HOWARD Williams has been attending Scotsburn Union Church longer than he can remember.
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“Since I was wearing three-quarter pants,” Mr Williams said.
“There were no cars back then, just horses and buggies.”
The weatherboard church has seen many weddings, funerals and christenings in its time.
On Sunday, Mr Williams, 81, will help celebrate 130 years since the opening of the church.
Friends Heather Stokes, Pat Dobbyn and Rose Young will join in the celebrations.
“This building is available to all denominations,” Ms Stokes said.
“It is the centre for the community for us.”
Services are held at the church on the first Sunday of the month.
After Charles Milne discontinued his service at the church, the community began organising its own speakers. The church provides the only religious service in town.
Buninyong is the next closest town after churches in Lal Lal, Clarendon and Yendon closed.
Mr Williams said he had a soft spot for the people who attended.
“The building doesn’t matter, it’s the people that we meet here that do,” he said.
About 100 people are expected to attend the service on Sunday.
The Scotsburn Union Church began on April 10 in 1884 after district pioneer Andrew Scott donated an acre of ground.
The first recorded Anglican service was held in 1887, while Presbyterian and Anglican services ended in the early 1970s.
Carmel Welsh provided the service until 1979.
kara.irving@fairfaxmedia.com.au
AT A GLANCE
What: Scotsburn Union Church’s 130th anniversary
When: Sunday, with a service at 2pm followed by afternoon tea
Where: Scotsburn Union Church, Midland Highway
