General News
18 October, 2023
Noorat to celebrate 150 years ministry
NOORAT will celebrate 150 years of Presbyterian church ministry later this month by traversing the region to explore sites of great historical significance.
NOORAT will celebrate 150 years of Presbyterian church ministry later this month by traversing the region to explore sites of great historical significance.
Presbyterian services formally began in Noorat in 1873 with Reverend Fraser at the home of Mr and Mrs Carson.
A Sunday school and wooden church was erected the following year, but in 1883 the Niel Black Memorial Presbyterian Church was officially erected – and still stands to this day.
Designed by famed Scottish architect John Honeymoon, the bluestone structure features vibrant stained-glass windows and a large semi-circle apse housing the church’s historic 148-year old organ.
It is at the church where the 150th celebration will begin from midday on Saturday, October 28 before an approximate two-hour driving tour will be taken across the region to glimpse what lingers today of the denominational history.
A dinner will be hosted during the evening at the Noorat Recreation Reserve from 6pm, and the following day a special commemorative service will be held at the church from 10am.
Minister for Terang, Noorat and Camperdown Damian Meeuwissen said the occasion marked a significant milestone.
“We’re really thankful we’ve been able to maintain that over 150 years, not a lot of places have,” he said.
“We’re essentially giving thanks to God, for keeping us and having a presence in the community.”
Over the decades the ministry has undergone significant changes, including the closure of a number of churches, but Mr Meeuwissen said a constant had been the faithful in the community.
“The local congregation has been quite faithful, quite resilient with change over the years,” he said.
“We are fortunate there’s been a long progression of good ministers in this area over the years.”
With changes to the ministry, so too have there been changes to the practice of faith.
Mr Meeuwissen said people these days were less likely to attend church without reason and those who remain held genuine faith.
He believed an approach to ministry more focussed on people was integral to ensure the 150-year history continues strong.
“Ministry always has to be focused on the people, speaking the good news of Jesus,” he said.
“We don’t want to just bring young people to church, we want to bring all people to church – regardless of their generation.
“It’s a challenge – society has completely shifted from its Christian moorings, morally and in many other ways, and the church goes against that change.
“Looking back 150 to 200 years ago, church was the centre of society but it’s a different era.”
Despite the societal shift, Mr Meeuwissen remains busy with weekly services in Noorat at 11am, weekly bible studies and consistent hosting of visiting congregations across Noorat, Terang and Camperdown.
“You fill your week pretty quickly,” he said.
To learn more about the 150th commemoration events or to RSVP contact Jo Kenna on 0458 926 011.