By Garry Sanossian
For 120 years, Belmore Church of Christ has been part of Sydney’s Inner South-west, serving and adapting as the surrounding community has changed over many generations.
On 7 June, the church hosted a special service to celebrate this significant anniversary, drawing together a crowd of former and present church members to reflect on Belmore’s history, people, relationships and enduring faith that continues to shape the church’s future.
For Senior Pastor Benjamin Hong-Gyu Kim, the milestone is ultimately a story of God’s faithfulness.
“What I am most grateful for is God’s unwavering faithfulness. For 120 years, He has sustained and guided this church through every season of its journey,” he said.
Photo from Belmore Church of Christ’s new building opening in 1955.
“Through the prayers, sacrifices and passion of generations of faithful members, God’s grace has been at work, shaping Belmore Church into what it is today.”
Throughout its 120-year history, Belmore Church’s statement of faith has articulated the purpose that continues to guide its ministry: sharing the hope of Jesus Christ, teaching the Bible, equipping believers for service and serving the community with God’s love.
Deborah Tin, a deacon at Belmore, was a long way from home when she first walked through the doors of Belmore Church.
When she arrived in Sydney from Myanmar as an overseas student in 1999, she was navigating a new country, a new culture and a new chapter of life. What she found at Belmore was something she hadn’t expected – a loving family.
“I very much felt like I was part of a family because of the people,” she said. “They welcomed us. We came as students, so I felt the love of God through the members.”
Although many of those members have since passed away, Deborah said the culture they established continues today.
“That same atmosphere is still here today,” she said. “You can still experience the love of God through the church family.”
A Christmas carols community event hosted by Belmore Church of Christ in 2023.
Deborah, who also serves as worship music coordinator, said the church’s heart is reflected in the way newcomers are welcomed and cared for.
“A lot of newcomers tell us they feel at home from the moment they arrive,” she said. “People genuinely welcome them, stay connected and continue to follow up with them. That’s how those relationships grow.”
Pastor Benjamin said this commitment to welcome has become increasingly important as the local community has grown more culturally and linguistically diverse.
“The church has embraced these changes by welcoming people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures,” he said.
Pastor Benjamin leading the celebration service.
That welcome extends beyond Sunday services through ministries that build relationships across the community.
Deborah said the playgroup is one of the clearest expressions of the church’s heart for the community.
“We welcome families from every nationality and every faith background,” she said. “We have Muslim families, Hindu families and many others who bring their children to the playgroup. Everyone is welcome.”
For Deborah, the way the church serves reflects its desire to love people without expecting anything in return.
“We reach out to people from the heart,” she said. “Whether they are believers or not, we want them to experience God’s love through the way we care for them.”
The anniversary celebration itself reflected the church’s enduring sense of family, bringing together current members, former members and long-time friends to worship and reconnect.
Among those attending the celebration was churches of Christ NSW & ACT Transitional Executive Ministry Director Craig Farmer, who said the day reflected both the church’s rich history and its ongoing vitality.
“The church was full, with people of all ages and many nationalities,” he said. “There was a real sense of joy and life throughout the celebration.
“I also loved how committed this church is to share the love and grace of Jesus beyond the walls of the church building. They were looking forward with passion and vision to many years, unless Jesus returns, of faith witness and service.”
“One of the most memorable moments was seeing former members and long-ime friends of the church worshipping and sharing fellowship alongside our current congregation,” Pastor Benjamin said.
“Hearing stories of God’s faithfulness from the past while celebrating together in the present beautifully reflected the heart of Belmore Church. It reminded us that we are a family of faith, connected across generations by God’s grace.”
While the anniversary honoured the church’s history, Pastor Benjamin said it also looked ahead.
“We live in a rapidly changing and increasingly diverse society, but our calling remains the same,” he said. “As we move into the future, we seek to hold firmly to the truth of the gospel while faithfully serving the people God has entrusted to us today and stepping forward in faith into the opportunities He provides.”
Looking towards its 150th anniversary, Pastor Benjamin hopes Belmore Church will continue to be known for its faithfulness to Christ and its love for others.
“I hope people will say, ‘Belmore Church loved Jesus Christ, remained faithful to God’s Word, served its community with compassion, and passed on the faith to future generations,’” he said.
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