of
St John's Lutheran Church
Eight Mile Plains
The church building at St John's Lutheran Church, Eight Mile Plains was dedicated on December 9th, 1951, the Second Sunday in Advent. The theme for the dedication was taken from Haggai 2:9, 'In this place I will give peace'.
This one Sunday in time was certainly one of the most important in the life of St John's. It was a day of thanksgiving and dedication - thanksgiving to our generous God for the blessings and
guidance given his people leading up to the momentous day, and dedication to the work of proclaiming his Word in future years.
Early Days
Regular Lutheran church services began in 1929 in the United Protestant Church of Eight Mile Plains on a monthly basis. This increased to four per month as the congregation grew.
However, four different congregations were worshipping at this church and it was inevitable that St John's would be looking to build their own place of worship.
The Church is begun
The decision to appoint a building committee for a proposed new church was made at the annual meeting of the congregation on 2nd March, 1947. The committee consisted of Pastor Lohe, Messrs J. C. Stiller, W. Stern, H. Wendt, W. G. Dippel, R. Waldman and W. Stiller.
This beautiful church was conveived in the committee. What thanks we must give to these men who had faith and vision to follow the path they did! The opted for a solid brick building of imposing design, in spite of the fact that this was just a few years after World War 2, when building materials were so very scarce and money and labour even more so. But it was built, and the church has continued to be a land mark in the district.
A year of meetings and planning followed, and on 15th August, 1948 a congregational meeting decided unanimously that the brick church be built according to the plans drawn up by Mr Reg Waldman - but without the tower and spire.
A church is built
A building of this nature was a huge undertaking for a congregation of this size, and none doubted the task that lay ahead. Apart from a building subscription fund, members decided that, as far as possible, voluntary labour be used in constructing their church. In this way the goal would be much more achievable. With members, Mr. Harry Vietheer as builder and Mr. Reg Waldman as designer and foreman, the project began.
After service on 13th November, 1949, the congregation gathered at the site for a 'ground breaking and blessing of the site' service. Pastor Lohe and Senior Elder, Mr. J.C. Stiller, performed the ground breaking.
This heralded two years of voluntary labour; two years of unselfish giving by the congregation members. Where possible, local materials were obtained free of cost. The foundations were dug. The sand and gravel were carted from Slacks Creek. Scaffolding saplings were cut locally. Weekly working bees saw gradual progress.
On Palm Sunday, 2nd April, 1950, Pastor Lohe, who was not only the local Pastor but also the President of the Queensland Synod (UELCA), laid the Foundation stone. Records were placed behind the stone. The collection amounted to 50 pounds.
A viewing of the 'Building the Church' video shows just how enthusiastically the members aproached their work. One can also recognise how the hand of God protected those who worked there. In spite of the precarious poses struck by many of the 'builders', and the fact that the scaffold and safety arrangements may not have met present-day Workplace Health and Safety standards, no injuries occurred.
Furnishings and Fittings
The furnishings were all designed by Mr.Reg Waldman, and with the exception of the pews, built by Mr. Gus Jungfer. Mr Jungfer was a semi-retired wheel-wright/cabinetmaker from Tanunda who happily lived on the Waldman property while he completed such beautiful pieces. His service was also given gratis.
The pews were completed in an Ipswich joinery works. All were donated by individual members, as also were many other pieces and fittings in the building. The Ladies Guild provided the carpeting and the Young People's Society the jardinieres.
Mr. J.C. Stiller, who saw the construction of the church as the answer to his prayers, was not privileged to see its completion. The three windows in the chancel were donated as a memorial to this great church father.
Church Tower and Spire
Mr. Waldman's plan called for a tower and spire, but financial constraints in 1948 caused its postponement. It was to become the project for the 25th anniversary of the church.
Hornick Constructions completed the brickwork. Voluntary labour was again used to construct the spire in Mr. Alf Stiller's packing shed. The spire, together with the buttress cappings, was raised into position by crane.
Mr. C. Oppermann located a suitable bell of superb quality at a local second-hand dealer's yard. Its previous location is not known. The bell was installed and first rang out over the plains at 6.57am on 8th August, 1976.
Prior to the tower's completion, a neon cross had stood above the unfinished structure. This was now set in the tower brickwork.
The dedication of the tower, spire, bell and cross by Dr. Max Lohe took place on 5th December, 1976 with Pastor Dave Larsen delivering the address.
Further Improvements
Of note in its short history is the fact that improvements are continually being made to the church plant to better fulfill its worship role. A fold-down table was added to the wall where the wedding register could be signed in view of the congregation. The font was relocated to the right side.
The chancel area also underwent alterations in 1976 in time for the 25th anniversary celebrations. The altar area was extended; an altar rail added and the whole area covered with carpet. In recent years there has been little change to the church building itself. But who can predict the future? In 2001 there are 275 baptised members of St. John's, but there is regular contact with around 500 people. Throughout its history, the congrregation has moved forward and accepted challenges. No doubt the Lord will continue to direct the congregation in the way He wants it to go. In the meantime, we should not stop asking Him for guidance, never forgetting to give thanks for the great blessings showered on us in the past.
