Joseph Medcalf Funeral ServicesOur History of Service
Joseph Medcalf Funeral Services has served Redfern & Belmore (Sydney) and surrounding areas since 1880. We have provided local residents with quality, caring funerals for a solid one hundred and twenty plus years.
The founder of this firm, Mr Joseph Medcalf, was identified with Redfern for many years, his business having first started as a furniture warehouse at the corner of Redfern and Regent street in the year 1876.
A few years later Joseph Medcalf established the present funeral service business, combining with it French polishing for the building trade.
Joseph Medcalf set up at Redfern to service the then General Cemetery which was sited at Devonshire Street in the area where Central Station is now located. That cemetery was progressively closed from 1888. Meanwhile, a new cemetery was established at Botany and Joseph Medcalf arranged the first interment on 11 February, 1894, which also marked the opening of the Presbyterian portion of the cemetery. Jospeh Medcalf also conducted the first Roman Catholic funeral there on 9 March 1894.
Mr Medcalf was first elected as an Alderman in 1881, and continued his connection with municipal matters in Redfern up to the passing of the Local Government Act, when, since he had moved to Bexley, he found it necessary to retire.
During his connection with the council Joseph Medcalf was twice elected to fill the office of Mayor. In the days when old Albert Cricket Ground was famous as the arena where many hard-fought matches were won and lost, he was a prominent cricketer and an enthusiast in the sport, as were many of the players of those days, who found pleasure in fighting over again battles which often called forth greater enthusiasm and effort than those of recent years.
Here at Joseph Medcalf Funeral Services — as a wholly Australian family-owned business — we are proud of our history, and proud to ensuring ongoing and outstanding service to the local community.
The Future...
Is courtesy and dignity:
Remember our name. Joseph Medcalf Funeral Services gives you
the choice. It's up to you. Do you want a dual service, first at a church or
chapel, then at a crematorium or cemetery? No problem. Or, do you want an
elaborate formal event? A simple private farewell in a chapel or other
private venue? Joseph Medcalf's will help. Our professional, trained and
dedicated staff will assist you with every decision. They will guide you,
advise you, and provide you with the support you need. It is our privilege
to serve you — then, now, and in the future.
02 9698 2644
Joseph Medcalf's
Then...
In the years following the Second World War large and elaborate funerals with street processions and rigid social guidelines were the norm.
Now...
Today each family has individual requirements, varying faiths, and different needs for a funeral. Our community is diverse and multicultural. Joseph Medcalf's has changed to reflect this. Each service is designed to reflect individual wishes.
A Redfern & Belmore Family Company Since 1880
