Historic church marks 150 years of blessings

Almost 500 people gathered in the South Australian town of Point Pass last weekend (11 and 12 April) to celebrate Immanuel Lutheran Church’s 150^th anniversary.

Featuring a thanksgiving service, historic musical performances and the launch of a book on the history of the church in the state’s lower Mid North, the festivities drew descendants, visitors, former residents and church members, and people with a connection to Immanuel College, which was founded there in 1895.

The 524kg bell in the church’s 1913 bell tower tolled to begin the two-day event, while the Lemke organ – first used when the church opened on 9 April 1876 – was heard across the weekend. The first song, played by former Immanuel organist Des Schild, was ‘So walt es Gott! das ist die Strasse’ (‘So be it, God willing, this is the road’), which was sung on the church’s dedication day.

The Saturday afternoon program also included a performance by the Tanunda Liedertafel, led by conductor Matthew Falland and organist Sarah Afshin Pour. This performance brought to life historic pieces of music recently rediscovered in a chest of music associated with St Peter’s Lutheran Church at Point Pass. Much of the music was handwritten by members of the St Peter’s choir, which folded when the church amalgamated with Immanuel in 1959. The story of the unearthed music was shared online and on TV by ABC News and can be seen at: Rediscovered sheet music performed at 150th anniversary of Point Pass Immanuel Lutheran Church – ABC News

Also among the day’s events was the launch of There’s a Point to it, a book on the church’s history written by Samuel Doering, who recovered the historic music.

The following day, a worship service led by Eudunda-Robertstown Lutheran Parish Pastor Jacob Fabich thanked God for his many blessings through the Immanuel congregation. Pastor André Meyer, who served Immanuel between 2005 and 2010, preached the sermon, reminding worshippers that, through God’s grace, the congregation has been empowered to bless many people across its history. Among the worshippers was Gordon Schutz, who at 101 is the oldest member of Immanuel and has been a member since his baptism at Point Pass in June 1924.

As part of marking the church’s 150^th birthday, there have been multiple projects to restore and refurbish the historic building. These have received support from the LCA’s Alf and Charlotte Stiller Fund, Redeemer Lutheran Church in Goolwa, SA, Immanuel College and State and Local Government sources.

You can watch a recording of the anniversary weekend thanksgiving service at: https://streamadelaide.live/point-pass-lutheran-150