History of the Ringwood congregation
1952 – 2001

Genesis

The first Lutheran service in Ringwood was held in the Presbyterian Church, Adelaide Street on October 26th, 1952. The service, in German, was specifically for new migrants and conducted by Pastor W H Paech (*Victorian District President ELCA 1940-66 and Victorian District President LCA 1966-69) who had earlier been called to be missionary to migrants. Services were held periodically until regular monthly services were introduced in 1957. (*Union of the two churches occurred in 1966).

In 1958, when St James Moorabbin decided to separate from Box Hill and call its first pastor, St Paul’s Box Hill decided to begin fortnightly English-language services for members in the outer eastern area experiencing travel difficulties worshipping regularly in Box Hill. These afternoon services were held in the Presbyterian Church where Bruce Adams was the minister. (Adams was later to become a Lutheran pastor).

The first service was held on Good Friday 1958 with an attendance of 35. Until March 1st, 1959 when Moorabbin finally received its pastor, Pastor Everard Leske’s service program every second Sunday was:

Moorabbin 8.15am
Box Hill 11am
Ringwood 2.30pm
Box Hill 7pm

In October 1961 significant changes took place. Due to the impending development of the Ringwood shopping centre, the Presbyterian Church buildings were to be shifted and would no longer be available. The last service in the Presbyterian Church was held on November 5, 1961.

At a meeting in the home of Con and Helen Goessling, it was decided to hold weekly services in the supper room of the Masonic hall. Others attending included Norma Burton, Betty Collyer, Mavis and Don Bird, Wally Gersch, Harold and Margaret Hoffmann and Bruce Pescod.

On October 22, 1961 in the Presbyterian hall, a combined meeting of the English and German language groups resolved to form a congregation with weekly services in English. The motion to form a congregation was moved by Con Goessling and seconded by Peter Horneman. Pastor Leske was called to serve the congregation as part of the Box Hill parish. The first service was held on the First Sunday in Advent, December 3rd, 1961, a service which included the baptism of Christine Marie Francis.

Agreement on the name of the congregation proved too difficult to resolve at the October 22 meeting. Many names were proposed - Bethany, Calvary, Good Shepherd, Grace, Zion, St Andrews, St Davids, St Stephens, St Michaels and finally St Augustine after the great early church father. After considerable debate the decision was deferred for four months.

Anticipating growth and development in the outer eastern area, in 1960 the District Church Council purchased an allotment on the corner of Wantirna and City Roads at a cost of 1,650 pounds. An allotment costing 980 pounds with frontage to City road was purchased for car parking in 1962.

In early 1962, architect, H Romeyn submitted plans for the church at a construction cost of 10,000 pounds. Designed to seat 180, the building was acclaimed for its “beauty and contemporaneous design”. In July 1962, Pastor W H Paech sought to increase from six the number of services held in German. The Ringwood Committee of Management rejected the request advising “it would not be in the best interests of the unification of the congregation”.

District President Pastor W H Paech laid the foundation stone of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Ringwood on August 18, 1963. Behind the foundation stone is embedded a time capsule containing historical church documents, coins of the realm, local newspapers and civic scrolls. Within three months, the unified German and local congregation witnessed the dedication of the new church building exactly two years after its formation – the First Sunday in Advent, December 1st, 1963.

It was at this time the congregation accepted Mr Phil Collyer’s offer to design and craft the church light fittings and Geoff Thiele’s offer to design and donate two tall wooden candlesticks. The congregation also accepted the donation of a lectern by Mr Ian Bird.

In 1962 Pastor Leske accepted a call to the Enfield Parish in South Australia, causing some concern within the fledgling congregation. Leske advised it would be “good for the congregation to move forward with a new spiritual leader”. Pastor Leske has now retired and lives at Trinity Place, the retirement village of Trinity congregation Pasadena, SA. (Pastor Leske is brother to long-time Ringwood member Ruth Heiderich).

Pastor F H Eckert 1963-1969

Pastor F H Eckert, (from Bethlehem congregation Tabor, Victoria’s Western District) was installed on January 27, 1963. During his ministry Good Shepherd grew from 82 baptised members to 464, and from 43 confirmed members to 288.

