By N.Elaine Valenzuela
100 years … who would miss this once in a lifetime event … not me … not even members of the St. Albans Uniting Church in Australia, the home of the 1st Filipino UCA Congregation which celebrated its centenary year and the grand opening and dedication of the new church complex last 25 March 2012.
The people gathered outside the church as the bell rang and the Presbytery Chairperson Jenny Hayes shared a greeting then Philip Harmer, architect; Anthony Bortolotto representing the builder Behmer and Wright. Kirsty Bennett, Manager of Major Projects and Architecture (UCA Synod Victoria and Tasmania) presented the key to Clem Valdez, the Convenor of St. Alban’s Congregation’s Property Development Committee and dedicated the building for the worship and service of God in the community, as the ribbon was cut by Clem and Letty Valdez, two elders of the church.
A worship service followed led by Rev. James Murray. The Bible Reading and Prayer of Intercessions for the world, the nation, the community, the church and the future were read by Filipinos, Liberian and Vietnamese representatives. The Shalom Choir, conducted by Nancy Ramos, is composed mostly of Filipinos and a German, sang with feelings toward heavenward the songs “Cornerstone” and “We Are His Church”. The sermon was given by the guest speaker Ms. Isabel Thomas Dobson pointing out that the ministry does not stop at the opening of the new church … it’s a new start to minister … everyone has to do their part to reach out… under His constant guidance … through His Holy Spirit and grace.
It started about 100 years ago when Keilor Plains consisted of only a railway station and a Post Office. The Cosmopolitan Land and Banking Company acquired 1,000 acres and named this settlement St. Albans. By the 1930s there were still only 125 households and 17 farmers served by eight shopkeepers, a mechanic’s hall and 2 churches (Anglican and Presbyterian).
The St. Albans Uniting Church was this Presbyterian Church built on the corner of Circus East and Elaine Street in 1912 by the local community consisting of farmers and Anglo-Celtic settlers.
The Filipino Congregation started with five Filipino families worshipping at Brooklyn UCA in Altona on 25 February 1992 headed by a Filipino student pastor, now, Rev. Bert Dellosa. This small group named Filipino Fellowship was encouraged and supported by Rev. Rex Fisher of the Uniting Church Victorian Synod’s Ethnic Ministry. It increased its popularity and held service at Gamon Uniting Church in Footscray.
On 5 February 1995, upon encouragement from then Maribyrnong Valley UCA Presbytery, the Filipino Fellowship was accepted as a worshipping congregation of the Uniting Church, thus the first Filipino Uniting Church of Australia was born. From 1992 to 1999, they have moved to at least six locations in western suburbs until in 1999 they were finally settled in St. Albans and then the Caroline Springs mission was formed eight years ago. This mission was formally accepted by the UCA as a separate congregation named Caroline Springs Uniting Church in Australia last 4 March 2012.
The St. Albans UCA has a strong culture of fellowship but during the past two years they have welcomed 20 Vietnamese brothers and sisters and recently has also welcomed a few families of Liberian/African descent. The mission continues as they focus on the local area and the wider migrant ethnic community.
The centennial celebration wouldn’t be complete without the cultural extravaganza of Filipinos. The opening music was rendered by the Philippine Rondalla Group to the medley of South African and Caribbean tunes followed by “Walang Sino Man Ang Nabubuhay Para Sa Sarili Lamang” and “Tanging Kay Kristo Lamang” to the tune of “Magtanim Ay Di Biro”. Rev. Jim Murray led the opening prayer. Philippine Honorary Consul General to Victoria Gigi Kalong welcomed the Filipino community while the Administrator of Brimbank City Council Meredith Sussex also welcomed the Australian community.
A duet was rendered by 2009 Fil-Oz Idol Grand Finals Winner Arjan Batislaon and 2011 Fil-Oz Idol Finalist Myka Baculi, they sang “More Than This World” beautifully and Myka did a melodious solo rendition of “I See You Lord”. The Sunday School Kids composed of Zac Galvez, Christian Camigla, Miko Dumayas and Sandy Batislaon did a lively “Salakot” dance number; the Junior Group composed of Mary Kris Baluyot, Precious Laysico, Gizelle Calinga and Mikayla Danque, and the Senior Group composed of Clarissa Guiao, Janine Capuli, Jimboy Jimenez and Genesis Galvez did the complicated footsteps of “Tinikling” while the Sining Lahi which is composed of couples Candy and Bener Reyes, Alicia and Gabby Ocampo danced the “Pandanggo Sa Ilaw” wonderfully balancing the lighted candles in a glass on their hands and heads. The “Jotabal” was gracefully danced by Candy Reyes, Alicia Ocampo, Ruth Guiao, Shirley Galvez and Jenny Jimenez. The Closing Prayer was led by Jenny Hayes, Chairperson-Presbytery of Port Philip West.
