In June 2006 the Warragul Uniting Church opened its doors. This wasn’t just any opening. It marked the culmination of a long journey. A journey that intertwined the histories of three distinct congregations. The Warragul Uniting Church stands proudly at 210 Sutton Street. It’s a modern building easily accessible to all.
Before this building existed three separate churches worshipped in Warragul. Congregational Methodist and Presbyterian churches existed separately. They each had their own unique history and traditions. In 1977 these three groups united. They formed the Uniting Church in Australia a significant event in Australian religious history. This unification marked a new era of cooperation and shared faith. It also laid the groundwork for the current Warragul Uniting Church.
The Methodist story began in the 1870s. Services were initially held in private homes. Later a small building near the old E S & A Bank in Queen Street was used. As the congregation grew a new church was built on Victoria Street in 1881. This building underwent several expansions. One notable expansion was the addition of a Sunday school in 1952.
The Presbyterian church also had a rich history. Its story started in 1883 with services in the old Athenaeum building. They later moved to the Masonic Hall in Victoria Street. In 1934 a new church was built. A hall was added in 1962. This church served the community for many years.
Finally the Congregationalists made their mark. While there wasn’t a formal Congregational church in Warragul early pioneers like Pastor Daniel Gunson brought the gospel to nearby communities. His dedication laid a spiritual foundation for future generations.
In 1996 the decision was made to consolidate all church activities. They moved to the St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church site. The sale of the Methodist property was completed in 2004. The congregation then moved to their present location. The first service in the new Warragul Uniting Church was held on June 25 2006.
Today the Warragul Uniting Church continues its mission. It’s a vibrant community hub. It focuses on social justice worship environmental stewardship connections and life exploration. Its guiding principle is ‘Living God’s Love Without Borders’. This principle guides their actions and interactions within the community. This building stands as a testament to faith unity and resilience. It’s a symbol of the rich and diverse history of Warragul.