150th anniversary of continuous ministry for local church

While some church conversions seem to be more about turning a house of worship into a house to live in rather than increasing the congregation, Cromwell and Districts Presbyterian Church celebrated 150 years of continuous ministry at the weekend.

Church treasurer Christine Hansen said the weekend was packed with events celebrating the milestone.

On Saturday afternoon, the current church building was open to all, with displays of church memorabilia, including items brought back with missionaries from the church.

The church had been big on missionary work overseas and individual members had also financially supported missionaries.

There were items on display from Hungary, Zambia, Malawi, Thailand, the Sudan and Burkina Faso, in West Africa.

Buildings are perhaps the most recognisable sign of a church, yet 150 years ago the Cromwell and Districts Presbyterian Church did not have one.

Since then, it has moved from the Enniscourt St stone church, now a private residence, to its latest building, which was opened in 2007.

It also once had church buildings in Bannockburn, now a community-run building, and Lowburn, which was bought by another church, she said.

All three were open to visitors on Saturday afternoon.

A dinner on Saturday night along with a church service and picnic on Sunday rounded out the weekend.

Several former ministers returned to participate in Sunday’s service, Mrs Hansen said.

Over the years, people of different denominational backgrounds including Baptist, Salvation Army, Church of Christ, Brethren and, in recent times, many more nationalities had joined the church which had challenged and grown the church community.

"We are celebrating the diversity of this church."

Two services were held each Sunday to reflect that — one traditional and the other more contemporary.