Sonia Neill, Lorraine Coleman and Brad Georges welcome all to the Seymour Presbyterian Church for Sunday evening services.
Photo by
Billie Davern
Seymour’s 87-year-old Presbyterian Church stands tall as a symbol of local action.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Just years after the peak of Australia’s Great Depression, the church-goers raised the money required to construct the new church, and its hall and manse.
“It took the congregation one year to save the money for it,” Lorraine Coleman said.
“The elders of the church went and visited everyone and asked if they wanted to make a pledge to donate to the new building, on top of their tithing.
“They all pledged money. It was just an amazing effort to get this up.”
On the corner of Anzac Ave and Guild St, the church looks out to one of the busiest parts of town.
Evening services have made a return to the church, led by Brad Georges, who also preaches at the Nagambie Presbyterian Church.
Mr Georges said his teachings were all about the belief that there was a wider plan for everyone.
“What we try to lay out here is, ‘What’s God’s big plan?’ And, he actually lays it all out in the Bible,” Mr Georges said.
“We like to ask, ‘Why doesn’t he tell us a little more about exactly what the plan is?’
“We ask ourselves frequently, ‘What’s happening next here? What’s gonna happen in Ukraine? What’s gonna happen next in the Middle East? What’s gonna happen next in Australia? What’s happening in Europe?’
“We know God has a plan ... As you come to know (Jesus), and know what he wants for you, and what God wants for you as a holy God, then it begins to give you a complete understanding of things, not only in this life, but eternally.”
The trio said they hoped locals would feel welcome within the church.
Photo by
Billie Davern
Ms Coleman said she hoped people would feel welcome in the church.
“I’d like to break down the barriers of this church,” she said.
“I’ve always wanted to have an open day for all of the churches in Seymour, because the Catholic Church is a lovely church, too. The Uniting Church is a sweet little one.
“I’ve had people come up when I’ve been cleaning the church, asking to have a look. They’re just dying to know what’s inside.”
Regular services are held every Sunday at 5pm at the church, with a warm meal provided afterwards.
Church-goer Sonia Neill said, other than the teachings, it was the community that really made the church special.
“In the church, we like to support each other. We do pray for one another when people are sick,” Ms Neill said.
“You get together after, and you really learn about how things are going with each other.
13°C