Celebrating 180 Years of Encounter Bay Mission School

On Sunday, October 27, Victor Harbor Lutheran Church, in partnership with Encounter Lutheran College, Miwi Inyeri Pel-epi Ambi Aboriginal Corporation (MIPAAC), and the Ramindjeri Ngarrindjeri community, gathered to commemorate a historic milestone—the 180th anniversary of Pastor Henry August Eduard Meyer's mission school at Encounter Bay.

In 1840, Pastor Meyer journeyed from Germany with a passion for sharing the Good News in the Ramindjeri language, an approach rarely taken by missionaries at that time. His commitment to learning and documenting the local language laid the groundwork for preserving the Ngarrindjeri language and culture for generations.

Supported by his wife Friederike, Meyer established the mission school, which opened on October 27, 1844, where both education and cultural respect took precedence. The Meyers nurtured the community’s children, teaching them not only academic subjects but also skills like knitting and sewing. Pastor Meyer’s dedication sparked a legacy that continues to influence the Ngarrindjeri community today, including the revival of the Ramindjeri language over the past 40 years.

The 180th anniversary service featured a moving rendition of "Amazing Grace" in Ngarrindjeri, sung by elder Aunty Leonie McCallum, and The Lord's Prayer as translated by Rev. G.W. Taplin. This gathering was a beautiful reminder of the power of language in fostering reconciliation, connection, and faith.

Reflecting on Pastor Meyer's legacy, Encounter Lutheran College Principal Kelvin Grivell emphasized the importance of language as a vehicle for spreading the gospel and honoring cultural heritage. Teacher Nyree Davis shared how the Ngarrindjeri language is interwoven into the school’s curriculum and reconciliation efforts, normalizing its use in everyday life.

This anniversary was not just a celebration of the past, but a commitment to continuing the journey of respect, understanding, and shared faith.