The official opening of Shepparton’s new St Paul’s African House took place on Thursday, 30 October at Poplar Ave, Shepparton. A large crowd of Shepparton's African community joined Jeanette Powell MP, Member for Shepparton and other dinitaries for the opening.
The new circular 200-seat Lutheran church, with meeting rooms and a large high-ceiling African House with kitchens and toilet facilities, has been jointly funded by the church, the Victorian Government’s Cultural Precincts and Community Infrastructure Fund, and a private $1million donation from a Lutheran couple.
After eight months of construction, the Church will seat 250 people and the African House will provide a central gathering space for the growing African community in addition to adminstrative offices and a kitchenette for social events.
The former place of worship in Fahey Street.
St Paul’s old 60-seat weatherboard church in Fahey St was officially closed earlier this month. The community has been worshipping at St David's Uniting Church, and will now worship in the new Church from Sunday, 9 November 2014.
St Paul’s Pastor Matt Anker said the opening of the African Community House was the culmination of a seven-year journey to find a new home for the church’s growing congregation.
Lutheran Bishop of Victoria and Tasmania Greg Pietsch blessed the new building, saying 'It a delight to present this new African House to people who have lost their home elsewhere'.
The new African Community Hall was opened on 31 October.
Australia’s Lutheran Bishop Rev John Henderson will consecrate the new church at a special service on Sunday, November 9.
