Geoff Sharrock, Enid Jenkins, Lesley Addinsall, Jenny Cowland and Nanette Sharrock from the multidenominational Macarthur Uniting Church.
Adapting to a changing world has been a successful motto for members of the Macarthur Uniting Church, which celebrates the 150th anniversary of the beautiful stone building next month.
A service and luncheon on Sunday, March 16 will recognise the building’s important place, and history, in the small country town in western Victoria.
That place in the life of the town is demonstrated on a regular basis, with three denominations joining together to continue an exciting journey of faith.
According to Church Council Secretary Sylvia Luke, the building boasts a rich and colourful history in Macarthur.
Sylvia says a foundation stone for the building was laid in 1874, before the first service took place in March 1875.
“History records that in 1881 a vestry and minister’s room was constructed at the rear of the church, donated by a parishioner, and in 1878 an organ was introduced to accompany services,” Sylvia says.
“However, some adherents left the church in opposition, never to return.
“In 1912 a new Sunday School building was erected, and later extended in 1925.
“In 1917 a generous donation of a house was made to encourage a resident minister to live in town, and this arrangement stayed in place until 1956 when the house was sold.
“In 1918 a church bell was donated and installed on a wooden tower and in 1939 a beautiful pioneer memorial window was installed over the entrance door.”
The Presbyterian and Methodist denominations joined to become the United church in 1960 and the Methodist church in Macarthur was sold, with worshippers coming together where a joint Sunday School had operated for many years.
In 1962 a new brick manse was dedicated for the resident minister’s use, which continued until 2005.
Change came again in 1977, when the Uniting Church was formed with the addition of Congregationalists.
While church attendance numbers were good, Sylvia says by 2015 concerns had grown about the future of the church, leading to a meeting in March 2016 to discuss the possibility of Catholic, Anglican and Uniting church members to come together.
“We now collectively worship for three weeks of the month, all together, led by each denomination’s leaders,” Sylvia says.
“In commemorating the 150th anniversary of this beautiful building we consider that we are not tied to the traditions of the past but try to adapt to the changing world in which we live.”
The service on March 16 takes place from 11am and further information is available from Sylvia on 0419 541099 or by email at sylvialuke767@gmail.com
