History Festival showcases Lutheran stories and heritage

Lutheran organisations across Adelaide welcomed visitors, shared stories and explored connections with the past during South Australia’s History Festival in May.

At the LCA Exhibition Centre in Adelaide, more than 70 visitors explored displays highlighting the history, mission and service of Lutherans in Australia and New Zealand. Visitors included members of Lutheran congregations from around Australia, as well as history enthusiasts with no previous connection to the church.

The exhibition sparked memories and personal discoveries for many visitors.

Visitor Tanya was delighted to discover a Mallee wood cross and candles from the former Walpeup Lutheran Church in Victoria on display. The items held special significance because of her family’s connection to the congregation. Another visitor, Peter, was surprised to find a photograph of himself featured in the exhibition’s music display.

One visitor described the exhibition as ‘very comprehensive, informative and well presented’, while another said: ‘So many wonderful displays … so much history to absorb and enjoy’. Yet another visitor was thrilled to see historical artefacts ‘out of boxes [on display] for all to see and learn’.

Lutheran Archives also participated extensively in the festival, offering guided walking tours, workshops and a genealogy course exploring German–Australian history and heritage. Archivists led popular walking tours focusing on German culture and community in Adelaide, while workshops helped participants learn to read historic German documents and research family histories.

Friends of Lutheran Archives also presented a talk on William Wilkinson’s 847-day journey through Central Australia, sharing insights into a remarkable chapter of Australian history.

Meanwhile, the Australian Lutheran College Library opened its rare books collection for special presentations led by retired librarian Trevor Schaefer. Around 40 people attended the sessions, with one reaching capacity.

Highlights included a 1551 edition of the Luther Bible, 16th-century pamphlets written by Martin Luther and other significant Reformation-era works. Visitors also heard stories behind the books, including conservation work that revealed a previously hidden title page in a 1522 work by Dutch Catholic theologian, scholar and philosopher Desiderius Erasmus and research inspired by inscriptions found in several volumes.

The Church House Exhibition Centre remains open throughout the year and welcomes visitors, tours and group bookings. More information, including regular opening hours, is available on the centre webpage here. Those interested in visiting or volunteering at the centre can email exhibitioncentre@lca.org.au for more details or to book a group visit or guided tour.