General News
25 August, 2025
Final service
THERE was a mixture of joy and sadness at Stawell’s Seventh Day Adventist church last Saturday week as the historic church building at the corner of Clifton Avenue and Stanton Street hosted its last service.
But unlike so many other churches forced to close due to declining numbers, this was a positive gathering as the congregation prepares to worshiping in a new home.
The church recently bought the old Salvation Army citadel in Main Street and will hold its first service there tomorrow.
The congregation hopes the move will enable a greater focus on community needs and service.
The move will facilitate a larger worship area with adjoining hall with modern kitchen plus storerooms and meeting rooms.
The old church in Stanton Street was built in approximately 1908 and demonstrates some design qualities of rudimentary Federation Gothic style.
Church elder Garry Tierney said past and present members gathered at the old church on Saturday for one last time, sharing memories over a fellowship lunch.
“It was sad in one way but it’s very good to be moving to a bigger and better building.
“We moved in on Sunday and we were overawed by how nice it was. We are very fortunate to have this opportunity,” Mr Tierney said.
The Seventh Day Adventist Church will open the doors to its new premises to the public on October 11 to help celebrate a new chapter in Stawell.
From last Saturday, the church will meet every Saturday at its new location.
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