Vermont Uniting Church – Transitioning to a new beginning

By Trevor Tilley

In 1948 the then Methodist Conference purchased land along Cross Road where the church stands today. The Vermont Methodist Church opened in 1950 using a small hall and the current church building was opened in 1965. In 1976 the late Rev Allan Hatcher and wife Margaret returned to Australia following 21years as missionaries in Fiji. On their return Rev Allan took up a part time placement at the Vermont Methodist Church.

With the formation of the Uniting Church in 1977 and Rev Allan’s family having a strong connection with the Fijian people living in Australia a close cultural bond was formed. Vermont's congregation has shared many years of Christian fellowship with the Fijian community. Over these years shared services in English have taken place and twice a month services have been held in the Fijian language. Over the last 5-10 years the congregation at Vermont has been ageing and declining in numbers to the point where in mid 2021 it was very evident that the Vermont UC would not be able to maintain sustainability. Presbytery were then requested to commence the process of closing the church at the end of 2022.

In October 2021 the Vermont Church Council held an open meeting with members of the Pastoral Relations Committee of the Uniting Church and interested members. This meeting was attended by a strong representation from the Fijian Community. The Fijians expressed a desire to maintain the continuance of the Vermont UC as their place of worship. In January 2022 it was very clear that a proposed plan to incorporate the Fijians into the Vermont Congregation was a feasible outcome whereby the Fijians would be accepted into membership of the Vermont UC by way of baptism, confirmation or confession of faith. This allows the continuing use and maintaining of the Vermont church premises and manse.

A ' Transition Service' from the Vermont Uniting Church to the new Vermont Uniting Fijian Congregation will be held on Sunday 20th November at 3.00pm. Enquiries should be directed to Jenni on 0409 698 754.