Temple Society

Hidden within Melbourne’s suburbs lies the Temple Society. It’s a unique Christian community with a fascinating story. The Temple Society Australia formed in 1950. It brought together Templers from a variety of locations. Some had been interned in Tatura during World War II after being shipped from Palestine. Others arrived later, from Palestine after the formation of Israel and also from Germany. The name “Temple Society” often causes confusion. They are not connected to the medieval Knights Templar. The name derives from their belief that each person is a temple of God’s spirit. This idea is rooted in New Testament verses. 1 Corinthians 3:16 asks, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” A similar sentiment is found in 1 Peter 2:5: “And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple.” The Temple Society’s main focus is promoting their beliefs. This happens through services, Sunday school, confirmation classes, weddings and funerals. They also publish a monthly circular, the Templer Record. The majority of members live around Melbourne. You’ll find communities in Bentleigh, Bayswater, and Boronia. Smaller groups exist in Sydney and Adelaide. Each community has a hall. This hall serves as a central point for religious services and other community gatherings. Their motto encapsulates their driving force: “Set your mind on God’s kingdom and his justice before everything else and all the rest will come to you as well.” The Temple Society strives to live this motto every day, working towards a more harmonious world.