It has been interesting to look at photos in shop windows showing what used to be on that site.
In light of these celebrations, I decided to give a brief history of the Baptist Church.
The church recently celebrated its 73rd anniversary.
The earliest beginnings of the church were in 1941, when Fred Coventry and his wife Grace bought a property three miles out of Kyabram on what is now John Allan Rd. They linked with Shepparton Baptist but determined to pioneer a Baptist Church in Kyabram.
It was felt nothing could be done then, but when the Coventrys moved into Ky in 1945, they began services in their home, with Rev Baker from Shepparton coming across for fortnightly services.
Gradually, numbers grew and a move was made to the mechanics hall (now town hall) supper room, then to the RSL hall.
Mavis Grummitt’s family, the Parkers, came from Castlemaine, with Harry Parker becoming headmaster at Lancaster Primary School. The Grummitts (Neil’s family) came from Brighton.
A Sunday School was started with five children under the leadership of my mother Merle Spearpoint and Gwen Padgham, a nursing sister who looked after the health of newborns at the infant welfare centre, now a childcare centre in Fenaughty St.
In December 1952, 10 people met in the kitchen of Don and Merle Spearpoint’s home to discuss with Baptist Home Mission the possibility of a church in Kyabram. However, it was not until August 1953 that the next step was taken.
A business meeting was held on August 1 and on Sunday, August 2, the church was constituted, and 12 people were welcomed into membership by Rev Robert Haley of Shepparton.
Some of these new members who had a vision for a church in Ky were Fred and Grace Coventry, Harry and Jean Parker, Max and Edna McInnes and Don and Merle Spearpoint. I know many prayer meetings were held as these faithful people sought God’s guidance.
In April 1954, three blocks of land on the corner of Lake Rd and Fenaughty St were purchased. Plans were drawn up for an all-purpose hall but, even back in 1954, securing a builder and materials was difficult, which delayed work starting.
In April 1955, Knight’s Big Store accepted the contract, but no work started until November 1955 when, with help from Shepparton, the foundations were dug and concrete poured.
Late December or early 1956, the block went under 18 inches of flood water, so it wasn’t until May when work really got going.
Towards the end of the year, graduate student pastor Ron Ham was appointed to the new church.
As I am limited to 500 words, I must stop here but will continue in my next On the Horizon column.
Happy 150th, Ky, and may our Lord continue to bless and keep our town.
— Rosemary Hunt
Kyabram Baptist Church
