In the heart of Box Hill, a place of bustling activity, stands Evangelical Community Church Court Street. This building, erected in 2010, is more than just a place of worship; it’s a testament to the changing faith landscape of Melbourne.
The church started as a small bilingual fellowship back in 1978, initially operating under the guidance of the late Rev. Ang Hoe Peng, a retired Methodist minister from Malaysia. They held services at St. Andrews Uniting Church in Box Hill. This humble beginning eventually led to the establishment of the Evangelical Chinese Church Melbourne, better known as ECCM.
As the church grew, so did its repertoire. They purchased a property on Elgar Rd, Box Hill, and started an English service in 1984. This service became autonomous in 2001, forming Evangelical Community Church, Inc. (ECCI) with Dr. (Mrs) Cheer Ring Ang as its first president.
With the growing number of worshipers, ECCI expanded its reach. They began a Mandarin ministry in 2004. The Mandarin-speaking group eventually transformed into a congregation and, in 2010, ECCI moved to their current location on Court Street, Box Hill. They later added a Cantonese ministry in 2018, which became a congregation in 2021.
Today, the Evangelical Community Church Court Street is a thriving hub, hosting English, Mandarin, and Cantonese services. It is now part of a larger family, with two campuses for worship, catering to a diverse community that reflects the mosaic of Melbourne. The church’s story is an inspiring example of adaptability and the enduring power of faith.