Church celebrates

By Kath Gannaway
RECORDS show that a large crowd attended the opening service at St Pauls Anglican Church in Seville in 1886.
The congregation would have stood proudly admiring the simple, unadorned, timber structure which was the result of a lot of hard work and support by members of the local community.
On Sunday, 23 July this year another large group of proud parishioners and members of the local community will again show their appreciation of the little church, which has grown somewhat over the years but remains a pivotal place of worship and friendship for its growing congregation.
A short history of the church shows there were a number of times over the years, including during the depression years, when there were fears the church would close.
It survived and, according to Shirley Holland, a member of St Paul’s 120th anniversary organising committee, after a general decline in church attendances in the ’70s, the St Pauls congregation is once again growing.
The celebrations will start with a traditional service at 11am which will include a baptism at the historic Tasmanian blackwood font that was purchased along with prayer desks in 1912.
Former vicar The Reverend Michael Goodluck will be returning as guest speaker for the celebration.
Following the service, the committee will host a luncheon and display of historic memorabilia in the adjoining church hall.
The current lectern, donated by Thomas Henry ‘Harry’ Payne, whose grandfather was one of the district’s early settlers, the ‘four seasons’ vestry garments on loan from Mont De Lancey, and photographs will be among the memorabilia on display.
A history of the church, compiled by committee member Jenny Lindsey, will be on sale on the day with proceeds going to support for chaplaincy in local schools, one of the parish’s most valued projects.
Mrs Holland said all members of the parish, which takes in Seville, Wandin and Mt Evelyn, are looking forward to marking 120 years of Christian service to the community and they invite members of the wider community to join them.
For further information, phone The Reverend Phil Gale on 9735 0480 or Norine on 5964 2124.