Farleigh Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Mackay region, Queensland, celebrated its 100-year anniversary from September 26 to 28, bringing together current and former members for a weekend of worship, reflection and fellowship.
The celebration recognised a century of ministry since the church was founded in 1925 to serve the Australian South Sea Islander community. “It is a small church with a big history,” said one of the visitors.
Attending the event were current and former members, and past ministers, including Northern Australian Conference president Pastor Simon Gigliotti, who began his pastoral ministry at Farleigh.
Pastor Gigliotti reflected on the church’s early history and the dedication of its pioneers. “I [recently] read about the commitment and sacrifice of the founding members—I was moved. Some would walk a long way to worship together, others worked through tough conditions to establish the church building. I believe all sacrificed financially and then some left other congregations—even as respected preachers—as they discovered biblical truth and committed to it,” he said.
He added that the commitment continues today, “One hundred years later, we are still blessed with dedicated members who are helping Farleigh church shine its light in the community.”
Across the weekend, guests joined worship services, shared memories and participated in a prayer of rededication led by Pastors Gigliotti, Eric Kral, Chris Kirkwood, Matthew Pearce, Pat Tuialii and senior elder Helen Yasserie.
Reminiscing was also a part of the program, with many sharing memories. “Farleigh is renowned for the friendly, warm reception and hospitality to all denominations and cultures who have come to worship here,” said church member Arètha Yasserie.
Pastor Gigliotti encouraged church members to continue praying for the congregation, “Please pray for this church. That it would continue to be a beacon of light, a church of hope, until Jesus comes”.
