The extensions to Holy Trinity Church in Hastings have officially opened.
Since 1993, the Old Church had been used as an Op Shop, but was destroyed by arson in 2017.
In its place, the church has rebuilt an extension to the current church premises. The extension comprises a new church foyer and a new Op Shop.
The ribbon was cut by Geoff Stockton; a living connection to the church’s founding in the 1880s, as his great grandfather, Alfred Manx Stockton was one of the pioneers who started the church.
Having operated in a portable for the last eight years, the Op Shop will open in its new premises on Tuesday 28 October.
The extensions were funded by a combination of the insurance payout following the fire, donations from church members and a portion of the takings from the Op Shop.
First published in the Western Port News – 22 October 2025
