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The 'leaning tower of Bethania' leans no more!
The historic bell tower has been returned to its former glory thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Bethania Lutheran congregation and an LLL Special Ministry Grant.
Built in 1872 by German settlers, the historic church at Bethania, to the south of Brisbane, is the oldest known Lutheran church in Queensland.
It is believed that years of trains rumbling past the beautiful heritage-listed building and bell tower caused the ageing timber foundations of the tower to sink on one side, giving rise to its lopsided appearance.
The congregation, charged with the upkeep and preservation of the historic landmark, launched an inspiring fundraising effort that saw new foundations laid, rotten timber replaced, and fresh paint applied, with the project completed in February 2025.
"The financing of the bell tower has been an enormous collaboration of fundraising by the congregation with over $5,000 raised, and with the support of LLL offering a dollar-for-dollar Special Ministry Grant, $10,000 was available to commence the project," congregation Treasurer Margaret Nicholls said.
"Our congregation sincerely thank LLL for this generous offer.
"Monies were raised through plant stalls, preserves and pickle sales, and catering functions through the Ladies Fellowship.
"Few of these early settlers would have imagined that their church would be still standing and being used to the Glory of God today.
"We look forward with renewed hope that the bell tower and the historic church will stand for years to come, so this place of worship will be a reminder of the faith and love of our ancestors for the generations to come."
If your congregation has a project, big or small, that would benefit with the support of an LLL Grant we'd like to hear about it at [email protected].
For more examples of projects we have been able to support through our missional partnership with our investors and borrowers that may provide inspiration, visit the Grants page on our website - LLL Mission Outreach Grants | LLL Australia
