Nanson’s St Luke’s Anglican Church marks cyclone Seroja restoration with thanksgiving service

A church devastated by cyclone Seroja will finally re-open the doors to its Mid West community, having finally been restored almost a year after the natural disaster.

Chapman Valley’s St Luke’s Anglican Church will host a thanksgiving service on March 13, its first service since the cyclone ripped off its roof, doors and windows.

The church has been a welcoming sight to the Nanson community since 1952, standing tall at the entrace to the humble Mid West town for almost 70 years.

Reverend Eldred Royce said it was exciting to be able to return to the church.

“Being up on the hill, the wind was so much it just took the roof tiles off, it was pretty devastating as always to see a church building destroyed,” he said.

“It took every bit of the last year to get the restorations complete and there’s still more work because of the tradesman shortage and material issues COVID and the like have brought.

“You need to keep these churches ticking along because having a place for people to come to if they’re feeling insecure is so important in regional WA.

“When people don’t have a spiritual anchor then their worlds can crumble quicker when times are tough, it’s a safe haven for many and brings a sense of security and belonging.”

The Sunday service will be a thanksgiving service according to Rev. Royce, open to all members of the community.

“It will include thanksgiving for God’s protection from COVID in the Mid West, for the blessing of a record harvest and to pray for the year ahead,” he said.

Beginning at 10.30am the service will be followed by a gathering at Nabawa Tavern.