Springvale Vietnamese Evangelical Church

How did a small group of Vietnamese refugees end up establishing a thriving church in Melbourne? Right here, in the heart of Springvale, stands the Springvale Vietnamese Evangelical Church. This church represents the resilience and faith of a community that found a new home in Australia. The Springvale Vietnamese Evangelical Church’s story began amidst the turmoil of the Vietnam War. In the late 1970s, a wave of Vietnamese refugees arrived in Melbourne, seeking safety and a new beginning. Among them were devout Christians who longed for a place to worship in their own language. In 1980, a small group of these individuals, guided by their faith, came together to establish the Springvale Vietnamese Evangelical Church. Initially, they held services at Balwyn Baptist Church, thanks to the support of Deaconess Doris Fletcher. The church’s early years were marked by a nomadic existence, moving between rented spaces as its congregation grew. They held services at the Romanian Baptist Church in Richmond, a hall in Flemington and the Lutheran church on Barkly Street in Footscray. Finally, in 1986, their dedication paid off. The church purchased a property. They converted it into their first permanent home on Ballard Street in Yarraville. This achievement was a testament to their determination. It solidified the Springvale Vietnamese Evangelical Church as a beacon of hope and faith for the Vietnamese community. The Springvale Vietnamese Evangelical Church’s journey didn’t end there. The church continued to grow, eventually moving to a new location on Pickett Street in Footscray. It stands as a symbol of the Vietnamese community’s enduring spirit, a place where faith, culture, and community intertwine.