THE long history of Ballan’s historic Anglican church building has been celebrated with a commemorative service.
Friday marked 150 years since the first bluestone blocks were laid at St John’s.
Parish priest, former Sudan refugee Father Peter Kunen, led an evening service to remember the building’s history, the people connected to it and its role during the gold rush days.
Father Kunen, the church’s 32nd vicar since 1849, was joined by Ballarat Bishop Garry John Weatherill for the celebration. “It’s an honour for me to lead the service,” Father Kunen said. “It’s important for Ballan to mark this historic occasion.”
European settlement of Australia is woven into the pretty church’s history.
In 1849, it was the first inland parish in the region to get a resident vicar – the Reverend William Hall, That was six years before the historic Eureka rebellion and before Ballarat flourished into one of the state’s biggest towns.
Services were held in slab huts, homesteads and out-stations throughout the district.
Glints of gold were discovered in the area in 1851 and St John’s was officially opened in 1862.
Father Kunen arrived in Australia seven years ago from Sudan and found work in an abattoir in Colac before being called to the ministry, first in Ballarat and then Ballan.
Last year he and others from the African Christian Kush Aid Program of Australia raised vital funds for a return trip to Sudan to help rebuild communities after decades of war.
As part of the seven-week trip he helped establish schools, businesses, sustainable agriculture and a water pump.
Church warden John Waddington said Father Kunen’s appointment had heralded a new era for the church and the community. “The congregation has been invigorated by his appointment.”
