WITH the unveiling of an interpretive sign marking their rich past, the congregation of Wagga’s Wesley Uniting Church has boldly stated its commitment to serving the city’s future needs.
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The sign declaring 150 years of worship was unveiled in Johnston Street on Friday morning by Betty Condon – the great, great grandaughter of Elizabeth Vincent, who donated land for the original Wesleyan Methodist Church, opened in 1865.
Wagga City Councillor Kerry Pascoe joined Ms Condon in unveiling the sign as council donated money for the structure.
“I’ve worshipped here for more than half of the 150 years,” Ms Condon quipped after the official ceremony.
In his speech, the church council’s deputy chairman, John Rumens, spoke of the current congregation being stewards of the church.
He said he would like the congregation to be beneficial stewards and to leave the church the better for their work.
Mr Rumens paid special tribute to Hugh Clifton, who has served the church in various capacities for more than 70 years.
“He has made a life-long contribution to the smooth operation of services at Wesley Uniting Church,” Mr Rumens said.
Church pastor, Reverend Mosese Taufa, spoke of some of the significant work done by the church to support the community, including the breakfast at school program, supporting the School for Seniors and assisting with the resettlement of refugees.
“As the church grows, our vision grows,” Reverend Mosese said.
He said the church had helped 3354 clients during 2014, made 2353 sandwiches and sold 1411 hampers at discount prices of $5 and $10.
The money saved by people who bought the hampers – compared to supermarket prices – was $103,640, the pastor said.
“Who knows what the future holds, but I am looking forward to the future with great hope for the work that God will do in this place,” Reverend Mosese said.
Member for Wagga, Daryl Maguire, spoke of the importance and relevance of churches in the modern world.
“Now, when I reflect on worldwide events, even more important to our community is our churches and the services our churches give,” Mr Maguire said.
“And when trouble occurs around the world, people do look for the strength of the church, they do look for leadership of the church and they do look for the strength of congregations.
“And that, to me, is clearly evident when we see the events that are occurring worldwide.”
Mr Maguire and Reverend Mosese both touched on the role the Uniting Church in Wagga would play in the resettlement of some 300 Syrian refugees expected to arrive in the city in coming months.
The interpretive signs notes the first Wesleyan Methodist Church chapel was opened in Johnston Street on April 30, 1865.
It was used for 13 years before being replaced by a much larger church on the corner of Johnston and Fitzmaurice streets.
It was officially opened on March 18, 1877.
This building was replaced by the current Wesley church opened on the corner of Johnston and Tarcutta streets on October 22, 1949.
The term Wesleyan Methodist was used until 1902 with the union of the various branches of Methodism in Australia.
In 1977, the Methodist, Congregational and a substantial proportion of Presbyterian churches in Australia combined to form the Uniting Church in Australia.
