Celebrating 100 years of church service at St David’s (from left) Walter Lawrence, Reverend Alex Hilliard a former minister, and Joan Knight whose father served on the original board of management of the church.By Kellie Godena
A THANKSGIVING service and a book launch marked the 100th anniversary of the St David’s Presbyterian Church at Woori Yallock last month.
Current and former parishioners came together on 12 October to celebrate the memorable milestone.
The service was conducted by Reverend Phillip Burns, who came up from Geelong for the day, in front of many of the church’s regulars, as well as several ex-ministers who made the journey for the historical celebration.
Church regulars Walter and Rita Lawrence have been involved with the church for 70 and 50 years respectively.
Mr Lawrence became an elder in 1965 and says the church has played an important role in his life.
“It means a great deal,” he said. “It has a great avenue of service and helps many people.”
They also worked on two books written on the church by Dr Helen Gillan, one tracing the history from 1908 to 1988 and the other covering the next 20 years.
The church not only operates on Sunday but almost every day of the week. It includes bible studies, playgroup, after school clubs, a ladies club and a lending library.
Mr and Mrs Lawrence say they are very happy to be a part of the church which has endured for a century due to two influences.
“The Lord has kept the church going” Mrs Lawrence said. “But our faithful members have as well.”
