By Tanya Steele
Belgrave South Baptist Church have recently reinstalled its beloved message board after it was taken out by a tree fall around 18 months ago.
The newly returned sign returned to the Belgrave South community on Tuesday 19 November proclaiming – ‘You asked for a sign – God’ and locals are glad to see it back.
Reverend Julian Holdsworth said the sign had been a feature of the church for a number of years.
“I arrived about two and a half years ago and a tree came along and hit the thing and I thought well that’s the end of that,” he said.
In the meantime, the local community all began asking after the sign whenever they saw the Reverend out and about.
“People within the community said they enjoyed driving past and seeing the messages,” said Reverend Holdsworth.
The messaging was quite enjoyable and often people would ring the local radio station to report on the message of the week.
A regular parishioner at the church Kevin Gray said they had had quite a process to replace the sign.
“It’s really good it’s back, it’s a way we can communicate – a lot of people don’t mind what we’ve got to say,” he said.
“We put it together ourselves and got it finished.”
“Everybody is part of the community in Belgrave South and we are all very inclusive.”
Reverend Holdsworth said he aims to make the messages wise and witty.
“If I can come up with anything wise and witty – that is the goal and intent,” he said.
Mr Gray said the board was often funny and uplifting and ranged from things like ‘Exercise daily, walk with the lord’, to ‘Never give the devil a ride – he will always want to drive’ and ‘Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory capacity.’
Reverend Holdsworth is glad to see the sign back and said Belgrave South Baptist Church will be hosting Christmas Carols this year on 22 December at 10am.
“All are welcome,” he said.
