NEWPORT Baptist Church will remember the good old days this month as it celebrates 125 years of serving the community.

Residents can help the church celebrate its milestone, by coming to a free lunch and services held by former church pastor, the Reverend Andrew Woff.

There will also be tours of the building and residents are being asked to bring local memorabilia as the church hosts its own version of ‘Antiques Roadshow’.

Pastor Peter Clark said he was looking forward to the celebrations.

“The most pleasing part of the celebrations is knowing the church has so much life and potential,” he said.

Rev Clark said the church was proud of its place in the community’s history.

“Once upon a time, churches were involved in the community and then they became separate,” he said.

“This church wants to say ‘hey, we’re part of the community”’.

Rev Clark said while the celebrations will be all about reminiscing, the church was moving with the community by working with local schools, holding blue light discos and serving as a meeting place for community groups.

“We don’t want to be just a monument to the past, we want to be available for the community in the future,” he said.

The celebrations happen on 19 September. Call Pastor Peter Clark on 0414 560 575 for more information.