Pectoral Cross on display at The Ballance House, 28 April 2019

The Ulster New Zealand Trust is honoured to showcase the Pectoral Cross, pictured below, during this year’s Anzac Commemoration event.  This unique cross went out to display at Brisbane Cathedral last year.

Mr David Ratcliff will be telling the story of how his Great Uncle, Canon David Garland, came to be awarded the Order of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by the Greek Orthodox Church.   This was in the form of a gold cross containing "slivers of the True Cross” and was re-set as a pectoral cross by the community of Brisbane.  Canon Garland is heralded as the "Architect of Anzac Day" for his work in establishing the commemoration as it is now celebrated across the world.

Canon Garland’s family came from County Monaghan and emigrated to Australia (ultimately Brisbane) towards the end of 19th Century. He was called to priesthood in the Anglican Church and served in locations across Australia, and for a short time in New Zealand. He was an extraordinarily gifted priest with huge ecumenical commitment.  During WWI he served in the Australian Army, becoming a Lieutenant-Colonel Padre. He was with the Allied troops who entered Jerusalem in November 1917. 

On Anzac Day, New Zealanders and Australians, in particular, remember with pride the sacrifice made by the men of the Anzac Corps exactly 104 years ago in the Gallipoli Campaign but also those men and women who have made the supreme sacrifice in very many other conflicts all over the world ever since.  Here at The Ballance House we also remember, with gratitude and pride, the men of all the Irish Regiments who lost their lives during the Gallipoli Campaign.

Our Commemoration Service this year will be held on Sunday 28 April, 20.30 pm.  Following the Service Mrs Joan Christie CVO OBE, who has been Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim for 11 years, will be performing one of her last duties as Lord Lieutenant; Mrs Christie will speak on “The Lieutenancy and the Armed Forces”.