General News
8 August, 2025
Jeparit landmark ready to close its doors
Jeparit's 100-year-old St Andrew's Uniting Church is set to close its doors for the last time on Sunday, August 17, with its final regular church service to take place this weekend on Sunday, August 10, at 10am.
The regular service will be conducted by Walter Sholl, whose father, Rev. Ray Sholl, was the Methodist minister from 1951 to 1957.
The first Wesleyan service was held in Jeparit on August 3, 1890, in James Harkin's blacksmith shop for 14 locals.
Planks of wood were placed across farm machinery to form seating for congregation and the anvil served as the pulpit.
Services were then held fortnightly.
In 1891, Mr John Peterson, who held the right to the land in the Jeparit area, instigated a survey of the township of Jeparit in 1888 and began to sell township blocks at public auction.
It was on the condition that the area known as Pine Rise, current-day Sands Avenue, would be reserved for public institutions.
As a result, the education and police departments, and five churches were granted blocks of land along this street.
The Wesleyans gained the title to the prime location at the intersection with Broadway and the first trustees of the Jeparit Wesleyan Church were James C Jennison (chairman), Edward Bottle, Alexander Laing, George Porsser and William H Ross.
They took possession of the land in December 1891 and built their new church soon after.
In 1906, a two-room study was erected beside the church.
The foundation stone of the current site was laid by former trustee James Menzies on Sunday, August 16, 1925.
The first service was held on Sunday, March 7, 1926.
Beginning at 11am on August 17, the final church service at St Andrew's Uniting Church on Sands Avenue will celebrate the centenary of the laying of the foundation stone by James Menzies, while the official service of the church closure will also take place.
Former minister Rob Morgan (2007-2013) will be the guest preacher and Presbytery representative Scott Harrison will officiate the closure.
There will be the opportunity to share stories of times past and enjoy some fellowship over light refreshments at Jeparit Memorial Hall after the service where there will be some memorabilia on display.
A souvenir book containing history, memories and stories from past worshippers, and appropriately labelled bottles of 'Communion wine' will be available for purchase for $15.
These items can be pre-ordered from Campbell McKenzie, who can be contacted at 0438 722 660.