During 1964 the records of the congregation begin to show recurrence of people in key development positions, folk whose membership spanned many important years. The names included Don Bird, Russell Free, Con Goessling, John Molenaar, Arno Neuparth and Geoff Thiele. Sunday school enrolments having reached 40 young children, some of these members were asked to investigate the proposed construction of a church hall.

Two Every Member Visits were conducted, the first in 1964 emphasising the popular themes of time, talents and treasure. The second in 1966 focussed on worship life followed almost immediately by an Evangelism Mission.

During the Eckert pastorate the parish incorporated Box Hill, Glen Waverley and Ringwood, well over 1000 baptised souls. He was assisted by parish worker Clem Schulze who later returned during the Simpfendorfer pastorate, and deaconess Margaret Ritter. Pastor Eckerts largest instruction class comprised 16 confessing Christians. A youth fellowship and women’s guild were also established. A Christian Day School Committee was also established and land purchased. The land was later sold when school plans were abandoned.

In March 1965 the property adjoining the church (57 Wantirna Road) was purchased at a cost of 5,500 pounds. First used as a manse by the Simpfendorfer family in 1969, the residence was dedicated on Sunday February 2, 1969. In 1965 the congregation welcomed the establishment of the Salvation Army Citadel on the opposite side of City Road. In June of that year John Ridge was elected to the Management Committee.

While 1965 saw development blessings at the congregational level it also provided a fund raising challenge to join with other Lutherans throughout the nation to help rebuild part of Luther College after an arsonist had sought to raze the school. (For many years students from Luther College regularly worshipped with the congregation travelling to Ringwood by bus).

Eckert’s acceptance of the call to Maryborough (QLD) in 1968 was the catalyst for Ringwood to seek severance from the Box Hill Parish. Now retired, Pastor Eckert resides in Hope Valley SA.

Pastor S M Simpfendorfer 1969-1976

Pastor S M Simpfendorfer (previously at St Paul’s Grovedale) accepted the call and was installed on January 12, 1969. Upon his installation Good Shepherd became an independent congregation. The annual pastoral stipend at that time was $2125.

At the annual meeting later that year the report book reported that “from the outset, Pastor Sam and his wife have endeared themselves to all and sundry with their friendliness and generosity, their frank sincerity and above all their dedication.” It was at this meeting approval was given on construction of the hall.

No sooner had he put his foot in the manse door than Simpfendorfer the evangelist was proposing in 1970 that Good Shepherd Ringwood consider establishing a mission congregation in Mooroolbark, Chirnside Park or Lilydale with others in the congregation suggesting Scoresby as more logical. The local decision to focus on Mooroolbark saw Pastor Simpfendorfer and Wally Gersch meet with the Home Missions Committee. They were advised that Doncaster congregation had similar plans and were further advanced than Ringwood. Not to be deterred, Simpfendorfer immediately focussed on mission opportunities at Lilydale. He conducted the first service on May 7, 1972 in the Anglican Church. (Pastor Peter Mickan was installed as the first resident Lilydale pastor in November 1974).

An all-age Bible Hour educational program began in 1970 in conjunction with the introduction of a second worship service. A Bible-Hour study program was held between the two morning services. September 1971, 37 new members were confirmed as graduates from Pastors Class and a record service attendance was then established at 260. In 1973 Sam led the Every Member Response program, a major internal mission project. To ease his administrative burden Helen Goessling was appointed office secretary in 1970, her duties involving weekly service bulletins, newsletters and all meeting paper work.

Pastor Sam was also assisted briefly by parish worker Clem Schulze. Clem lived for sometime in his caravan located in the church car park. It was the second period of service by Schulze to Good Shepherd congregation having earlier assisted pastor Frank Eckert.

Pastor Simpfendorfer began holding monthly services in the Ferntree Gully Anglican Church – the first held in October 1973. Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Knox was established in 1974. Alicia Simpfendorfer is best remembered for her significant contribution to the musical worship life of the congregation. It was during Sam’s ministry that the late Harry Mierke crafted the baptismal font.

