St. Andrew’s Uniting Church, Strathbogie
History
St Andrew’s Uniting Church and its predecessors (the Methodist and Presbyterian churches) have been meeting the spiritual needs of the Strathbogie community since 1878.The present church was constructed in 1922 following a fire in the original Presbyterian Church. The Methodist church, situated next to the current garage building, was sold in 1984 following the formation of the Uniting Church in 1977 when the Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches joined together.
Services
Today, St Andrew’s at Strathbogie and St Andrew’s at Violet Town form the Violet Town Parish enabling resources to be shared and co-ordinated.
Church services are held:
- the 2nd and 4th Sunday each month at 11am at Strathbogie
- every Sunday morning in Violet Town at 9.30am
The Church
In addition to regular worship, St Andrew’s Church has many features which reflect the past and current history of the district such as the two large stained glass windows on either side of the pulpit and the more recently installed leadlight window in the porch commemorating past members of the district. The pulpit was made from local timber by Adam Wakenshaw. Other items commemorating former members include the organ, the communion table and baptismal font.
The cross behind the pulpit was crafted by Ken Dunnachie with timber from a fallen Cyprus tree on his property. Ken has provided wonderful service to the church being a long-time member of the church and past organist for 60+ years.
Diane Mackrell provides wonderful music for all our services, accompanying the hymns using various instruments including the organ, harp, piano accordion and ukulele. Di also is the leader of the Strathbogie Singers who practise each Wednesday evening from 7.30-9pm. The Singers welcome anyone to join the group (no prior experience required) – contact Di Mackrell 0439 008500 for further information.
The annual Carols by Candlelight service at Christmas time, featuring the Strathbogie Singers, is a highlight of the year with the church being beautifully decorated for the occasion both inside and out.
Another highlight for the Church is the annual ecumenical Easter Sunday Sunrise Service on Mt. Wombat.
Other outreach projects also supported by the church include Mission Aviation Fellowship, Frontier Services, Operation Christmas Child and Drought Relief.
Contact us
If you would like more information or to discuss any matter, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of the congregation or contact Joan Wood on 5790 5297. Better still, you are most welcome to come along to a service.
Additional information regarding the Violet Town Parish can be obtained at http://www.violettown.unitingchurch.org.au
