Burren Junction community members have banded together to ensure one of the town’s oldest and most charming buildings remains for generations to come.
“We’re raising funds to preserve, restore and maintain the church so it can continue to be a welcoming place for the whole community,” said Burren’s Genevieve Sendall.
The former Anglican church might be close to 100 years old, but the community group believes there’s plenty of promise left in the historic landmark, unveiling a fresh vision to breathe new life into the building and open its weathered timber doors to all.
“Our hope is that this historic space will be available for people of all faiths, and those with none, to gather, celebrate, reflect and connect, whether for worship, community events or personal milestones,” explained Mrs Sendall.
The group has proudly put up the church’s new sign that states: “All Saints. Community church. All welcome. Always.”
The church officially closed as a place of Anglican worship in February this year, but the aim is for it to continue to operate as a secular community hub for gatherings, events and milestones.
“Our local Anglican Church recently came up for sale and was purchased by a group of local community members who have come together as an incorporated charity,” explained Mrs Sendall.
Holly and Henri Knight’s beautiful wedding marked the first time in more than 20 years that a marriage ceremony had been held in the church, with the reception at the town’s magnificently restored School of Arts Hall. It was a special celebration, and it sparked the community’s bright idea for the future. Photo credit: Vicki Miller Photography.
“Our shared goal is to ensure that this beautiful building remains here for generations to come. It was originally donated to the community and cared for by generations of locals. Now it’s our turn.”
Embracing a modern twist to preserve history, the project’s mission was launched on social media, with the group releasing a touching video on Facebook (created by local Stella Carolan) to explain the passion driving its restoration campaign.
“I remember as a kid coming in here for Sunday services, Christmas Eve, Easter,” recalled Sarah Smith.
“My grandfather and grandmother had a lot to do with the church,” added Sally Croft.
“It’s the history of the community. Australian history in the Burren community,” said Rodney Slack-Smith.
“Our grandparents had their funeral services here, christenings.”
The video shows off the beauty and charm of the modest weatherboard country church, from its steeply pitched roof to the pointed-arch doorway.
Burren Junction community members have banded together to ensure one of the town’s oldest and most charming buildings remains for generations to come. “We’re raising funds to preserve, restore and maintain the church so it can continue to be a welcoming place for the whole community,” said Burren’s Genevieve Sendall. Pictured, Genevieve Sendall, Rodney Slack-Smith, Sally Croft, Sarah Smith and Prue Hutchinson. Embracing a modern twist to preserve history, the project’s mission was launched on social media, with the group releasing a touching video on Facebook (created by local Stella Carolan) to explain the passion driving its restoration campaign.
But it’s hearing the stories held within those walls that really bring the old church to life, with community members sharing their experiences, traditions and treasured memories made there over the years, while also discussing the great possibilities that lie ahead.
“I got married here. We got married on the first of March, 1997,” said Prue Hutchinson.
“So, we’re nearly on our 30-year anniversary.
“It was very nice, and the church was lovely.
“The church was probably in a lot better condition then than it is now.
“And so, if we can restore it to its former glory… that would be excellent.”
In 2024, the old church saved the day when wet weather threatened to put a dampener on one local couple’s plans to marry on the family farm, with the black soil roads quickly turning boggy and impassable. A new wedding ceremony venue was suddenly needed at very short notice.
Holly and Henri Knight’s wedding marked the first time in more than 20 years that a marriage ceremony had been held in the church, with the reception at the town’s beautifully restored School of Arts Hall.
Stella’s great video shows off the beauty and charm of the modest weatherboard country church, from its steeply pitched roof to the pointed-arch doorway. Hearing the stories held within those walls really brings the old church to life, with community members sharing their experiences, traditions and treasured memories made there over the years, while also discussing the great possibilities that lie ahead. Photo: Stella Carolan. BELOW: In 2024, the old church saved the day when wet weather threatened to put a dampener on one local couple Holly and Henri Knight’s plans to marry on the family farm, with the black soil roads quickly turning boggy. A new venue was needed at very short notice. “We had a lovely local family who wanted to use the church,” explained Genevieve Sendall about the 2024 wedding. “They spent about three days, I think, removing dust and more dust, and cleaning the windows, and getting the church all organised for her son’s wedding,” added Sally Croft. Photo: Vicki Miller Photography.
It was a special celebration, and it sparked the community’s bright idea for the future.
“We had a lovely local family who wanted to use the church,” explained Mrs Sendall about the 2024 wedding.
“They spent about three days, I think, removing dust and more dust, and cleaning the windows, and getting the church all organised for her son’s wedding,” added Mrs Croft.
“And, they had a celebrant, which sort of upset a few people in the community,” said Mrs Sendall.
“And it made me realise: we needed a church building that any denomination can use.
“So, it’s a church for everyone. All welcome. Always.”
The community group thanked those who have donated so far.
If you would like to contribute to the restoration of the All Saints Community Church Burren Junction, go to gofundme.com/f/restore-all-saints-community-church-burren-junction
In 2024, the old church saved the day when wet weather threatened to put a dampener on one local couple Holly and Henri Knight’s plans to marry on the family farm, with the black soil roads quickly turning boggy. A new venue was needed at very short notice. “We had a lovely local family who wanted to use the church,” explained Mrs Sendall about the 2024 wedding. “They spent about three days, I think, removing dust and more dust, and cleaning the windows, and getting the church all organised for her son’s wedding,” added Mrs Croft. Photo credit: Vicki Miller Photography.
