110 Years of light in Lower Barrington

Article reprinted from the Kentish Voice by permission of the author

The Baptist Church in Lower Barrington celebrated 110 years of service last month – the last church of the original four in the area. Only two Baptist churches remain in Kentish, the other in Sheffield, which provided much-needed support before Lower Barrington became autonomous in 2007. “The numbers were hardly big enough to support that decision and, with great trepidation, we stepped out on our own,” said church elder Ted Burtt. “We thank the Lord the doors of this little church are still open.“We accepted God’s challenge.”

“Back then It cost about $2000 a year to run the church,” said Elder Ted. “We get that in our plate nearly every week today.” The money has provided support for overseas missions and to help people with special needs. “We are in a good financial position and it is through faithfulness that we are where we are today,” he said.

The foundation stone for the church was laid on September 29, 1915, by John Cocker, who had been heavily involved with the purchase of land and arranging the building of the church. John French, who also stood in as Preacher, raised the money to purchase the pews by selling blackberries. The Reverend WH Heaven preached at the church for 50 years and later the Reverend Chris Aulich who would split the plate 50/50.

Tasmanian Baptist Leader Matt Garvin said Lower Barrington symbolised the entrepreneurial spirit on the North West coast. “This church started because people said there are people here who need help,” he said. “Ordinary people who love Jesus made a commitment to looking beyond themselves to the people across the road. They didn’t have the money but they trusted God to deliver.”

Matt said the church still had a community to serve, with Tasmania being the most secular state in the country and with 11% of residents reporting a long-term mental illness. “People are desperate for hope.”