Leaving Ringwood for Hampstead SA, Pastor Simpfendorfer subsequently served in Queensland and New South Wales. Sam and Alicia now enjoy retirement in suburban Sydney (Doonside). As the only retired pastor living in Sydney most of his Sundays are still spent in the pulpit relieving during illness or holiday.

Pastor M J Hassold 1976-1984

Pastor M J Hassold, (previously at St John’s Sale) succeeded Simpfendorfer and was installed on May 2nd, 1976.

Immediately upon his installation, Hassold developed a five-year evangelism program which was to be the central focus of his pastorate together with the Crossways Bible course and a zone care program.

Pastor Hassold also introduced the EMV (Every Member Visitation) program launched by District President, Pastor M V Jordan. Other Bible study courses introduced and led by Hassold included Dialogue Evangelism and One in the Gospel. He also led “Caring Congregation and Living Sacrifices” a course attended by 80 members in 1981 and introduced regular mid-week Bible studies. Dialogue Evangelism and Crossways were also popular study courses conducted twice during the Hassold pastorate. Outreach evangelism played a significant part of his ministry and was best evidenced in December 1978, when 19 new members were received into membership via the Inquirers Class, the majority of whom were previously unchurched. Pastor Hassold introduced weekly children’s addresses into worship services.

It is significant that Hassold conducted a Spiritual Life Mission (launched by Pastor Ev Leske) during his Ringwood tenure. The Spiritual Life Mission was to become the first of many congregational reviews held within Good Shepherd.

Establishment of Good Shepherd Retirement Village and the Good Shepherd Primary School were significant developments commenced and completed during the Hassold pastorate.

By April 1980 Good Shepherd had an average weekly worship attendance of 333 members – the church was bursting at the seams. Urgent consideration was given to seeking District Church Council approval for the call of a second pastor and the congregational leadership began to canvass support for the establishment of a new congregation at Croydon. Hassold vigorously pursued the Croydon development and saw the fruits of his labour when the new congregation known as the Open Door Lutheran Fellowship was formed.

A Service of Renewal in 1980 concluded a program of direct contact by members of the congregation with people on the contact list. Targeting 100 lapsed and fringe members the mission resulted in nine families renewing active membership of the Good Shepherd family. Pastor Ern Sabel a Lutheran Army Chaplain and member of the congregation introduced informal Sunday evening services that same year. (Sunday evening services have had an haphazard place in Good Shepherd’s worship activity and seem to have been tried by each pastor with varying levels of attendance support).

Vacation Bible School was introduced during the 1980 school holidays and continued for some considerable time. This was a ministry Hassold shared closely with wife Helen and a committed support group of member families.

Mike Hassold accepted a Call to Para Vista (SA) and left Ringwood on June 17th, 1984. He is currently principal of Luther Seminary Adelaide and with Helen lives in Highgate SA.

Pastor Paul N Stolz 1984-1991

Pastor Paul N Stolz, (previously at Bethlehem, Bendigo) replaced Hassold and was installed on December 2nd, 1984.

In 1985, and continuing for several years, the congregation began a series of internal reviews and restructures. 1985 was also the year in which the decision was reluctantly taken to disband the senior youth group.

During the Stolz pastorate a ministry to the deaf was established in 1987. That same year a Small Group ministry was launched together with a Holiday Bible Adventure Program during school holidays aimed primarily at the local non-churched community.

The Clown Ministry was also introduced. Three clowns formed the ministry and “clowned around” at the Eastland shopping complex. Clowns were trained to introduce the church to the public and received training from local Anglican clown, Fiona Francis. The chief clown was Peter Eckermann, then employed part-time by the congregation as Youth Worker.

Weekly, rather than fortnightly, communion services were introduced in 1988. Also that year female deacons were appointed, and to provide continuity of personnel, church council introduced two-year terms for all office bearers.

