The Warracknabeal congregation celebrate 50 years

As far back as 1891 Lutherans worshipped at Warracknabeal, first in a private home, but only in 1923 did this Congregation dedicate it’s first Church Building. The name “Our Redeemer” was chosen in the same year. In 1962 a resolution was passed to build a new church building. This became a necessity after the amalgamation of the two Lutheran Synods on Australia in 1966 and three outlying Congregations closed and joined Our Redeemer. Architects Von Schramek and Daws of Adelaide was chosen to design the new building and on February 13, 1972 the new building was dedicated. Now, exactly 50 years to the day, the Our Redeemer Congregation celebrated the 50th Anniversary of their Church Building.

Bishop Lester Priebbenow preached at the Thanksgiving Service, followed by a BBQ lunch followed. A time of reminiscing was enjoyed as Trevor Nitschke (Secretary of the original Building Committee) and Jack Kranz (former Chairperson of the Congregation and Building Committee member) shared some of the interesting moments of how it all happened. Trevor and Jack are in the photo cutting the 50th Anniversary Cake. In the other photo two of Our Redeemer’s older members (Ed, 101 years old, and Enid Schultz, 90 years old) are seen chatting with two of our very young members (Rudy, 4 years old and Tommy, 3 years old). In the third photo Pastor John Weier, Bishop Lester Priebbenow, Elaine Schultz (organist at the dedication of the Church and still blessing the Congregation with her organ and piano playing), and Trevor Nitschke.
The members and friends of Our Redeemer give thanks to God for these 50 years, and we are now looking to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the forming of the Congregation next year!

By Rev John Weier
Photos by Charlene McGinnis