Holy Trinity Benalla Closes Its Doors

On Sunday, 22nd September, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Benalla held its final service before closing its doors. Pastor Ernie Kiss led the service, Pastor Brett Kennett (Pastor for Congregational Support) delivered the sermon, and Pastor Matthias Prenzler (Assistant Bishop) conducted the closing rite. Those gathered were uplifted by the inspirational singing of the St Paul’s African Choir from Shepparton, who brought joy, warmth and hope to the occasion.

Holy Trinity’s story stretches back to the 1950s, when Lutherans first gathered in Benalla, and formally became a congregation in 1966. The church’s roots are deeply tied to post-World War II migrant ministry. Supported by the Wangaratta congregation, the early members—a mix of European Lutheran migrants and local Australians—built a strong and resilient community. This early backbone of the congregation thrived for many years, despite the challenges of families moving to larger cities for work and education opportunities.

Those who stayed in Benalla formed a close-knit, hard-working community that not only focused on spiritual growth but also on serving others. Holy Trinity members served their wider community faithfully, empowered by God’s grace as they gathered for worship.

One of the wonderful aspects of the congregations history was its willingness to ‘get church out to the big wide world’ as one member put it to me recently.  Prior to the opening of the church building the congregation participated in parish (with Wangaratta) worship services in a variety of locations, including a communion service on Lake Eildon itself! There were regular congregational excursions for fellowship and service activities.

Other aspects of the congregation’s life included Saturday evening worship services followed by shared meals, a thriving Sunday School, youth programs led by a part-time youth worker, welfare fundraiser for drought assistance, and special ecumenical outreach initiatives like Easter dawn services and Christmas caroling at a local housing commission precinct.

The congregation worked exceedingly hard to maintain its financial viability. Fundraisers, such as firewood, cattle and garage sales, helped.

Every event brought people together, fostering deep connections and a shared sense of purpose.

But over the years, as the congregation aged and more families relocated, Holy Trinity faced a steady decline in numbers. By 2024, it became clear that the church could no longer sustain itself. The decision was made to close, with a final service on 22nd September marking the end of an era. Pastor Brett’s sermon theme, “Well done, good and faithful servants” (Matthew 25:23), captured the heart of the congregation’s legacy—one of faithfulness, service, and dedication in response to God’s gift of salvation by grace through faith alone.

During the closing service, sacred items from the church were carefully removed. The next chapter for the physical building will see it repurposed as a home for the local Salvation Army, including their much-needed food bank ministry—a fitting continuation of the church’s service to the community.

Looking ahead, members of Holy Trinity are already involved in a parish partnership with Wangaratta and are eager to explore new regional opportunities with neighboring parishes – and they are still committed to ‘getting the gospel out to the big wide world’.