St James Whyalla celebrates 60 years
St James Lutheran Church in Whyalla recently celebrated 60 years.
In 1963, a bare double block was chosen for the St James church on the outskirts of the Whyalla township, thanks to the foresight of the founding members. Today, it stands proudly midway across the city population. Remarkable, also, is the fact it only took eight months to build by G J Rakauskas and his team for a contracted price of 15,322 pounds.
Our 60th celebration was in near-perfect weather, quite the opposite to its opening service in 1963, with over 39 degrees and hot, northerly winds. This 60th celebration may have been for the building, but the fellowships and fun enjoyed were ageless.
Pastor Lee van Rossen conducted the church service, inspiring us with God’s word and its relevance to us today. Pastor Tim Spilsbury, a prior pastor at St James, read the Bible reading. Our organist, Peg Brereton, enthralled us on the pipe organ, completing the church service with the Hallelujah Chorus to everyone’s delight.
Church attendance of 99 people included visitors from Laura, Wilmington, Burra, Kapunda, Hope Valley, Unley, Happy Valley, Para Vista, Quorn, Clare, Port Lincoln, Tumby Bay, Port August and Ipswich, Queensland.
Thanks to Di Zimmermann and her merry helpers, a banquet luncheon ensured no one went home hungry. The open mic session in the afternoon was a highlight, with past members sharing their stories of their time at St James. Also on display were congregational photos of past church events.
In the words of the church president, Keith Sichler, ‘It was a day filled with the renewal of old friendships and positive affirmations of people’s time in Whyalla and a time to reflect on the blessings the St James congregation has received over the past 60 years’.
Pictured above, left: Organist Peg Brereton, standing with Jim Havelberg, son of foundation members Paul and Rosina Havelberg. Pictured above, top right: St James enjoys its 60th celebration service. Pictured above, bottom right: Howard Havelberg, son of foundation members Paul and Rosina Havelberg, with his daughter Jenn Havelberg. Inset: St James Lutheran Church, built in 1963
Carolyn Ronan was the event organiser.
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