General News
14 September, 2025
St John’s Church Jeparit celebrated 100 years
St John’s Lutheran Church, Jeparit, marked 100 years of worship in its current church building with a weekend of thanksgiving and community gathering.
The two-day centenary celebrations began on Saturday with a small gathering of 30 in the church.
Jeparit Church’s organising committee member Mary-Anne Paech said: “On Saturday, we started our two days of celebrations with a small gathering of 30 meeting in the St John’s Church, praising God with congregational singing of hymns and an organ recital by our present Pastor – Pastor Carl Thiele, followed by Devonshire Tea.”
On Sunday, more than 140 people attended the Divine Service before moving to the Jeparit Memorial Hall for a luncheon.
"One hundred forty-three people attended on Sunday, starting with Divine Service in the church and later a luncheon in Jeparit Memorial Hall,” Ms Paech said.
Ms Paech said the weekend brought back familiar faces, the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and a special cake-cutting ceremony.
“Welcoming back former members and former Pastors, their wives and families, was very special,” she said.
“Unveiling of the Plaque on the church wall by St John’s member Ron Pipkorn was one of the highlights.
“Cutting of the anniversary cake by St John’s member Merlene Starick was a joyful moment shared with everyone.”
The congregation was first formed in 1890 under the leadership of Pastor A. Brauer, with services initially held in local homes before a brick church was constructed in 1905.
As the town flourished, the growing congregation replaced the original building in 1924 with a larger concrete church capable of seating 350 people.
The new church was dedicated in 1925, with more than 2000 people in attendance.
Ms Paech also reflected on the milestone and appreciated the initiative of the new and larger place.
“We are very thankful that our forefathers had the foresight to replace the older church building with a larger place of worship for themselves and for future generations," she said.
She encouraged people to join them in activities.
“We would like to encourage people in our community to join us in worship and activities.
“As the sole active Christian Church in Jeparit, we intend to remain having a Christian influence in the community.
“We give thanks to God for 100 years of worship in our church building.”
