Thalaba Baptist Church marks 150 years
Thalaba's 150 years of service | Photos
Milestone: Kay and Eddie Rumbel and Trevor and Robyn Eyb outside Thalaba.
Worship: The interior of the church.
MEMORY: Some of the graves in the cemetery pre-date the church.
It's expected to be standing room only at the Thalaba Baptist Church's Sunday service this weekend.
Families are expected to travel from as far afield as Queensland, Wollongong, Sydney and Newcastle to help celebrate the church's 150th anniversary.
The little church on Church Road in Marshdale, just outside Dungog, has a rich history of worship.
The church parted company with Dungog Baptist Church in 1993 and Milton Morris AO, the popular retired Maitland politician, was asked to come up and do a service.
So popular were his services - 75 people turned out for the first one - he continued them for 25 years.
The current pastor is Eric Bell who holds a service on the first Sunday of the month at 10.30am.
Church deacon Eddie Rumbel said anywhere between 30 and 50 people attend the service.
"We are a community church, not just Baptists attend, and people come from all over to our service," he said.
Continuing the country hospitality, Dungog Girl Guides cater for the lunch after the service where those attending then enjoy fellowship.
Following the devastating floods in 2015 the church was out of action for some time while repairs were done.
While the church was being re-piered the parishioners went to Hilldale.
Mr Rumbel said Thalaba is the third oldest Baptist Church in Australia - behind Morpeth and Sydney - and the only Baptist church with its own cemetery.
Thanks to a bequest from Joy Grainger the church maintains the cemetery which is frequently visited by family historians.
The Dungog Menshed helped refurbish the pews - removing a few at a time to work on so as not to disrupt the services.
On Saturday, March 2, there is afternoon tea with a chance to catch up with old acquaintances and view memorabilia.
A thanksgiving service and a barbecue dinner will be held later that evening.
On Sunday there is an 11am service with lunch to follow.
Special speaker for the weekend will be Rev Kevin Warner who is the regional Minister (Hunter Area) for Baptist Churches of NSW/ACT. Everyone is welcome to attend but for catering purposes an RSVP would be appreciated - phone or text Robyn Eyb on 0447 763 935.