Our history
The congregation began in 1853 as a Gaelic speaking church serving the immigrants arriving from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Much has changed in over 170 years, including the language of our services, but we seek to maintain the same reformed doctrines and spiritual worship, with an earnest desire to hold out the one true gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in this city.
Our worship
We aim to be joyful, reverent and spiritual in our gatherings for worship, remembering the words of our Lord Jesus Christ that “God is a spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). The outward form of our service is intentionally simple, free of distractions, so that we can focus on the reading and preaching of God’s Word, which is full of depth, riches, and truth. We also sing the Word of God from the book of Psalms in versions arranged for music. Following the practice of the early church, and many churches through the ages, our singing is a cappella (i.e. church style) without musical instruments. Some choose to sing in four-part harmony but most just sing the melody. It should be heartfelt and can be very beautiful. We warmly welcome visitors to our services, including those who are new to Christianity or are looking for answers. No prior knowledge is required and there’s no special dress code. We also delight to have fellowship with the Lord’s people who may be visiting from other churches.
Our beliefs
We believe the Bible to be the Word of God and the supreme standard in all matters of faith and life. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who gave his life as the perfect sacrifice for sins and rose again from the grave to be our Lord and saviour. We believe that he has appointed the preaching of God’s Word as the primary way in which the gospel is made known, people are saved, and the church is built up in the faith. Our Church has also received the Westminster Confession as a faithful statement of biblical teachings, along with the other standards for worship, church government and teaching that were produced by the Westminster Assembly in the 1640s.
Our affiliation
We are part of the Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia, which, though small, is the oldest presbyterian denomination in Australia, founded in 1846. Today there are 10 congregations on the east coast of Australia from Brisbane to Tasmania.