Church House officially opened and dedicated

More than 100 members and friends of the LCANZ gathered in Adelaide’s CBD on Saturday (28 February 2026) to witness the official opening and dedication of the new Church House.

Although staff began moving into the LCANZ building at 139 Frome Street in late November 2025, and visitors have been welcomed since December, the February gathering marked the formal dedication of the premises as a hub for mission and ministry.

The service, led by LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith, began on the ground floor and unfolded as a journey through the building, culminating on Level 3. Along the way, members of the Indonesian Christian Fellowship of Adelaide led singing, adding a joyful, multicultural expression of praise.

During the service, Bishop Paul Smith highlighted the Scripture verse inscribed on a plaque unveiled at the opening: ‘Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus’ (Colossians 3:17). He described this verse as both a blessing and a commission for the ministry that will occur from Church House.

Two Church House staff members addressed those gathered: Tim Stringer, principal of Australian Lutheran College, and Lisa McIntosh, coordinator of the new Exhibition Centre opening later this year.

Students from Concordia College provided background music as guests enjoyed afternoon tea and, following the formalities, visitors took the opportunity to explore the building and its facilities. Before the dedication, LLL sponsored refreshments at the adjacent Funk Café, offering a relaxed space for conversation and fellowship.

The five-storey Church House brings together staff from the LCANZ Churchwide Office, Australian Lutheran College, Lutheran Media, LCA International Mission, Australian Lutheran World Service, Lutheran Education Australia and Finke River Mission. Envisioned as more than office accommodation, Church House is designed as a collaborative hub to support mission and ministry across the wider church.

The Exhibition Centre on the ground floor will provide opportunities for community engagement and education, with displays that reflect both Lutheran heritage and future direction. The exhibition area is expected to formally launch in time for South Australia’s History Festival in May 2026.

The Frome Street building was purchased following the sale of the LCANZ’s North Adelaide properties in 2024 and is located near Bethlehem and St Stephen’s Lutheran churches in Adelaide.