stpeters

St. Peters is a small yet strong congregation of diverse people from the community of Orange, (pop. 36,000) three hours west of Sydney in New South Wales, Australia. The congregation is a part of a parish comprising of St. Peters in Orange and Redeemer in Stewart St, Bathurst. We come together to share, learn and grow in Christian faith and fellowship. We welcome you to our Church and trust that through Jesus Christ, we may provide Christian love and support to all individual members and the wider community.

A Brief History:-

Lutheran Worship services were first held in Orange in the post-World War II period, commencing in the late 1940's when displaced persons and others from various areas of Europe were migrating to Australia.

The first services were held in the 2GZ Hall (now the Video Ezy building in Sale St) when Mrs. Elsie Hall arranged for visiting Lutheran pastors to minister.

The first resident pastor was Pastor Ron Schmaal who arrived in July 1952. Eventually a manse was bought at 59 Kite St, where a room was converted to a chapel.

In the early 1960's a small property was bought at 70 Prince St
(now Uniting Church Residences) and set up as a worship centre.

After servicing the congregation for over twenty years, a larger,
more modern church was finally built at 12 Heatherbrae Parade
(the present address) and was opened in May 1987.

Since 1998, the parish (Orange/Bathurst) has been served mainly
by retired pastors who come for varying periods of time.

In 2001 St.Peters was ministered by visiting
Canadian Pastor Herb Heinemann and his wife
Sonja.

2003 saw the St. Peters' chairman, David Freckelton become ordained and installed as full-time Pastor to the Orange-Bathurst Parish.
God has indeed blessed us!

History Compiled by Pastor Clem Zanker

St. Peters Lutheran Church, Orange

A Brief History:-