During 1989 Stolz was offered a lecturing position at an Indonesian Seminary. To facilitate the offer he became part-time Ringwood pastor and a part-time student of Indonesian language and culture. Visa difficulties were not resolved and the seminary appointment was declined. It was at this time the congregation had a part-time pastor, part-time youth worker, part-time deaf ministry. The congregation by now had reverted to a single Sunday service.

Pastor Stolz resigned from Good Shepherd in June 1990, and after leave of absence resigned from the ordained Lutheran ministry (August 16, 1999). Pastor Peter Benz was assigned to Ringwood (pro tem) until the congregation had successfully called.

Pastor Kevin J Schmidt 1991-1998

Pastor Kevin J Schmidt, (former General Secretary of the LCA), was installed by President David Stolz on August 1st, 1991.

In response to changing working hours and pressure on time and family Pastor Schmidt introduced Sunday evening services in 1992. Family focussed, Schmidt was vigorous in his support of the Marriage Merger weekend retreats introduced in 1994.

A number of Bible based studies were led by Schmidt including “Which Way” designed to foster future development/planning/mission in local congregations and “Dying to Live”. He also began regular pulpit exchange amongst pastors of the eastern suburbs on each fifth Sunday of the month. The most tangible legacy left by Kevin Schmidt to the congregation is the pulpit and lectern he designed and built. An enthusiastic wood worker, he “turned” candlestick holders for children he baptised and pew candleholders for use at special services.

In the wider community, Pastor Schmidt positioned the congregation within an ecumenical chaplaincy at the Eastland Shopping Centre. Known as the “Welcome Centre” a counselling and support network was established to assist those less fortunate. The centre also served as a support structure for Eastland staff. He also conducted the “Person to Person” witnessing skills course attended by a significant number of outreach oriented members.

It was during the Schmidt pastorate that deteriorating pastoral numbers became an issue for the General Church and the sharing/paring of ordained numbers became evident in the eastern suburbs. During February/March of 1997 Good Shepherd explored:

  1. One-pastor/two-point parish with St Paul’s Nunawading
  2. One-pastor/two-point parish with Our Saviour’s Knox (Ferntree Gully)
  3. One-pastor/two point parish with Open Door Lutheran Fellowship (Croydon)

In each instance it was resolved that Ringwood remain an independent entity, although a Task force of members from Immanuel Lilydale, Our Saviour’s and ODLF was established in September of that year to investigate a joint Youth Ministry and the possible employment of a Youth Worker. The proposal was abandoned in early 1998.

Pastor Schmidt is now retired and, with wife Barbara, happily resides in Highbury SA. He now frequently serves as relief pastor in congregations during time of vacancy.

Pastor Andrew R Brook 1998-

Pastor Andrew R Brook (previously at Burnie/Devonport) was installed by President David Stolz on February 1,1998.

To date, Brook has re-introduced a monthly Sunday evening service, re-introduced the small group ministry and re-opened the congregation’s library. He has also introduced the Youth Advocacy Team ministry and Alpha Bible study and overseen the introduction of the visiting team ministry to support pastoral assistant visiting. A regular Sunday morning pre-service prayer group has also been established. The most recent Bible study introduced by him is “Living with Purpose”. As the current pastor of Good Shepherd, Andrew Brook is “history in the making”.

Church Modifications

In 1969, the malthoid roof developed leakage problems and after acrimonious debate on possible building “cost cutting”, on-going repair works began. The patch-up repairs failed to arrest further deterioration and finally in 1974 a new roof was in place at a cost of $3000.

The configuration of the original church had two side aisles – a source of aggravation to some members over many years. On December 9, 1963, just weeks after laying the foundation stone, the Management Committee asked the architect to redraw the plans with a central aisle. Upon the casting vote of the chairman the revised plan was rejected. In 1971 a new battle for a central aisle began and was led by Russell Free. Free advised the annual general meeting that a centre aisle would provide additional seating for 38 people. The estimated cost of the seating modification was in the vicinity of $700. A *donation to recarpet the church building was received by the church council conditional upon the provision of a centre aisle. The meeting declared the issue “non-essential”. The centre aisle remained a contentious issue until finally approved by the annual general meeting of 1988, putting to rest 25 years of deliberation. (* the carpet was subsequently donated)

The sanctuary area of the church was significantly modified in 1993 with the free standing altar created and the area enlarged. Lighting was also dramatically improved, the total redevelopment led by Pastor Kevin Schmidt.

