New Book Reveals the Bold Story Behind Iconic SA Church
A new book exploring the history of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Point Pass, will be launched in April 2026 as part of the church’s 150th-anniversary celebrations.
The book’s author Samuel Doering explained,
“For six months, I gave it absolutely everything — all the beans. Being relatively local to the area, I knew Immanuel had a strong history. I didn’t expect it to be so dramatic! The deeper I went into the archives, the bigger the story became.”
Titled There’s a Point to It!, the 100,000-word volume uncovers a story far more dramatic than many might expect from a quiet Mid-North congregation. Drawing on extensive archival research, the book reveals ambitious founders, theological conflict, wartime pressures, educational innovation, and moments of both spiritual devotion and social upheaval – including episodes of literal door-bashing violence!
Samuel expanded on the human element revealed in his research.
“This isn’t a quiet country church story. It’s full of ambition, theological conflict, wartime strain, and moments of real tension — even doors being furiously smashed down. What surprised me most was just how human the story is — rowdy farmers, arguing Germans, devoted worshippers, and young students under enormous pressure.”
Written by award-winning South Australian historian, Samuel Doering, the book positions Immanuel Church as one of the most significant Lutheran centres in the state’s history. It was here that Immanuel College was founded before later moving to Novar Gardens. The congregation also gave its name to Immanuel Seminary and Immanuel Church in North Adelaide, and has served as a spiritual home to generations of influential pastors, including Martin Stolz, Friedrich Leidig, Julius Rechner, and Heinrich and Henry Proeve.
The book’s title, coined by Pastor Jacob Fabich of the Eudunda–Robertstown Lutheran Parish, operates on several levels: there is a ‘point’ – a reason – to Immanuel’s presence at Point Pass, which is grounded in faith, settlement, and community; the church literally stands at Point Pass; and Immanuel has a point of its own: the golden spire, rising skyward. The publication is being produced in partnership with Greenhill Publishing and Openbook Howden, with a formal launch scheduled for 11 April 2026.
The book launch forms just one part of the congregation’s sesquicentennial celebrations. Plans include the installation of new interpretive signage, restoration of historic headstones in the churchyard cemetery, and a special German-language performance by the Tanunda Liedertafel. The celebrations will also see the recladding of the church’s iconic golden spire atop the bell tower, ensuring the landmark continues to shine across the district for generations to come.
Samuel finished off by saying,
“Seeing the manuscript now taking shape with Greenhill Publishing and Openbook Howden is incredibly exciting. April 2026 can’t come quickly enough! This book has been an enormous labour of love — and the Immanuel Church and I can’t wait to share it”
Samuel Doering
Historian, and author of There’s a Point to it
Email: samueldoering13@gmail.com
Mobile: 0477 972 630