The Story of St. Paul's

St Paul's is located in Glenelg, a vibrant seaside suburb of Adelaide and a place of historical significance for South Australia. People from all over Adelaide as well as tourists flock to "the Bay" for it’s holiday atmosphere, shopping precinct and special events.

Our congregation has been here in "the Bay" since 1931, and on its current site on Brighton Rd since 1954 when the hall was built and used for worship. The present church was built in 1961 and the adjoining house purchased in 1978. "Martin Luther House" as it is known is used for Sunday School (SPACE), for our Community Care food relief and as offices for our pastor, secretary.

St Paul’s has been one of four congregations that has been a supporter of Immanuel Lutheran Primary School at Novar Gardens since its inception.

Our members have always had a compassionate heart for those with special needs and have assisted with services at Minda and at a nearby hostel for over 40 years. Our hall has also been open to the elderly in the community every Friday for indoor bowls for nearly 60 years. Community Care was established in the 1990's together with a small Opportunity Shop and these have become an important part of God’s story at here at St Paul's.

The demographics of the congregation and local area have changed over the years, as they do, and currently our congregation is changing yet again as some of our elderly folk who have been a wonderful back-bone for the congregation over the years are moving on and new people are arriving on our doorstep. This reflects a transition in our nearby suburbs. On an average Sunday you will find a mix of people from different backgrounds, nationalities and age-groups worshipping God together from suburbs up and down the coast.

We are currently in a rebuilding phase, both in our church community and also in looking at upgrading our facilities for the future and in exploring how we can work together with other nearby congregations more effectively. While some doors close, God is opening up new ones for us to enter. It is a challenging but exciting time and we pray for God’s wisdom in planning for the future.

You are welcome to come and worship with us, or to find out more about us in any way you choose. We are here to help people get to know God and to experience something of his love through us.

Our mission statement is: “God’s Caring Community – growing in Christ, sharing his love”. We would be happy to have you as part of it.