Celebrating 160 years in the community

HUGE celebrations are on the horizon for Mount Gambier’s Christ Church and the congregation are inviting the wider community to be part of the 160th anniversary.

It was in 1865 that the doors first opened and Christ Church is set to share the rich history of those 160 years from November 19 to 23.

Free church tours and a chance to take in a raft of historic documents and photos kick start the celebrations and 160th Committee chair Bill Hudd is encouraging the community to take a walk down memory lane.

You can take yourself through the buildings or take advantage of the guided tours on the half hour from 12noon every day from November 19-22.

“An experienced church person will guide you through Christ Church highlighting and explaining the history and architecture of the building,” Mr Hudd said. “View our beautiful 1865 stained glass windows, a magnificent pipe organ, hear stories about parishioners past who have made significant contributions to church life.”

One of the highlights is the stunning entrance door that was originally from a Scottish castle and there will be a complimentary history booklet also available.

Coinciding with the tours is the opportunity to head into The Vestry and take in what amounts to two years of hard work from the church’s archival team, to catalogue a large amount of documents, pictures and objects which help piece together the church’s history.

“The history is now archived professionally and conserved for future generations,” Mr Hudd said.

There is also the opportunity to actual speak to the archivists.

The anniversary celebrations peak on Sunday, November 23, with a Patronal Festival Service, as well as the Grand 160th Concert, where a gold coin donation would be appreciated.

The 9am service will see newly installed parish priest Reverend David Patterson teaming up with Reverend Mary Lewis, who is returning to Mount Gambier where she was once a doctor, to deliver the sermon and Holy Eucharist.

The service will be followed by a morning tea ahead of the 3pm concert with Jeremy Smith set to bring the pipe organ to life with local choirs, soloists and musicians also involved, with drinks and nibbles on offer after the concert.