Church Hall

The need for a hall was first officially raised in 1968. Preliminary costs were estimated at $25,000. At that time the congregation already had $27,000 of loan funds on the church and manse. A year later, hall tender costs had increased to $37,780 – with fittings and car park the figure reached $46,036. The hall was opened on August 2nd 1970 by district president T M J Wiebusch.

Manse

The residence at 57 Wantirna Road was purchased in March 1965. In January 1969 it became the very cramped manse for Ringwood's first resident pastor Sam, Alicia and his family of five. To ease the cramped housing a bungalow was purchased in August 1968 for $810. The current Vine Street manse was purchased in August 1973 and has twice been renovated and extended to provide additional living space and bedrooms, the most recent extension in 1980.

Since purchase of the Vine Street property, the former manse on Wantirna Road has been extensively modified and redeveloped as an administrative centre incorporating the pastor’s study and congregational office. The principal tenant is Ringwood Extended Family Services (REFS) a service independent of the Lutheran Church and funded by the State and Commonwealth governments. The 1999 redevelopment was financed by $48,000 LLL loan over ten years with repayments fully offset by rental income.

Pipe Organ

The organ as we hear it today was completely rebuilt in May 1991 by renowned Melbourne organ builder Steve Laurie at a cost of $48,000 and funded by LLL loan. The origin of the current instrument began in 1871 when William Anderson built an organ for the Fitzroy Congregational Church. The organ was enlarged in 1891 by Alfred Fuller and eight years later purchased by the Sisters of Mercy for the East Melbourne Sacred Heart Convent. Purchased for $1000 in 1970 by Geoff Thiele and subsequently donated to the congregation much of the original instrument was scrapped due to age, student usage – wear and tear.

In March 1973, to cover previous costs the congregation reimbursed the donor for expenditure totalling $2000. Complete restoration was approximated at $10,000. ($560.00 congregational funds, $6740 direct donations). In June 1978, the late F D (Fritz) Neuparth bequeathed $1000 to the organ reconstruction project. His son Otto bequeathed an additional $2000 to this project in late 1997. The organ, rebuilt by Geoff Thiele, was dedicated on Pentecost Sunday, June 3rd, 1979. An organ recital by Mr James Thiele (Geoff’s brother and organist at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Adelaide) took place that afternoon.

Good Shepherd organists have included: Esme Beck, Barbara Beer, Barbara Bjerking, Paul Buruma, Eric Collyer, Joan Cramer, Helen Goessling, John Noack, Alicia Simpfendorfer and Geoff Thiele.

Choir

The inaugural choir practice was held on October 9, 1969 under the direction of Geoff Thiele and grew to number 25.

In February 1971 a new choir of three voices was established by Peter Maley which grew in nine months to 29, membership peaking two years later at 36, singing Handel’s Passion, Stainer’s Crucifixion and excerpts of the Messiah. The ABC broadcast the worship service on April 18 1974 in the program “Churches of Australia”. Maley and Alicia Simpfendorfer established a junior choir of 26 children in 1974. The senior choir joined the Victoria District’s Choral Union in 1975 and travelled to Stawell for rehearsals.

Robert Mau, June Johnstone and Janelle Rudolph have since played significant roles in choral and worship music. Organists have included: Geoff Thiele, Alicia Simpfendorfer, Barbara Bjerking, Esme Baltzer (nee Beck), Joan Cramer, Barbara Beer, Eric Collyer, Helen Goessling and John Noack.

Primary School

A sub-committee led by Pastor Eckert was appointed in January 1964 to investigate the establishment of a Lutheran day school on the corner of Mt Dandenong and Whitehorse Roads. The proposal did not proceed. In March 1965 the purchase of land adjacent to Luther College was investigated. This proposal was also shelved on the basis that one congregation acting alone could not manage such a program.

