St Luke’s Anglican Church members celebrate 100 years at Tailem Bend
A centenary service has been held at one of the community’s longest-serving institutions.
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Parishioners, former members, clergy and visitors have celebrated the 100th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone at St Luke’s Anglican Church at Tailem Bend with a special centenary service.
The milestone recognised a century of faith, worship and community service in the years since the foundation stone was laid on August 8, 1926, marking the beginning of a building that has become an important part of the town’s history.
The celebration began with a commemorative service, where guests reflected on the church’s past and its contribution to the Tailem Bend community.
Following the service, attendees gathered at the Riverside Hotel for a shared lunch, where memories, photographs and stories from across the decades were exchanged.
Former parishioners travelled from across South Australia to join the occasion and reconnect with friends and fellow worshippers.
The church’s history extends beyond the current building.
Anglican worship had been established in Tailem Bend before the present church was constructed to serve the spiritual needs of a growing railway and river community.
The laying of the foundation stone by Archdeacon William Bussell in 1926 paved the way for the opening of the larger church complex the following year.
Over the past century, St Luke’s has been served by a long line of dedicated clergy who have guided the parish through times of growth, challenge and change.
Scenes from the history of St Luke's. Photos: St Luke's Anglican Church.
Historical records list ministers including the Reverend Henry Edward Stafford Dyson, John William Clarke, John Leslie Bond, Thomas Osmond Scrutton, Eric William Philpott, Harrie Neacham Crosland, William Christopher Grey, William Archibald Moore, John Ashley James, Eric Tuson Croston, John Barton Gilbert, M.C. Chittleborough, Arthur Stanley Goldsworthy, P.W. Brazier, Wayne Edward Corker and G. Kirreh.
The commitment of countless volunteers has also helped sustain the parish.
Today, St Luke’s continues its ministry as part of the Murraylands pastoral district within the Diocese of the Murray.
The centenary was a celebration not only of a building, but of the people who have worshipped, worked and volunteered there over the past 100 years.
As the gathering concluded, there was a strong sense of gratitude for the church’s rich heritage and optimism for its future as a place of faith, friendship, and community connection.
Celebrating the centenary are Victor Sonenko, Judy Foloa and Dianna Sina. Photos: Glenn Power.
