One hundred years after that pamphlet was discovered on a Nambour railway platform, the story of Newlife Church is still being written.
By Pastor Peter Hewitt
Sometimes the most extraordinary stories have the most unlikely beginnings.
For Newlife Church Nambour, it all started with a discarded pamphlet on a railway platform in 1924.
Two young women, Florrie Mortimer and Bessie Couldrey, were travelling by train from Melbourne to Cairns, distributing pamphlets about their newfound Pentecostal faith. One of those pamphlets found its way into the hands of local resident James Conwell, who was so intrigued by what he read that he wrote to the Good News Hall in Melbourne, asking if someone
could visit the Sunshine Coast to explain more.
His request was answered, and before long, a small group of believers began gathering for worship and prayer in the farmhouse of Tom and Mary Conwell.
Those humble gatherings would eventually grow into what we know today as Newlife Church Nambour.
During the 1920s and 1930s, the fledgling church met in family homes across Nambour, Woombye and Cooroy.
In 1931, Pastor Alex Buchanan was appointed to oversee the growing fellowship, travelling throughout the region conducting meetings.
By 1936, the congregation had formally registered as the Pentecostal Church and was holding Sunday services in the Woombye School of Arts, rented for just one shilling a week.
In 1948, members celebrated the opening of their first purpose-built church in Blackall Street, Woombye, constructed entirely through voluntary labour.
But the congregation’s vision extended well beyond its own community.
In the 1950s, the small country church became a pioneer in overseas missionary work, independently sending and supporting missionaries to Papua New Guinea.
Church members raised funds, gathered supplies and even sewed clothing and quilts for communities overseas. Remarkably, the church’s connection with Papua New Guinea continues today.
Closer to home, Newlife developed a reputation for innovative children’s programs. During the 1960s, Pastor Keith Hannah introduced one of Australia’s earliest Vacation Bible School programs.
What began with 68 children eventually grew to 300, with buses bringing children from surrounding communities for school holiday activities.
The program became a model for other churches and influenced holiday programs throughout Queensland.
In 1975, young pastors Bill and Bev Abbenbroek took the reins and ushered in a period of remarkable expansion.
The congregation purchased ten acres of land, relocated its church building to the present site and adopted the name Sunshine Coast Newlife Centre.
In 1979–1980, Newlife Centre Christian College was established, reflecting the church’s growing commitment to Christian education.
By the mid-1980s, the congregation had grown considerably. Newlife began establishing other congregations across the region, including Buderim Mountain Assembly, now known as Calvary Christian Church.
Under Pastor Gerald Rowlands, construction began on a new 800-seat auditorium, which opened on Easter Sunday 1987. At its peak during this period, Newlife attracted approximately 900 worshippers.
Over the decades, numerous pastors, volunteers and families have contributed to Newlife’s story. Like any organisation with a century of history, the church has experienced seasons of growth, change and challenge.
In 2019, Pastors Pete and Kaz Hewitt were appointed to lead Newlife into a new chapter. With renewed vision, a strong leadership team and a continuing commitment to serving the community, the church is looking confidently towards the future.
“It’s remarkable to think that something as simple as a discarded pamphlet could have such a lasting impact,” says Pastor Pete Hewitt.
“Our church was built by ordinary people who believed the power of God could work through them to bless the world. Over the past century, thousands of lives have been touched through its ministries, children’s programs, education and community outreach. We’re incredibly grateful for those who came before us, and our desire is to continue building a church that makes a positive difference in our community for generations to come.”
One hundred years after that pamphlet was discovered on a Nambour railway platform, the story of Newlife Church is still being written.