Site 56 United Evangelical Lutheran Church
7 Sands Avenue
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Lutherans, mostly from South Australia, maintained a strong fellowship with their national church. In the early 1890’s, the United Evangelical were holding services throughout the area. A resident pastor was called for and Pastor A. Fehlberg took charge of a newly formed parish, he was inducted the same day as the dedication of a newly built church at Arkona, March 3rd, 1907. Pastor Fehlberg was the first minister to use a motorbike for parish work, visiting families in and around Jeparit. Eventually this led to the founding of another congregation.
During 1909 & 1910, through the efforts of Pastor Fehlberg the Parish obtained land in Sands Avenue from Mr J. Peterson, who had reserved allotments for church buildings. On August 20, 1910 a resolution was passed by the Jeparit congregation to build a new church at a cost of 320 pounds. “St John’s on the Hill” was dedicated on March 11, 1911 by Pastor G. Leidig.
This was also the farewell service for Pastor Fehlberg, who had accepted a call to Tasmania. Pastor E.A. Jericho commenced his ministry in Jeparit on 16th July, 1911.His love for Jeparit and Jeparit’s love of him, saw him staying here for 34 years.
Lutheranism was tested with the War of 1914-18 and the anti- German feeling of the time. During Armistice celebrations of 1918, 2 attempts were made to burn the church down.
An article in the Ballarat Courier, Wednesday 20 November 1918, reads:
ATTEMPT TO BURN CHURCH. Following the Peace demonstrations an attempt was made to burn the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jeparit, on Friday night. The discovery was made by Pastor Jericho on Saturday. It is surmised that a rag saturated with oil was placed beneath the entrance door and set alight. Excepting the charring of the doorstep and the panels of the door, the fire became extinguished before serious damage was done. A further and more determined attempt was made on Saturday night by removing the wire netting between the ground and the base of the building and setting afire a quantity of dry grass and leaves heaped below the wooden flooring. This also burned out before serious damage was done. The building is constructed of iron lined with wood, with wooden floor and ceilings and is insured with the Sun Insurance Office. Had the fire obtained a good hold it would have been extremely difficult to summon the fire brigade, as of late the bell has been regarded solely the harbinger of peace.
In 1945 Pastor Jericho accepted a call to Queensland. After accepting a call by the Parish, Pastor Minke was installed on the 10th of June 1945. He remained here until the two Lutheran churches combined in 1966 with the final service in this building on the 30th of December 1966, conducted by the President of the Victorian District, Dr. V.G. Roennfeldt.
The church building was then used for Sunday School classes for a time until it was no longer required. In 1972 it was advertised for sale and later in the year a tender was accepted for its removal. It was then demolished soon after.
Disclaimer: All information contained on these pages has been prepared over years of research from a small local volunteer group. The information is correct to the best of our knowledge. We always welcome suggestions for corrections or further information to add to the heritage sites. Please forward any comments toinfo@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.