It was a joyous 90th anniversary celebration for the Mount Evelyn Presbyterian Church last weekend, seeing many from the community come together to bask in the occasion.
Around 150 guests attended the afternoon tea on Saturday 22 July, sharing stories and history of the church.
“For 90 years Mount Evelyn Presbyterian Church has demonstrated the Gospel through words and actions externally to the wider community and internally to ourselves,” Reverend Miles Fagan said.
“From its earliest beginnings, the training of youth and children has been at its heart. One of the key reasons to establish a Church in 1933 was to teach the children the truths of the Gospel.”
Rev Fagan said had it not been for a passionate and dedicated group of women, the church may not have become what it is today.
“It is a fact that the Women of Mt Evelyn Presbyterian Church have and continue to make great impacts of making the gospel known,” he said.
“The Ladies Guild was established in June 1933 with the express purpose to buy a property on which to build a church building.
“The advice from many was to buy a property with a wide frontage and good depth to cater for future growth. The property we are standing on is that same property.”
In particular three women were most notable in helping establish the Presbyterian faith in Mount Evelyn during a particularly difficult time of depression and healing from war.
“Miss Alice Kemp who was the first Secretary of the Church and a Sunday School Teacher, and she had the honour of being given the key to open the newly built church in October 1934,” Rev Fagan said.
“Mrs Hazel Lloyd who served as a Deaconess for many years, and was influential in the lives of many young women and their growth in faith in Christ.
“Lastly, Bonnie Nielson, or affectionately known as Aunty Bon. Bonnie who passed away late last year having turned 100. She spent her whole life involved in the Church, both as a Sunday School student and later as a teacher, as a wife and mother of five children, and many grand and great grandchildren.”
Former Ministers Rev Don McLean (1965-72), Rev Warrick Davidson (1984-1999), Rev Travis Moroney (2011) and Mr Ian Waller (2010, 2012-2016) were all in attendance.
Also in attendance were former congregants who have moved elsewhere and community members. Casey MP Aaron Violi and Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence were both present and spoke beautiful words about the role of the Church in the community and within their own families.
Given the honours of cutting the 90th cake were Bonnie’s daughters Helen, Gaye, and Jill.
