GEELONG MEGA CHURCH BID

REVEALED: BRETHREN’S $1.8M PLAN

THE Exclusive Brethren wants to build itself a

$1.8 million church in Geelong to hold up to 1000 people.

Plans for the “place of worship” at Batesford were recently lodged with the City of Greater Geelong by registered charity Geelong Gospel Trust.

The GGT is part of separatist sect the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church — otherwise known as the Exclusive Brethren — which shuns voting and television. The proposed site is a 2ha plot of farm land at 505 Ballarat Rd, between the Batesford Roadhouse and Bell Park Sports Club.

CoGG is presently accepting submissions on the plan.

The GGT — which presently claims 185 members — says it expects to attract regular congregations at the church of 200 to 400 people, and most of the noise generated onsite would come from their singing.

Twice a month it plans to host up to 750 people, and has forecast a larger event would be held annually.

“There are two occasions per month where invitations are extended for people to attend services where up to 750 people may attend,” the application said.

“In addition, we have been advised that once a year a special gathering will be held where there could be up to 1000 people in attendance.”

The GGT has allowed for 226 carparking spaces in its plan.

It says its ‘family-based’ services would be held in the early evenings on weekdays, but has outlined opening hours from 6.30am to 9.30pm. At weekends the hours it has outlined are 8am to 6pm on Saturdays and 5.30am to 6pm Sundays.

The planning documents refer repeatedly to the Geelong Gospel Trust and make no reference to the Exclusive Brethren, but carry the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church logo.

GGT trustee Daniel Bumpstead said the organisation was a registered charity comprising members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.

The Plymouth Brethern Christian Church website said the majority of members were born into the church, but others could join.

The church follows a doctrine of separation, which means members eat and drink only with people “whom we would celebrate the Lord’s Supper”, according to the church’s website. Women in the church wear head scarfs, a ribbon or headband when in public and while praying.

“Scripture enjoins that every woman praying with uncovered head causes herself shame and for this reason Brethren women wear head scarfs while attending church services,” the website said.

The church said while most members used computers at home, work or school, TV and radio are not permitted, except in an educational setting.

Mr Bumpstead said the Christian church now had 185 members and had outgrown its current Lovely Banks base.

He said the church often joined forces with charitable organisations.

“As a Christian group a lot of what we do is in favour of general group of community in way we conduct our lives,” he said. “We got to a point where we need to cater for additional expansion.”

Mr Bumpstead said the Batesford church would not be the Brethren’s head office.

The site is in a farming zone within the Western Geelong Growth Area.

The City of Greater Geelong will make a decision on the application after January 18.