ABOUT VSU
Celebrating Continuous Spiritual Service since 1870.
Contrary to some beliefs, the VSU does not confine itself solely to communication between two worlds. It is also concerned with spreading the knowledge and philosophy on all matters relating to man, incarnate and discarnate, and the natural laws which regulate this life.
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This covers a very wide field including conditions in the afterlife, clairvoyance, clairaudience, reincarnation, healing, astrology and anything that will bring us to a wider and better understanding of life.
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This understanding will enable us to face anything that life offers, and help us to live a fuller life on earth and it will lift us beyond fear and ignorance so that we are able to develop to our full spiritual potential and fulfill our earthly mission.
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This is achieved through guest speakers on our Sunday platform, workshops, mediumship and reading a wide range of books.
HISTORY
The Victorian Spiritualists’ Union had its beginnings in Melbourne in 1870.
The Victorian Spiritualists’ Union had its beginnings in Melbourne in 1870, when one of the first Spiritualist churches in the world was opened under the name of The Victorian Association of Progressive Spiritualists – VAPS ( later to become the Victorian Association of Spiritualists – VAS).
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VAPS was founded by William Terry, a prominent bookshop and health store owner, of Collins Street, Melbourne. He was a healer held in high regard by his clients and many of the medical profession who regularly sought his assistance. He was also the editor of the “Harbinger of Light”.
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The original organisation commenced with 25 founder members and quickly became of a hub of Spiritualism within Victoria and the colony.
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The society attracted many eminent people, including Alfred Deakin (Prime Minister of Australia 1903-1904, 1905-1908, 1909-1910 ) who held the office of President for many years before taking on full time commitment in politics.
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During 1930, members of The Victorian Association of Spiritualists and the Melbourne Progressive Spiritualistic Lyceum joined together and formed the Victorian Spiritualists’ Union. This was registered under the Religious Successory and Charitable Trusts Act of Victoria.
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Today, the VSU is recognised by the Australian Government as a religious institution, and is permitted to perform Child and Adult Namings, Weddings, Funerals, Dedications and Ordinations. The VSU has ordained ministers who can provide these services.
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The VSU became an incorporated association on 9th July 1990.
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Meeting places of the VSU have included Collins Street, Flinders Lane, Swanston Street and A’Beckett Street Melbourne. It is now situated at 135-137 Boundary Road, North Melbourne and has a Branch Church located at 51 Patterson Street Ringwood East.
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In keeping with the Statement of Purpose, the VSU has created affiliations with many other Spiritualist centres.
Statement of Purpose
The Rules of the VSU lay down a Statement of Purposes for the Association.
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1. To pursue the recognition of Spiritualism as a philosophy, science and religion.
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2. To maintain the religion of Spiritualism on a sound and permanent basis by the investigation and advancement of spiritual truths and purposes, and the religious, moral, intellectual and physical training of its members.
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3. To teach and instil the belief in a supreme beneficent intelligence and the essential spiritual nature of man.
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4. To affirm the fatherhood of God, the brotherhood of man, the immortality of the spirit and its personal characteristics, the proven facts of communion between departed human spirits and mortals, personal responsibility with compensation and retribution here and hereafter for all manner of deeds done on earth and a path of eternal progress open to every human spirit who wills to tread it.
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5. To uphold, protect, expound and teach the principles of Spiritualism.
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6. To encourage and develop co-operation between all members of the Association, and with similar organisations and bodies that share the similar objectives and purposes as the Association. Click here for information about the management of the VSU.
Testimonials
Office Bearers
The VSU is managed and operated by a Committee of Management working in accordance with the Statement of Purposes and Rules. All Office Bearers and committee members are volunteers elected by the members.
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OFFICE BEARERS 2018/2019
President | Lorraine Lee Tet
Vice President | Gaylene Brill
Treasurer | Deborah Vella
Secretary | George Brill
Membership Secretary | Maria Russell
COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2018/2019
Olga Tilkeridis
Charlie Smith