Elwood Beach Community Centre, The Esplanade, Elwood
David and
Rosanna Palmer began the Church of the Rock in about 1985. They were
members of a rock band and had recorded an album and were set to go to
America but received the call to pioneer a church with a focus on
outreach. They held concerts in parks in St Kilda and later ‘church in the
park’ which combined music and preaching. These were very popular and
attracted young families whose children could play in the park while the
service was being conducted. Street people were also attracted to the
services and various other activities. Once, the Easter story was being
re-enacted and when the person playing Christ suffering on the cross said,
‘Will no-one help me?’ a man in the audience was so engrossed by the drama
he shouted out, ‘I’ll help you, mate’.
Over the
years, the church leased various locations for the church and its office,
including Elwood Secondary College.
Tania Harris
was called to this congregation in 2000. The congregation moved to its
present location at The Esplanade in Elwood and adopted the name of Elwood
Life Christian Church. It is non-traditional and focuses on having a
contemporary feel which appeals to the younger generation. A Children’s
Program is also being developed. The congregation organises Carols by the
Beach at Christmas time and is involved in the Elwood Community Festival.
Mark and Judy Corrigan are the new pastors in 2003.