Church Brewery History: The Story of Little Blessings Brewing

* Before Europeans arrived, the district was inhabited by the Nukunu First Nations people.

* By the 1840s, the area saw the establishment of several large pastoral holdings.

* The first European to explore the region was Thomas Burr in 1842.

* Beetaloo Station was founded as a cattle run in 1844, marking a significant development in the area’s agricultural history.

* In the early 1870s, the pastoralist Herbert Bristow Hughes took over Beetaloo Station.

* By 1872, he had surveyed and subdivided much of his holdings, naming the settlement Laura after his wife, and it later became notable for its historic church, the Laura Baptist Church.

* The Laura Brewery Company, known for crafting local brews, operated from 1873 to 1893, contributing to the area’s brewing heritage.

* In 1882, the corporate town of Laura was officially established.

* By 1884, a railway line was constructed, connecting Gladstone to Laura, enhancing transport and trade.

* The Laura Standard newspaper began publication in 1889, serving as a key information source for the community.

* In 1898, C.J. Dennis worked as a barman for his father at the local brewery but later left for Broken Hill after a dispute.

* The District Council of Laura was formed in 1932 to govern the growing town.

* The railway line was closed in 1969, marking the end of an era for transportation in the region.

With vision, dedication, and a commitment to community, the Walter family left an indelible mark by erecting the iconic Laura Baptist Church, a historic church that has stood the test of time and served as a spiritual haven for generations. This remarkable structure became a cornerstone of the town's identity and continues to inspire the community, including the nearby Little Blessings Brewing, which celebrates local heritage.

Built in 1875, the church's doors swung open for the very first service on..., welcoming worshippers and solidifying its place in the hearts of many. 

1874 - Building works began. The church was large enough to seat 150. 

1875 - Opened for worship in November. 

1876 - Formation of Fellowship on August 18. 

1903 - Lecture Room built, eventually becoming the Sunday School room. 

1922 - Church renovated. 

1923 - Memorial windows installed. 

1926 - Front Fence erected.

Photograph taken pre 1923. In 1926, the Golden Jubilee was not only a celebration of the Laura Baptist Church's existence but also a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the congregation who had carried its legacy forward. To celebrate their first 50 years, the 3 Sunday services on August 8th were above capacity. There were 'demonstrations' held in the Sunday School, a High Tea, a picnic, and a Jubilee Birthday cake cut by Marie Walter, the last surviving Founding member. The current intricate front fence was erected in honour of the Jubilee. This historic church brewery has since become a beloved landmark in the community, now complemented by the Little Blessings Brewing, which continues to celebrate the church's rich history.

The historic church brewery, known as Laura Baptist Church, features 6 treasured stained-glass windows, each dedicated to memorials of those who played a significant role in the early years of the church. We have carefully researched those memorialized in these windows, and their stories are displayed on the walls of the building, which also houses Little Blessings Brewing. 

* Heinrich and Johanna Walter  

* David and Mary Golding  

* Percival Thorn Smith, Uriah Smith and David Smith  

* Henry Walter  

* Richard Humphris  

* John and Elizabeth Walter

In 2022, the members of the Laura Baptist Church made the decision to sell their historic church building and relocate to a more central space in the heart of the town. This move aims to enhance the church's visibility and active presence in the community. They now occupy the House of Hope on Main Street in Laura.

In April 2022, the historic church property was placed on the market for sale. We promptly arranged for an inspection and submitted an offer.

August 2022 marked the last Baptist service held in the building before it transitioned to a new purpose.

By August 2022, Little Blessings Brewing moved into the former church space.

From August 2022 to March 2024, extensive renovations took place to prepare for the opening of Little Blessings Brewing.

We have documented our restoration project for the historic church brewery, the Laura Baptist Church, from August 2022 to March 2024. 

We created a video clip of our journey here. 

Restoring this building has been the hardest and biggest undertaking we've ever taken on, but it's been a labour of love. 

The memorial stained-glass windows of the Laura Baptist Church will be restored in stages as we can manage it. 

We are grateful to everyone who has been part of this renovation; tradesmen, volunteers, and friends. It’s been an incredible effort by so many to bring Little Blessings Brewing to life!