District Church Council subsequently purchased the land adjacent to Luther College in September 1965 specifically for a day school. Some years later the District sold the land believing it was not needed for educational purposes.

Pastor Mike Hassold in March 1977 began the successful campaign to build a primary school adjacent to Luther College. In June 1978 agreement was reached between the congregation and Luther College to hire the college Senior Common Room for the commencement of the primary school. By October 3rd Mrs Irma Dymke had accepted the call to head teacher position and Orientation Day scheduled for December 12.

Development of the school was exponential and on January 1st 1992, Ringwood relinquished ownership and the school transferred to the Open Door Lutheran Fellowship (Croydon congregation) now known as Outer Eastern Lutheran Church). The school continues to grow – its development now an integral element of Luther College.

Retirement Village

An initial approach for partnership in building a retirement village was made to the Salvation Army in September 1982 for the joint purchase of 5 adjacent homes along City Road. Total cost of the purchase was estimated at $175,000. Good Shepherd soon appreciated the benefits of going it alone and proceeded with haste to establish the centre. October 26, 1982, Mr Cliff Semmler chaired the inaugural meeting of the Retirement Village Committee.

The Village of 24 units dedicated in May 1984 was designed by Arvi Paulberg and constructed by the late Gordon Rohde, both members of the congregation. Mr Semmler remained Village chairman until his death on December 12, 1991, when Mr Gordon Menzel was elected to the position. Mr Menzel still holds the office. Mr David Rothberg is a foundation member of the Management Board and continues to be a respected and admired active member.

Good Shepherd congregation has been assisted on numerous occasions by loan funds from the Village.

Manager/caretakers:

  • Barbara Frost 1984
  • Michael and Elsa O’Connor 1985 – 93
  • Adrian and Joy Ottens 1993 -

Good Shepherd Mission Fund

The fund was established in 1998 and is administered by the Good Shepherd Church Council. Designed to provide financial assistance to congregations in the development of plant and facilities and the employment of key personnel, requests for assistance are recommended primarily by the Council for Mission and Ministry. Areas of available assistance also include attendance at seminars, conferences, workshops and camps where it can be demonstrated that such attendance has relevance to programs of the Victorian District.

Mr Gordon Menzel is credited with the foundation of this charitable outreach mission. The Fund receives monies from the village, congregation, and individuals.

Significant Donations

  • Copper church light fittings – 1963, Mr Phil Collyer
  • Altar candlesticks (2 large) – 1963 Mr Geoff Thiele
  • 1972 church carpet - Mr and Mrs F Crosby.
  • Clergy Stalls and organ seat – 1974 Mr & Mrs O Neuparth in memory of late son, Alan
  • Piano – Mr & Mrs O Neuparth
  • Private Communion set – 1980 (February) by friends in memory of Mr Joe Poley
  • Hymn books – estate of Mrs Elva Francis
  • Silver Communion goblets – 1998 Mrs G Semmler in memory of Mr Cliff Semmler
  • Pulpit and lectern – designed and crafted by Pastor Kevin Schmidt
  • Communion carafe – 1998 Mr John Scherer in memory of his parents Harry and Linda Scherer

Odd Spots

Church Council in 1969 voted to purchase two brooms, one hair and one straw and the decision referred to the property committee. After much discussion over two months the purchase was finalised at a cost of $1.80.

Building Committee 8/6/70: “The fungus in the manse was inspected. Recommend adequate ventilation to counteract any further growth of fungus”.

Building Committee 14/12/70: “Health Inspection to be as soon as possible to enable Pastor to take up residence in the spare room before Christmas”.

Gems from the Insurance debate:
Accident risk - 4 females $40.00 per week for total incapacity

  • 4 males $10.00 per week for partial incapacity
  • public liability - $50,000 including poisonous food and drink clause

The church PA system was a regular AGM discussion point and was only installed when members in favour finally staged a formal protest and began ear marking their normal weekly offering envelopes “For a PA System” a source of much consternation to the church council.

1971 July, smoking prohibited during congregational meetings.

1989 eight “Walkman” radios purchased for amplification of church services via the FM frequency for the hearing impaired.

