Melrose Park Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Australia celebrated its 60th anniversary this past Sabbath (August 24).
Past and present members and pastors gathered at the church, formerly named “Southern Memorial”, to share memories during the morning and afternoon services.
Current attendee Rowan Machaka presented the church’s history, reflecting on a time in history when questions were raised about shutting the church down due to dwindling numbers.
Mr Machaka also reflected that, despite the challenges, the church has continued to engage the wider community, including embracing multiculturalism.
A combined church choir sang “The King’s Business”, before South Australian Conference president Pastor David Butcher urged church members to continue God’s work despite challenges.
“Are you prepared to drop whatever you’re clinging to that will hold you back?” he told the capacity crowd. “Are you looking at Him who endured the cross and took your sin and my sin, or are we looking at those around us that may discourage us? Jesus has won the race. He wants to run with you. He wants to run for you.”
Guests also shared in a communal lunch in between the services where attendees reminisced memories and were able to view a small display of historic photos.
