Tanunda, SA - Langmeil Lutheran

History and Architecture:

Langmeil Thanksgiving Congregation is one of the oldest Lutheran congregations in the country. Early services were held in the private homes of members and the congregation dedicated its first church on 26th December 1846. It was demolished in 1888.

Named after a village in Germany, Langmeil was settled by a group of German emigrants who came to South Australia in 1838 with Pastor Kavel. In 1842 they came to Langmeil, north of Tanunda, on the banks of the River Para. First church and rooms built 1846.

Constructed in bluestone with rendered quoins, strings and surrounds to openings, unbuttresed it is dominated by tower with unusual spire and characterised by large unadorned wall areas.

The desire for a new church commenced in 1868 and the contract was eventually let to J. Basedow of Tanunda who undertook to erect masonry, roof and a ceiling for 595. The foundation stone was laid on 25 July 1888 and construction completed on 25 November in 1888. The debt on construction costs had been cleared by 1892.

The Cemetery contains the graves of Pastors Kavel, Auricht and Hebart, the first three Pastors of the Congregation. Two large shells brought from New Guinea indicate a row of graves of missionaries who served there.

The original church was built in 1846, but demolished in 1888.