Snippets

  • 1969 February, Pastor Simpfendorfer arranged bulk purchase of the newly published Bible “Today’s English Version” at 50 cents a copy.
  • April 1st, 1969 the parish paper “Ringwood Lutheran Messenger” first published
  • The first Parish Worker, Clem Schulze from Grovedale spent several months in 1970 assisting Pastor Simpfendorfer and visiting contact families. He lived in a caravan behind the church hall. Prior to this period of service he had assisted Pastor Eckert. Mr *G Schultz was appointed part-time Parish Worker in 1978. Margaret Ritter (deaconess at Box Hill) also assisted Ringwood in the very early development years as did deaconess Audrey Sellner. (*spelling of name differs throughout minutes as both Graeme and Graham)
  • Annual camps for confirmation students first introduced in 1971.
  • June 1971 membership growth averaging 10 new members each month, it became necessary to produce new membership lists twice yearly.
  • 1971 Christmas Eve service attendance of 400 presents enormous seating problems.
  • Lay assistance in the distribution of communion introduced September 1972.
  • 1972 Ringwood numbers 692 baptised members, 79 children regularly attending Sunday school, 75 adults attending weekly Bible Hour study sessions.
  • 1973 Good Shepherd establishes policy of four weeks annual leave for its pastor, ignoring strong disapproval/protest from General Church in Adelaide. Subsequent General Synods approve firstly, in 1979 three weeks and six days (not including the fourth preaching Sunday) and finally four weeks (28 days) some years later.
  • A memorial niche wall on church grounds for the ashes of deceased members first proposed in 1974. The idea was again proposed in the mid-90s. No action ever taken.
  • 1974 the first congregational camp held at Anglesea.
  • Library established by Alicia Simpfendorfer 1974.
  • On Christmas morning 1974 Cyclone Tracy lashes Darwin with winds in excess of 250 km/h. Almost 25,000 people are evacuated from Darwin as ninety percent of all buildings and homes are either completely destroyed or rendered uninhabitable. In February 1975, Good Shepherd holds a special appeal and contributes $200 to help Lutheran relief work in the Northern Territory.
  • August 1979 Mrs Ora Molenaar begins work on Advent Tapestries. (Mrs Molenaar continues her much admired and appreciated church tapestry work to the present time)
  • After many years of patient negotiation the $6000 Walters Legacy is resolved in 1980 and used to retire debt.
  • Fire destroys telephone switchboard in manse on June 30, 1980.
  • Spring 1980, manse overrun by plague of mice causing much misery for the Hassolds.
  • 1985 Final loan repayment made on church.
  • 1987 David Bryce leaves the congregation to begin training at Luther Seminary.
  • 1988 Final loan repayment made on manse
  • 1988 Female deacons installed
  • 1989 Modifications to church entry and hall ($15,000).
  • 1993 Fellowship Committee raises $500 for the creation of a stained glass window in the church. A year later, funds totalled $1000. 1994 being a difficult budget year it was resolved not to proceed with the window but to sandblast the Good Shepherd image onto the main entry glass doors.
  • 1996 General Church Funds (LCA) reach such a level that an $8.25 per member levy is introduced to reduce/remove an expected $400,000 budget shortfall.
  • 1997 Committee established to extend the office building complex at a cost of $40,000. (Project finished on time and on budget. LLL loan to be repaid by rental received from office tenants Ringwood Extended Family Services).
  • 1998 REG (Regular Electronic Giving) introduced. (Direct bank a/c funds transfer for weekly offerings)
  • 2000 purchase of electronic piano to assist with contemporary services.

