Strait Gate Church - Light Pass

 

Towards the end of 1860 around twenty-five families from the Light Pass Immanuel church left to form their own congregation.

Their pastor, GJ Rechner was new to the area and had recently been given a job as the local school teacher.

To begin with the services were held in the school and in private homes.

The congregation was growing rapidly so it was decided that they should build a proper place of worship.

The church was dedicated in 1861.

A large German bell was bought and placed on a platform near the church in 1871.

The original church was used for almost 100 years until a new church was built because the old one was in such bad shape.

The new church signified that ‘their faith was alive and aggressive, planning for the future while respecting and carrying on the traditions and heritage.’

The tower is the only part of the original church that still stands to this day as it was incorporated into the new building.