Celebrating 50 Years – Our Saviour’s Knox
On Sunday 19 June we gathered joyfully in worship to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Our Saviour’s Knox Congregation, and to honour the vision of those who dreamt of this possibility and brought it to life. It was wonderful that seven of our founding members were present, and at least a further two joined us via our livestream. We were also joined by past members, members from our fellow parish congregation of Ringwood and from other Lutheran congregations. Former Pastor Bob Kempe sent his apologies and warm greetings. A Parish Singing Group formed for the occasion and led by Jenny Dawson sang Jubilate (Let us praise You) and The Lord is My Light.
Bishop Lester Priebbenow brought a message of congratulations and encouragement from the Victoria and Tasmania District, recognising this milestone, giving thanks for all who have been part of Our Saviour’s, and wishing us God’s blessing for our future.
This was Pentecost Sunday, and Pastor Peter Ghalayini noted the large number of different cultures now worshipping at Our Saviour’s. This was a particularly special day as, at this service, we warmly welcomed the South Sudanese Fellowship into membership of our congregation and parish. Pastor Peter rejoiced in this blessing to us. He reflected on the Jubilee year in Leviticus and that through all our struggles and exciting initiatives over the years we continue to strive to be a congregation which is “Called to Worship and Chosen to Serve”, and that the grace of God continues to renew us and bless us. It was most fitting that a member of the South Sudanese Fellowship read the Gospel in the Nuer language, and our new members then enriched our service by singing in language the very appropriate hymn, “To God be the glory, great things He has done”.
Charles Gibson, Chair
Early History of Our Saviour’s Congregation, Knox
Acting in faith response to the population growth of the City of Knox, the LCA Vic/Tas District considered the potential for mission in the growing corridor along Burwood Highway to the Dandenong Ranges. Following surveys conducted by Pastor Clem Schmidt, who served Nunawading and German families at Selby, the District purchased land in Upper Ferntree Gully in August 1973 – near St Thomas’ Anglican Church, where Pastor Schmidt conducted his first Lutheran worship service for the area on 14th October that year.
Concurrently, a few Women’s Group members of Ringwood congregation began identifying more strongly with FTG, leading to informal discussions about establishing a new more local congregation.
Following regular evening services, “Our Saviour’s” congregation was born symbolically on Pentecost Day, June 2nd, 1974 – with 83 foundation members coming from Ringwood, Nunawading and Selby. Some of these original folks are still with us.
Following, in 1976 Pastor Dennis Obst of Nunawading and member of the Home Mission’s Committee encouraged our negotiation with the District about replacing the old site with the more prominent location at 646 Burwood Hwy. This was agreed to and has become most worthwhile.
From Waverley congregation’s outreach to youth in Scoresby, numbers were added, and Gary Watson was employed as Lay worker and lived in the potential manse purchased. We began worshipping in a converted old house on our Highway site on 17th April 1977, when we officially became “Our Saviour’s, Knox”, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ to all in our community.
Junette Schoell, founding member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church