Pastors of the Congregation

Chronological

  • 1961 - 1962 Leske, Everard
  • 1963 - 1968 Eckert, Frank
  • 1969 - 1976 Simpfendorfer, Sam
  • 1976 - 1984 Hassold, Mike
  • 1985 - 1991 Stolz, Paul
  • 1991 (Feb-Aug) Benz, Peter
  • 1991 - 1997 Schmidt, Kevin
  • 1998 - Brook, Andrew

Alphabetical

  • Benz, Peter 1991 (Feb-Aug)
  • Brook, Andrew 1998-
  • Eckert, Frank 1963-68
  • Hassold, Mike 1976-84
  • Leske, Everard, 1961-62
  • Schmidt, Kevin 1991-97
  • Simpfendorfer, Sam 1969-76
  • Stolz, Paul 1985-91

Pastors who significantly assisted the congregation

Alphabetical

  • Greenthaner, Mark
  • Kleinig, John
  • Kolec, Andrew
  • Paech, John
  • Pech, Herman
  • Sabel, Ern
  • Schirmer, Geoff
  • Stolz, David
  • Strelan, David

Vicars

Chronological

  • 1975 Bartel, Lyle (now at St Luke’s Albury NSW)
  • 1980 Pietsch, Jim (left the ministry; now in charge of the Theological Book Department of Open Book Adelaide)
  • 1981 Rosenberg, Leon (now at Nuriootpa SA)
  • 1982 Pfeiffer, Andrew (now director of the Pastoral Ministry Program responsible for the education and vocational development of pastoral candidates; he is currently Head of the Pastoral Theology Department at Luther Seminary)
  • 1993 Logan, Wayne (now at Swan Reach SA)

Alphabetical

  • 1975 Bartel, Lyle
  • 1980 Pietsch, Jim
  • 1981 Rosenberg, Leon
  • 1993 Logan, Wayne
  • 1982 Pfeiffer, Andrew

Chairpersons

Chronological

  • 1961-2 Leske, Rev E
  • 1962-5 Stehn, H
  • 1965-9 Thiele, Geoff
  • 1965-9 Thiele, Geoff
  • 1969-74 Hoffmann, F
  • 1974-80 Maley, P
  • 1981-4 Wegener, M
  • 1984 Greenberger, G
  • 1985-6 Lange, V
  • 1986-7 Mau, J
  • 1987-90 Maley, P
  • 1991-5 Renner, P
  • 1995-6 Wheaton, R
  • 1997 Kruger, C
  • 1998-9 (part) Menzel, G
  • 1999- Renner, P

Alphabetical

  • Greenberger, G 1984
  • Leske, E 1961-2
  • Menzel, 1998-9 part
  • Thiele, G 1965-9
  • Hoffmann, F 1969-74
  • Maley, P 1974-80
  • Renner, P 1991-5
  • Wegener, M 1981-4
  • Kruger, C 1997
  • Maley, P 1987-90
  • Renner, P 1999-
  • Wheaton, R 1995-6
  • Lange, V 1985-6
  • Mau, J 1986-7
  • Stehn, H 1962-5

Treasurers

  • Bath,Graham
  • Lyng, Mal
  • Paech, John
  • Stasinowsky, Mark
  • Bird, Mavis
  • McLennan, Rod
  • Pescod, Bruce
  • Thiele, Geoff
  • Goessling, Mark
  • Menzel, Gordon
  • Ridge, Justin
  • Graetz, John
  • Nitschke, Burnie
  • Sosenko, Hans

Secretaries

  • Bird, Ian
  • Krause, Ray
  • Maley, Peter
  • Ridge, John
  • Farrow, Teresa
  • Kruger, Clay
  • Maroney, Doug
  • Ruwoldt, Con
  • Hoffmann, Peter
  • Leske, Andrew
  • Mattiske, James
  • Wegener, Mal
  • Johnstone, Graeme
  • Lillis, Ricarda
  • Pescod, Bruce
  • Wilksch, John

Give to our God immortal praise,
Mercy and truth are all His ways:
Wonders of grace to God belong.
Repeat His mercies in your song.

Through this vain world He guides our feet,
And leads us to His heavenly seat:
His mercies ever shall endure,
When this vain world shall no more endure.

Authors note:
This historical record has been compiled from minutes of various committees within the congregation, principally annual general meetings, special meetings of the congregation and church council over the past forty years.
Peter Maley – November 2001

Special thanks to:

  • Robert Mau – booklet design and layout
  • Gordon Menzel – printing
  • Jenny Maley – patience and proof reading