biddlecomble joined the naval contingent sent to China in support of international efforts to lift the seige of Peking and suppress the Boxer Rebellion. On his return to Australia Biddlecombe sought leave to fight in the Boer War, attached to 6 Dragoon Guards. He retired with the rank of Commander to 'Golf Hill' at Shelford although he remained involved with naval affairs. In August and September 1918 he was an honorary staff member with the transport office of the Navy, organising troop departures to the war in Europe. He died on 11 April 1929 and was buried in Geelong.
References & Acknowledgements
AWM Nominal Roll 1900-1901 China; David Thomas (ed.) et al, The Art of Christian Waller, Bendigo Art Gallery 1992.
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