On Sunday 30 January, 2022 at the Oxford Union Church, parishioners past and present joined for a service and lunch to celebrate 50 years of worship. Maree Stevens reports on the celebration event.

The celebration began with the Church Service at 10.30am, led by the Rev Laurence Ennor, our wonderfully talented musical Minister from 2017 until January 2022. There was then time to meet, mingle and sit down and talk, until lunch was served. Several people enjoyed finding, and photographing, their names on a Cradle Roll on the wall. From the positive buzz in the room, there was obviously plenty to talk about as people met, or reconnected.

Following the Grace, people selected lunch from a buffet laden with food. A superb Anniversary Cake - baked by long-time church member Lorna Bowis, and iced by Christine Roberts (who had attended Sunday School at the Union Church, and whose mother had played the church organ) - finished off the meal.

Three members who have been with the Union Church since its beginning in 1972 until the present day, cut the cake. We congratulated Judith Evans and Anne and Tom Croft, on their fine innings of 50 years faithful service.

The meal over, some ‘catching up’ talk continued and late afternoon the last of the guests expressed their appreciation of an enjoyable time back in the Union Church, said their goodbyes and headed for home. The 50th Anniversary was a memorable occasion for visitors and hosts alike.

It was brought to my attention that there was an omission in the booklet, 50th Anniversary - Oxford District Union Parish. The last item, ‘Church History 1877 to 1972’ contained only the information relating to the Presbyterian Church. I apologize for the omission. I now have copies of the relevant Methodist History information. Please contact me if you would like a copy to include in your booklet. Maree Stephens, Ph. (03) 312 4223.