Williamstown’s Church of Spiritual Enlightenment has celebrated 50 years of history supporting people through their spiritual lives.
Launched in 1972, the church has helped members realise their spiritual potential, including providing clairvoyant support, weekly healings, teaching and development circles, as well as hosting a number of workshops and guest speakers.
Church president and assistant minister Barbara Witcombe said the church’s purpose has always been to act as a “nurturing and welcoming place” for people of all walks of life.
“It’s a learning centre,” she said.
“We open our doors to anyone.
“We’re quite universal.”
Ivy Ayris, her husband Charlie and Norman Gunn founded the church on August 20, 1972.
In 1975, Ivy was ordained as a spiritualist minister and the following year, Mr Gunn was also ordained as a spiritualist minister.
Ms Witcombe said the church came at the right time, as alternative churches and healing started to grow popular during the 1970s and 1980s.
“There wasn’t a lot of alternative healing available,” she said.
“People were coming from all over.”
Ms Witcombe said the church had about 60 members and often attracted up to 100 attendees during its Sunday services.
“We’re still going strong,” she said.
Reverend David Finlay has served as minister of the church since 2007.
Details: cosewilliamstown.org.au
Matthew Sims
