General News
9 April, 2025
History in the making
The roar of vehicles at the enduro was drowned out by another sound – that of people singing in worship at the Southern Mallee Co-Operative Church in Rainbow – on Sunday March 30.
Returning worshippers including pastors and friends from interstate and across Victoria who travelled to give thanks for 130 years of Baptist worship and witness in the southern Mallee.
This year is also the 50-year anniversary of the Mallee Parklands Baptist Church, originally comprising the Baptist congregations of Speed, Turriff, Hopetoun and Rainbow.
The closure of Speed and Turriff have seen the remaining members worshipping in Hopetoun and Rainbow within the Southern Mallee Co-Operative Parish.
Smaller numbers and increasing legal requirements led to the decision to close the Baptist congregation and remain as members of the co-operative parish.
The closing service saw much rejoicing, laughter and remembering, as well as sadness.
Members and previous pastors were involved in leading the service, with Rev Graeme Semple from the Baptist Union of Victoria preaching the sermon, leading worshippers in communion and leading the closure.
Highlights included lifetime Baptist 96-year-old Dorothy Christian unveiling the plaque with the assistance of Joy Mclean, and a prayer of dedication from Pastor Eckerhardt Friesen who pastored from 1996 to 2000.
were also present with their wives.
Recent pastor Paul Noble and current minster Rev Susan Pearse were also part of the service.
Baptist members who also participated in the service included Daryn Clugston playing the music, Pam Clugston sharing a history of the Baptist Church, and Christine Grogan of Hopetoun leading prayers.
A sumptuous lunch was shared and Les Down of Turriff led a time of sharing and blessing of those gathered.
A visit to the original Baptist Church in Rainbow was a further highlight and the afternoon finished with more sharing over afternoon tea.
While the Baptist congregation may no longer be, the spirit of faith, hope and love in the Lord Jesus Christ continues, as does the active involvement of the church in the communities of Rainbow and Hopetoun.
Enquirers and other interested people are always welcome.
See the weekly paper for service details.
