To God be the glory, great things He hath done!
Perth Wesley Uniting Church and South Perth Uniting Church recently celebrated 195 years and 185 years of service. Here is a reflection on a memorable weekend of celebration
June 12, 2025
by Rev Hollis Wilson, Minister at Perth Wesley Uniting Church (known also as Uniting Church in the City)
“Wow!” This is a modern theological term used to describe the celebration weekend.
Starting at Elizabeth Quay’s TransPerth ferry port, UCA President Rev Charissa Suli, South Perth Uniting Church Minister Rev Mark Illingworth and myself boarded the ferry in a modern-day re-creation of the Wesley Church Minister’s crossing of the Derbarl Yerrigan/Swan River to lead worship at the Methodist Church in South Perth.
With no threat of rain, the afternoon was devoted to a walking tour of the various sites related to that Methodist congregation. Through song, prayer, story and reflection, it was a wonderful time that underscored the theme of the day, ‘Keeping the faith since 1840’.
On Sunday, the celebrations pivoted to the Perth Wesley Uniting Church (known also as Uniting Church in the City) with Moderator Rev Dr Ian Tozer preaching at the morning communion service, bringing an uplifting message of looking back while looking forward – ‘What are we going to do now?’.
The day concluded with our Uniting Church in the City afternoon worship continuing to commemorate the 195th anniversary of the first Methodist worship in Western Australia.
Prior to hearing from our preacher of the day Rev Charissa Suli, Minister-in-Association Rev Frances Hadfield took the congregation through the building up of a cairn. Each person was invited to take a stone and then place it in a pile as the stones represented many things including our connectedness to one another.
"Rev Suli brought a message of hope that also connected our past, our present and our future with faith in the knowledge that Christ is with us, no matter the century and the era."
Great music, great liturgy, and great preaching – such was the unfolding of the worship. Rev Suli brought a message of hope that also connected our past, our present and our future with faith in the knowledge that Christ is with us, no matter the century and the era. It was a delight to spend time with our President and to get to know her that little bit more.
On our parting, Charissa remarked that she had become quite a fan of Western Australia. I think that we have certainly become a fan of Rev Suli as our President!
There are so many people to thank that made our effort a remarkable success. To the Wesley Elders that enthusiastically supported the event and authorised the funds to underwrite the cost of the afternoon service. The church office staff for all they did to prepare for the day and in the follow-up at its conclusion.
To the Tranby Chorale, our two 2025 Wesley Music Scholars, our Artist-in-Residence Alessandro Pittorino and our Director of Music Angela Currie. Our verger Rev David McAndrew. Rev Frances Hadfield for the design of the morning and afternoon liturgy. And, finally, to the members and friends of our church who contributed in so many ways.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
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