‘We’ve lost some very good people’: Small church at centre of mushroom trial tries to move on

Atop a ridge in the rolling hills of South Gippsland, the Korumburra Baptist Church held its first service on Sunday morning since Erin Patterson was found guilty of murdering three of its most-beloved congregants.

About 40 worshippers braved cold, howling winds to shuffle into the old weatherboard church at the centre of a crime that has sparked international interest.

The Korumburra Baptist Church on Sunday morning.Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui

But Pastor Ian Wilkinson, the only survivor of Patterson’s poisoned beef Wellington, was not among them. Nor was Patterson’s estranged husband, Simon Patterson, whose parents did not survive the meal.

Instead, Joyce Fleming led the 10.30am service and told the congregation that it had been “an eventful and emotional week”.

Erin Patterson moved from atheism to Christianity when she met her husband, and had attended the Korumburra Baptist Church for years. She often helped livestream the congregation during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Last week, she was convicted of murdering her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, all of whom were regular churchgoers.

From left: Don Patterson, Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson died after ingesting poisonous mushrooms. Ian Wilkinson is the sole-surviving lunch guest.

She was also found guilty of trying to kill Ian Wilkinson at the same fateful lunch on July 29, 2023.

Few explicit mentions of the case were made at this Sunday’s service, although it loomed over almost every word uttered.

Pam Atkinson, another leader of the church, told congregants to fall back on faith, hope and love when bad things happen. She named Don, Gail and Heather just once.

Earlier, the church band – with similar unspoken symbolism – played Colin Buchanan’s The Lord is King, which the Australian country singer wrote to comfort his young daughter, who was unsettled by TV news reports after the 9/11 attacks.

A man arrives for Sunday’s serviceCredit: Luis Enrique Ascui

The final song of the service was O God Beyond All Praising, which the church band’s singer said was a tribute to Heather Wilkinson, as she was who first suggested the song be added to the church’s song list years ago.

“We have lost some very good and loving people,” the band leader said.

Korumburra churchgoers did not appear surprised to see a media contingent at their small Baptist congregation.

Many were friendly and accommodating to journalists, bringing out coffee and yo-yo biscuits to those outside huddled near cameras in the freezing wind.

Four reporters were allowed inside the church for the service and were warmly greeted by those sitting in the surrounding pews.

However, no one wanted to comment about the mushroom trial that has cast unprecedented global attention onto this sleepy town in the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges in eastern Victoria. Indeed, many locals just want the frenzy to be over.

A note about the Patterson and Wilkinson deaths remains pinned to the church noticeboard.

“We greatly miss Heather, Don and Gail, whether we were friends for a short time, or over 20 years. They were very special people who loved God and loved to bless others,” it says.

Ian Wilkinson pictured in June.Credit: Jason South

“It’s been a long journey, and we continue to lovingly support Ian, Simon, and all the Wilkinson and Patterson family members through this difficult time.”

The message ends by asking for the privacy of the families and church community to be respected.

With a 10-week trial now over – having delved into the Patterson and Wilkinson families in forensic detail – the church community may soon get its wish.

Simon Patterson outside court in early May.Credit: Jason South

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