Reverend William Ansdell Leech

Reverend Leech was born in County Mayo Ireland, a Barrister in London 1874-1882, and ordained in New Zealand, before moving to Sydney as a curate and priested in St. Andrews Sydney. He served in the Blue Mountains, moving to the Southern Highlands as vicar of Christ Church Bong Bong from 1888-1895.He formed a Ministering Children’s League (MCL), later the NSW Fresh Air League, providing holiday accommodation for poor children and city families at various farm houses in a healthy mountainous environment. By 1893 he was superintendent of seven farm houses. He died in 1895 at 53 years, having suffered from a lung illness. The program flourished for many years. His impressive marble grave was organised by his wife. His family crest was “the courage to do the right”.