
The Catacomb Church, a short history ...

The Catacomb church is an Anglican Church. Although people from many different church traditions worship with us, as do many travelers going north or south. We often get visitors from all over Australia and indeed all over the World.!
The church has always been staffed by Missioners of the Bush Church Aid Society. BCA was funded in 1919. The first resident Anglican minster for Coober Pedy was Rev Barry Rainsford. He began his service for the Lord in Coober Pedy in 1970. The church property was purchased in 1970 and was completed sufficiently to hold services in 1973.
Originally both the church site and rectory site were begun as dug outs for people to live in. They were never completed and became available to purchase. It seemed that the Lord had made the site available to the church. The Rectory dugout was used as a Sunday school and the first church service was held there in October 1973.
The Church dug out was not completed until 1977. The Catacomb church formally completed in 11th June 1977. Since then progressive development has taken place. The Sunday school area was improved and an underground Church Hall (known locally as Daniels Den) excavated in 1983. The Rectory had two new rooms added in to it in 1985.
We have the wonderful blessing to have within our congregation several members who were part of the first congregation in 1977. These include at least two members who have been with us for 50 years or more and several others who not far off this milestone. Our congregation today is a vibrant and mixed aged group who love the Lord and know that Jesus is their Saviour and redeemer.
Today the Catacomb church complex is totally underground and comprises a very functional Centre for Christian ministry.

Why is the Church called “The Catacomb Church”
The catacombs of Rome were used by early Christians to bury their dead, this happened at a place just south of Rome called “Catacombus”.
Here in underground corridors the Christian dead were buried, and believers hid to escape the horrible persecutions of the Roman Emperors. Although probably begun much earlier, most burials were carried out during the 4th and 5th Century A.D. People form all classes of Roman society, both higher ranks and lower ranks were laid to rest side by side.
As our building is also underground and is used by Christians, it was decided to call our Church, the Catacomb Church. In our Catacomb we escape the harsh climatic extremes and enjoy quiet coolness and peace, our Church is adorned in a simple and natural way befitting the outback opal fields – the cross, lectern and communion table are made from local mulga wood and an old miner’s winch.
Key Events & Staff
1946
1960's
1970 - 1975
1984 - 1987
1988 - 1993
1993 - 1997
1998 - 2001
2002 - 2006
2007 - 2011
2012 - 2018
2024 - Current
BCA Flying Medical Service begins in 1946 to Coober Pedy
Two nurses come and a medical centre was established
First Minister to the Coober Pedy, Barry and Jenny Rainsford
Kerry and Julie Medway
Martin and Vivien Bleby
Ian Robertson
Bob and Dennise Rothwell
Ian Bednall
Rod Oldfield
Peter and Joy Palmer
Geoff and Tracey Piggott
Dave & Margy Wood