Community & Business
20 October, 2021
Nobby Lutheran Church to celebrate its 80th anniversary
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Nobby is celebrating its 80th Anniversary this year with a special Service and luncheon at 10am on Sunday 31 October.
The church was officially opened on 1 June 1941 and it turned very wet as the day progressed, necessitating the cancellation of the afternoon service.
A brass plaque in the entrance foyer commemorates a Mr Conrad Ludolf Daniel Wittenburg, who had been a prominent businessman in Toowoomba before his departure for London where he died in 1938.
In his will, he bequeathed part of his estate to various protestant parishes on the Downs.
The condition was that the money had to be used for new buildings.
Hence the decision was made to amalgamate and construct a new church at Nobby which was more central.
A unique feature of the building is that it has been
constructed to a very large extent using materials from the old Lutheran churches at Headington Hill and Mt Kent.
It is evident today in that the boards on the exterior walls change at window sill height.
The leadlight windows are an added feature along with the ornate pews and furnishings made of select grade softwood timber.
All that remains today at the well kept Headington Hill site are the stumps from the church and the cemetery on Careys Road.
A bi-annual weekend gathering brings life and memories back to the site.
A memorial plaque has been placed there and one is also located at the Mt Kent site on Felton Road.
Records of meetings and activities dating back over 100 years make for fascinating reading.
For example, when the early settlers came in the early 1900s, the district was in severe drought.
Horses were the mode of transport and feed costs had increased dramatically to £17 per ton so the pastor had to dispense with his horse for the longer trips.
Photographs show many families who have come and gone from the district.
Photos also show the menfolk wearing suits to church.
It is expected that many families who have lived in the area will return on 31st October for the Service and luncheon.
An invitation is extended to all to attend.
Queensland District Assist Bishop Rev Ben Hentscke has been invited to give the address for the Service.
- Gloria Hamilton
