Wendouree Baptist Church has been an important part of Dawne Kinnersly’s life for almost exactly 50 years.
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Ms Kinnersly came to the church in its first year of existence and last weekend she and the congregation celebrated the church’s half-century milestone with an open day, dinner, lunch and other festivities.
She was there to cut the birthday cake, along with one of the church’s youngest members Ava, 2, representing the many different generations who are part of the congregation.
Pastor Stephen Parish said the church and its community had made a significant impact in the world over its five decades.
“Have you ever reflected on the number of people impacted in so many ways and so many places over the last 50 years by the acceptance, encouragement, giving and going of the people of Wendouree Baptist Church?” Mr Parish asked the congregation.
“It would a phenomenal number.”
The celebrations began on Saturday with an open day at the church drawing people from the local community, and several from further afield who had worshipped at the church over the years.
“The church actually began 50 years ago in December but we are celebrating a bit early because things get a little busy in December,” said Yvonne Jenkins, who is on the church’s events committee.
The open day featured timeline boards of memorabilia through the decades with photos, stories and room for visitors to place their memories. Also on display were cars – classic and modern – representing each decade of the life of the church.
A planned barbecue at Victoria Park on Saturday night was washed out in the storm that lashed parts of Ballarat, forcing revellers to retreat to the church hall to continue celebrations.
On Sunday before their weekly service they shared a morning tea and birthday cake, made by former parishioner Margaret Carr who also made the 21st and 25th birthday cakes for the church.
Ms Jenkins said the church placed a great deal of importance on its community engagement and support.
The church supports Eureka Mums and Soup Bus, as well as running a craft class, a Baptist Women’s Fellowship and a conversational English program, and is home to a Chinese ministry which holds fortnightly Chinese language services.