Arana Hills celebrated two major events in 1986. Firstly, the 20th anniversary ticked over and then to add to that milestone the church building extension was completed and opened.
Prior to the start of the building, a working bee was organised to "drop" the trees where the building was going. Not much health and safety was happening in 1986 but we came through with only minor collateral damage in the form of a power line which got in the way of a falling branch.
In February the "turning of the sod" took place. Ron Culbert and Jess Clark performed the honours. Not long after the bulldozer moved in to prepare the site.
For the next 6 months, builder John O'Shea worked hard to bring the job to a point where members and friends could complete a lot of the finishing touches.
It must be said at this point that a lot of those "finishing touches" were done by 3 members dubbed the "3 Musketeers", Ron Culbert, Jess Clark and Doug Bamford.
To celebrate the completion of the build, the weekend from October 31 to Sunday November 2 was set aside with a Youth Rally on Friday night, a prayer breakfast for the men on the Saturday and the official opening by the Conference President, Col Smith on the Sunday afternoon followed by a gospel service in the evening.
While the construction was happening, church events like the Family Camp, Vacation Bible School, a ladies fashion parade and youth activities went ahead as usual.
Active Members: 92. Average attendance 80 (M) 40 (e). Bible School and Youth 70.