Reverend John Vander Reest ostensibly retired three years ago, but that same year he began leading a small congregation at Scots Church in Campbellfield.
“My interest in the church is too large,” he says in answer to the question of whether he’ll ever stop. Next month, the Woodend resident marks another milestone: 50 years since his ordination to the Reformed Churches of Australia, which he will celebrate on July 12 with an exhibition of his paintings.
Mr Vander Reest arrived at the Sydney Road church at a portentous time: 2012 marked its 170th anniversary. It was built in 1842 and is believed to be the fifth church established in Melbourne, being visited by Scottish settlers on their way to the Bendigo goldfields.
During his time at Campbellfield, Mr Vander Reest has overseen major restoration works, including a new commercial kitchen, painting of the church and hall interior, and replacing the pews with chairs.
His exhibition of about 60 oil paintings is called
Je suis refugee, in a nod to the movement that emerged in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo shooting in Paris and the plight of refugees.
“I came over with my family so in a sense we are migrants who came out for economic reasons,” he said.
Proceeds from the sale of his paintings will go to the Lentara Uniting Care refugee program.
Je suis refugee opens on July 3 at 6pm and runs until July 16 at Scots Church, 1702 Sydney Road, Campbellfield.
