HISTORY was made at Beachport last Sunday with an Anglican service being held for the first time in the Uniting Church.
Millicent/Beachport Anglican parish priest Father John Thompson led the service of Holy Communion with parishioners of both denominations in attendance at the Foster Street church.
Worshippers from both denominations welcomed the opportunity to worship together.
Uniting Church lay preacher Hazel Watson praised the sharing of the church facilities.
“I am so excited and I think it is a wonderful thing,” Ms Watson said.
“We can worship together and have a minister with us.”
Originally from New Zealand, Anglican parishioner Pamela Linnell has lived in Beachport for the past eight years.
“I think it is a great idea,” the life-long Anglican said.
“The services are similar.
“I will come every week (to the Uniting and Anglican services).”
Anglicans have been able to use their own church buildings at the seaside for the past 140 years.
The first St Nicholas Church was built of timber and was used from 1878 until 1923.
In that year, a “new” St Nicholas Church was erected in stone on Railway Terrace and it was used until August.
Declining attendances and maintenance issues prompted the closure of the stone church which will be auctioned on-site from 1pm on January 5.
After the closure decision was taken, Father John and the Millicent/Penola Anglican Church Parish Council made approaches to the Catholic and Uniting denominations with a view to using their churches for services.
As a result, the Anglicans have arranged to use St Matthew’s By the Sea Uniting Church in Foster Street for their twice-monthly services on a trial basis.
Anglican services will continue to be held at 1.30pm on the first and third Sundays of each month.
Uniting Church services are held on the second and fourth Sundays at 11am.
