Rudi Schwartz, The Naracoorte News
In the mid 1850’s many Scottish Highland and English folk migrated and settled in the South-East. It was a requirement for the first minister permanent of the Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Dugald McCalman, to conduct worship services in English as well as Gaelic. In time, English became the sole language for services.
As time changed, the demographics also changed. The number of oriental grocery stores in Naracoorte are witness to this fact.
Another migrant group is growing. Quite a few South African families settled in the district, of which quite a number are Afrikaans speaking.
Most of them have already joined English churches. Yet, the yearning to gather to worship God in their mother tongue led them to arrange such a service.
It just happened that a minister, fluent in English and Afrikaans, had accepted a call to the Presbyterian Church in Naracoorte. When approached, Rudi Schwartz made himself available to conduct a service in Afrikaans.
On Sunday 19 January, in extreme summer heat, a group gathered in the Lucindale Gospel Chapel. Folk from Mount Gambier, Kingston, Naracoorte, Lucindale, Millicent, Mundulla, and everywhere in between converged in Lucindale. About 70 souls were in attendance. Afrikaans in hymns and Scripture readings filled the building. Afterwards, people shared great fellowship around traditional South African food.
We thank Phil Galley for the use of the Chapel. Thanks to those who made the arrangements and those who provided the refreshments.
This article appeared in The Naracoorte News.
