Subject

The Raising of Lazarus

Text

[LH] Son be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee Matt. 9C.2v. [RH] Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matt. 28C:40v.

Inscription

To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Louie B. Riggall V.A.D. who gave her life for the sick and wounded at Rouen, August 31st 1918

Description & History

A memorial to Miss Louie Riggall was unveiled by the Bishop of Gippsland, Dr. Cranswick, on Sunday 30 March 1919 in the presence of her family, friends and an overflow congregation. The window, the gift of her family, was designed and made by Brooks, Robinson & Co. and the subject, The Raising of Lazarus was chosen to illustrate 'Service' and 'the ministry in particular of women'. In his address, Dr. Cranswick recounted the mass of mourners who attended her funeral in Rouen to honour a woman who had 'given her service and her life freely for Empire'. The Riggall family were well-known graziers and horse breeders in the Maffra district who participated in the community through service on the local Maffra Shire Council and local voluntary organisations. Sister Riggall continued this service by leaving a bequest to incapacitated soldiers that was to be distributed through the Maffra Soldiers' Welfare League. A plaque to Sister Riggall was erected in the Maffra Memorial Hall in 1935.

Louisa B. Riggall (1868-1918) was one of eleven children born to Edward and Martha Riggall. She started life at Castlemaine, but the family moved to Gippsland in 1874. Louie Riggall showed early talent as a painter and was trained at Sale, Bendigo (under A.T. Woodward) and Paris before supporting herself through her work, notably her portraiture. She joined the Voluntary Aid Detachments of the British Red Cross (Australian branch) and began her war service at Broadmeadows before travelling to Egypt in October 1915. After working in the 14 Australian General Hospital for nine months, she spent time in England before being placed in charge of the Red Cross store at 1 General Hospital Rouen, France, where her fluency in French was an invaluable asset. Lieutenant-Colonel Murdoch officially recorded the success of her work and she was mentioned in despatches. Her death was caused by a cerebral haemorrhage; she was buried at St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen.

References & Acknowledgements

AWM Commemorative Roll; Australian Red Cross Society Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau files, 1914-18 War 1DRL/0428; Maffra Spectator, 24 February 1919, p.3; Gippsland Times, 27 February 1919, p.3; 31 March 1919, p.3; 19 June 1919, p.3; 17 February 1921, p.3; 2 May 1935, p.8; http://www.maffra.net.au/heritage/riggall.htm