Grateful Living
The Open Door - Growth and Infrastructure (1950s–1970s)
"For we are fellow workers with God. You are God's field, God's building." 1 Cor. 3:12 emphasises the cooperative nature of ministry and the role of believers in God’s work. In amazing ways, our God is working in the lives of every believer to make us a fruitful field.
The church membership aimed to serve the entire community of Hervey Bay and adhere to its initial vision, leading to its renaming as Hervey Bay Baptist Church.
By the late 1960s, the church had grown significantly, purchasing a manse and becoming known as HBBC. Various groups flourished, including a women’s guild, youth and children’s ministries, Sunday School, and missionary fellowships.
The church expanded its outreach with biweekly services in private homes in Howard, eventually establishing Howard as a separate commissioned church.
Various ministries, including missionary support and youth work, were led by ordained and lay leaders. A youth fellowship was initiated. The Torquay church remained an active Christian presence in the seaside community. In 1956, town water was connected, and fluorescent lights were installed, marking a modest period of growth.
The church became administratively and financially independent in 1976, ceasing to receive financial aid.
During the Torquay Terrace era, there was always an active Women’s Guild that accomplished significant fundraising for the essential daily upkeep of the church and support for overseas mission work. They typically addressed the needs of women in both the church and the community. This included a cassette tape ministry for housebound individuals and the formation of the first Hervey Bay KYB groups.
An active and vibrant Sunday School was also present, featuring the Church Anniversary services, the annual Sunday School Picnic, and the Christmas Tree. Youth were catered to with Friday evening events, Sunday School, and the Annual City-Country Youth Exchanges.
Christian Endeavour was another platform where youth were nurtured and encouraged in their Christian faith. In the 1950s and '60s, Junior and Senior Girls’ Missionary Fellowships motivated girls to take an interest in, and support overseas missionaries. The Boys’ Brigade encouraged boys in their Christian faith while helping them develop skills such as camping, bush survival, and handicrafts.
These ministries relied on a team of dedicated volunteers who generously gave their time and talents each week to advance the Gospel ministry at the local church level.
The original church building on Torquay Road served the local community for 63 years. In 1981, the land and building were sold for $103,000.
The church membership aimed to serve the entire community of Hervey Bay and adhere to its initial vision, leading to its renaming as Hervey Bay Baptist Church.
By the late 1960s, the church had grown significantly, purchasing a manse and becoming known as HBBC. Various groups flourished, including a women’s guild, youth and children’s ministries, Sunday School, and missionary fellowships.
The church expanded its outreach with biweekly services in private homes in Howard, eventually establishing Howard as a separate commissioned church.
Various ministries, including missionary support and youth work, were led by ordained and lay leaders. A youth fellowship was initiated. The Torquay church remained an active Christian presence in the seaside community. In 1956, town water was connected, and fluorescent lights were installed, marking a modest period of growth.
The church became administratively and financially independent in 1976, ceasing to receive financial aid.
During the Torquay Terrace era, there was always an active Women’s Guild that accomplished significant fundraising for the essential daily upkeep of the church and support for overseas mission work. They typically addressed the needs of women in both the church and the community. This included a cassette tape ministry for housebound individuals and the formation of the first Hervey Bay KYB groups.
An active and vibrant Sunday School was also present, featuring the Church Anniversary services, the annual Sunday School Picnic, and the Christmas Tree. Youth were catered to with Friday evening events, Sunday School, and the Annual City-Country Youth Exchanges.
Christian Endeavour was another platform where youth were nurtured and encouraged in their Christian faith. In the 1950s and '60s, Junior and Senior Girls’ Missionary Fellowships motivated girls to take an interest in, and support overseas missionaries. The Boys’ Brigade encouraged boys in their Christian faith while helping them develop skills such as camping, bush survival, and handicrafts.
These ministries relied on a team of dedicated volunteers who generously gave their time and talents each week to advance the Gospel ministry at the local church level.
The original church building on Torquay Road served the local community for 63 years. In 1981, the land and building were sold for $103,000.
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