Callington Lutheran Church holds its final service after 161 years
Saint Peter's Lutheran Church at Callington has hosted 120 people for its last ever Sunday service.
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On a perfect Sunday, the final service has been held at Callington's Saint Peter's Lutheran Church after 161 years.
Around 120 people gathered in and around the original building, which would usually welcome only seven attendees for a Sunday service.
A marquee was set up on the lawn outside and the service was live-streamed to attendees.
Later a barbecue lunch and celebration cake were brought out for all to enjoy.
Visitors came from near and far, some from Loxton, the Barossa, Newcastle and even some Western Australians who were passing through.
Judy Paech, who has been a Lutheran church-goer at Callington for more than 30 years, said it was a bittersweet day.
The building hadn't had any modifications other than the porch put in during the 1800s, Ms Paech said, although it could always do with some extra loving.
She had been the secretary and organist at the church for most of her time spent there, alongside her husband Keith, who volunteered as chairman.
In the time they've been with the church they've helped organise Christmas carols and events, and held different stalls and displays.
"(Sunday's service) was a celebration of what's happened, but also ... someone put it in perspective, and said it's just like a funeral," she said.
"You're celebrating the past, but then there's the sadness because it's been closed and we won't be using it as a worship place again."
It was hard to know where church regulars would go from here, Ms Paech said: there were options, but it would be quite the drive for most.
"It was a happy occasion, a great event, but also there was a few tears shed as well," she said.
The church turned 160 years old in 2024. Photos: Judy Paech.
The day couldn't have gone ahead without the support of the Strathalbyn Lutheran Parish, Ms Paech said.
It was a bit gut-wrenching for Ms Paech to say her final goodbyes; as she looked at the old building she recalled the time had rained during a baptism one gloomy Sunday.
"The pastor was baptising the child and putting the water, anointing it with the water and there were drops coming from the ceiling," she said.
Only a few tears fell this week, but not too soon for a well worn, much loved old house of God.
