Denmark’s Anglican Church celebrated the 125th anniversary of the consecration of St Leonard’s on October 20.

It was built and dedicated in 1899 as a Church of England Mission Church.

The name St Leonard’s was chosen in 1914 because the French saint (d. 599) established a community for released prisoners in a forest. The Reverend Sally Buckley said the day was ‘about honouring the past, and looking to the future’.

Denmark historian Bev McGuinness spoke at the morning service and described how Norwegian carpenters had built the church.

The current colour scheme of falun red and white is a nod to that heritage. Parishioners later shared stories over afternoon tea which was followed by a service of evening prayer contemplating the past, present and future of the community.

The parish has known some lean times but since the opening of the Mustard Seed Op Shop has been able to extend its ministry through a program of giving, including funds for emergency relief.

The parish has given $152,400 in local, national and international aid between 2014 and 2023.

The Mustard Seed is also a social hub for customers as well as about 40 volunteers from the parish and wider community.

Due to its golden ambience and excellent acoustics St Leonard’s has also offered hospitality as a place for music concerts.

As well as the Mustard Seed, Rev. Karen Urquhart established the annual All Souls by the River service which was recently held for the 17th year, and the Eklektika community choir.

Rev. Sally hopes ‘the parish will continue to thrive as part of the Denmark community and to be place of inclusive welcome with a message of love and hope’.

This article appeared in the Denmark Bulletin, 7 November 2024.