Pics From The Past | Legacy of faith: Early Shepparton churches, part four

The earliest record of the work of the Baptist Church in the Shepparton district was April 9, 1882, when a morning service was held at Tatura, conducted by the Rev. C. Pickering, who had journeyed thither from Shepparton for the purpose.

The same evening at 7pm, he conducted the first service in Shepparton. A week later, on April 16, the first baptismal service was held in Shepparton when three believers were immersed by the Rev. Pickering in the Goulburn River. They were two daughters and a son-in-law of Brother Long of Avenel.

The first services of the church were held in the Mechanics Hall, and it was not until August 1892 that their own property was acquired for meetings at a cost of £150. This was a meeting house of the “Disciples of Christ”, situated on Edward St at the rear of the present church building in Fryers St.

Salvation Army

The work of the Salvation Army begun when two gentlemen, Captain Hoppner and Lieutenant Swift, established a corps on October 22, 1887. The army held its first meeting indoors in an old building at the corner of Corio St and High St, where Summers’ brick buildings now occupy the site.

Later, they moved to buildings opposite the police station on High St. The Corps developed and made more aggressive work, and it became necessary to secure rented property where larger attendances could be admitted to the services.

Consequently, the old Star Theatre and Parish Hall, also the building now occupied by the “Shepparton Advertiser”, were used, respectively, for services. In 1912, the present Army Hall on High St was built, and since then, it has been used regularly for meetings.

Methodist Church - 1902

The first minister in Shepparton under the new Constitution of the Methodist Church of Australia to take up work in the circuit in 1902 was the Rev. Ingham. He was in 1904, followed by the Rev. R. H. Crook, who resigned through illness in May 1905.

In August 1908, the present church was erected on the site of the old parsonage, which was moved further north on the neighbouring block of land. It is interesting to note that on the front of the building are two stones with the names of Messrs. Furphy and Longstaff in memory of these two pioneers who did much for the church to which they belonged. These stones were laid in August 1908. The church was built, at the cost of £1427, by Mr T. J. Kittle during the ministry of the Rev. E. O. Knee, the trustees at that time being Messrs. Ralph Longstaff, J.P., J. Furphy, C. Palling, J. Kittle, C. Norton, H. N. Brooks, W. F. Ford, JR., J. Dunn, J. Thorn, J.P., F. C. Johns, J. D. Mitchell, W. Macdermott and J. Roberts (trust secretary). The amount subscribed on the day of laying the foundation stones was £929.

Church of Christ

This church has been established in Shepparton for over 25 years. Services were first held in a private home. The building now known as the Scout Hall in Stewart St was acquired by this denomination in 1910, and services were held there up till 1923 when, through the pastoral oversight of Mr Clarence Lang, the present church was built at the corner of Nixon and Corio Streets.

The land was purchased from Mr W.M. Welshman, who lived on the opposite corner. The building was erected by Mr Willoughby, and the old meeting place on Stewart St was sold. In 1911, Mr Clipstone was the pastor, and through his fine work in the community, the church made great development. Other pastors who succeeded him were Messrs. Lang, Stewart, Larsen and Andrews. During Mr. Stewart’s ministry, a big Tent Mission was held on the block of land now occupied by the Council Chambers, with Mr Henrichsen as the evangelist.

At this time, many were added to the faith and were baptised in a bath in the tent, the water being heated by a fuel heater.

This mission evoked controversy due to the zeal of the evangelist on doctrinal points, and even letters were sent to the Press, one containing a challenge to debate by the missioner. However, the church made many new members at this mission and also at more recent revivals held in the church building.

Seventh Day Adventists

The Seventh Day Adventists came to Shepparton and established meetings through the medium of two Tent Missions in 1911 due to the influence of Mr William Burgess, an enthusiastic member. At the Tent Missions, large crowds assembled, the first being conducted by Mr W. C. Paap and the second by Mr C. P. Michael, both of whom were evangelists of the church.

A church was then organised with 60 members, and a meeting house was erected south-east of the railway station on Swallow St, where weekly meetings are held. Mr T. Behrens is the present presiding elder.

The membership has declined through migrating influences, yet members have gone to the mission field through the local church influence, while some have apostatised from the faith. The record of membership shows 22 on the roll today. In connection with this church, there is a live Missionary Volunteer Society.

Bible Christians

The Bible Christians were not actually established in Shepparton town. Services were occasionally held in the country north of Shepparton, and it is vague whether Wunghnu or Katamatite Churches pioneered these services.

However, a building was erected at Pine Lodge North, just outside the parish plan of Shepparton, which was attended by many from the Shepparton district, but eventually, they were absorbed by the United Free Methodists and later became part of the Shepparton Methodist Church.

The church at Pine Lodge fell on bad times, and the building was sold to the Church of England, who conducted services there for some time, but they, too, closed it and removed the building to Katandra West. It is now attended and conducted by Church of England parishioners.

Geoff Allemand is an amateur photographer and Lost Shepparton Facebook page admin. Please share your pics of the past at pastpics@mmg.com.au