Our dream was to open a brewery in a Church named "Little Blessings." The name bore dual meaning, capturing our often mispronounced surname and the essence of humble beginnings. We believed this dream was merely a fantasy.
When news of the imminent sale of the Laura Baptist Church reached us, we were staying at the caravan park across the road. It was as if these events were part of a grand design.
We instantly fell in love with the building and decided it was time to action our dream. When we signed the contract, we received surprising news- that a Blesing had been among the founding members in 1875.
Research led us to Marie Elizabeth Walter (nee Blesing), the last surviving founding member of the very church that had captured our hearts. We discovered she was the daughter of the first Blesing to migrate to Australia in 1851 and Craig's 2x great-aunt.
The church was constructed in 1875 by Johanna Ernestine and her husband Heinrich Wilhelm Alexander Walter, and Marie married their son!
Further family research stunned us when we learnt that Johanna Ernestine Walter( nee Schrapel), memorialised in one of the stained glass windows, had a great niece that married Craig’s great Grandfather.
Astounded by the multiple connections around us, we know we are destined to be here - to preserve the church's legacy and to breathe life back into its limestone walls.
With gratitude, we are fully aware of the honour bestowed upon us by the Baptist Community of Laura.
"Little Blessings" is more than just a name and a place to enjoy exceptional brews. It is a testimony to the extraordinary journey that brought us here, and to the shared purpose of preserving the spirit of a community and the legacy of our ancestors.
We are truly 'blessed' to be part of its history.
Craig and Cat Blesing
