New role as community hub saves church from closure

Don't forget your Bible - and your maths, English and history books - when you head to Rosebank Peninsula Church in Avondale.

The Methodist church, on the corner of Rosebank Rd and Orchard St, recently faced closure because too few people attended Sunday services.

But instead of shutting the doors, its minister, Vaitu'ulala Ngahe, rallied churchgoers, community groups and students to renovate the building to be used by the community.

"I didn't want to see the church closed down. It had another purpose," Mr Ngahe said.

"It's a new phase of ministry - using the facilities to outreach to the community so that others, especially the children, can benefit."

Organised working bees carried out in the past few months - making renovations to the church - have turned the building slowly into a communal hub, which is near several schools.

Mr Ngahe said a number of community groups helping with the renovations had already signed up to use the church on various days, including a deaf support group, tai chi class and a local church youth group.

The Homework Club - which runs two days each week - will provide youngsters with free tutoring and help from parents and volunteers within the area.

Intermediate and high school students are already turning up after school to work on their homework projects together.

Mr Ngahe said providing a place for children to safely and efficiently do their homework was something that was desperately needed in the community.

"I love to see kids achieve in themselves and their education - I love to see them coming in to do their homework [and] achieving their goals," he said.

"It's not only preaching the good word, it's about actions - how can you put that to action? It's important to preach in a practical way too."

The church - which is part of the Avondale Union Parish - is continuing to fundraise to help pay for the renovations.

Mr Ngahe said the church was over 100 years old and was a building that had served the Avondale community long and proud.

Finding ways to continue to use it for the benefit of locals was the priority rather than destroying a building that had long been a part of the community, he said.

"It's something for the community, by the community - something that will benefit and help make our community better.

"We can't stop the history of this place - we're trying to write another story."