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The story of the LLL is unique. It shows how the vision of one person, Ben Koch, has given many people the opportunity to serve God, His church and use their God-given resources and talents to advance the sharing of the Gospel.
Since its inception in 1921, the mission of the LLL has been to provide aid to the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ) and its various church bodies in business and financial matters. The original intent was to raise capital to support church development by providing low-interest loans. As loans were repaid, new advances could be made. This basic premise of raising deposits and providing loans has remained the core function of the LLL for 100 years. We are thankful for the strong connections and relationships the LLL has with congregation members, church leaders, school and care communities, and the support of our depositors and borrowers who believe in and value the mission of the LLL.
As a separate legal entity, the LLL operates independently of the LCANZ but with the clear purpose of benefiting the church by providing loans for church projects and supporting the LCANZ’s wider ministry and mission through gifts, donations and allocations. Over the past century, the LLL has helped to build churches, schools and respite and aged care facilities; buy manses; assist mission work in Australia and abroad; and fund and administer a range of programs and activities in support of the church.
The LLL has achieved much in its first 100 years. While it now operates in a significantly different regulatory, social and economic environment to the when Ben Koch first established the institution, the LLL’s purpose and commitment to supporting the work of those who proclaim Christ as Lord and Saviour remains unchanged.
Our Lord has blessed the work of the LLL. We thank you for your ongoing support as we look with confidence to our next 100 years!
Graeme Huf
Chair, LLL Australia Board
Feature photo: LLL founder Mr Ben Koch and his wife Esther first promoted LLL by traveling around Australia visiting parishes and congregations in their VW Beetle and caravan. Estimated to be taken in the mid to late 1950s this photo is on a private farm ‘Dosyvale’ in Henty NSW. The child in the photo is family friend Timothy Muller, current Pastor at Woden.
Above: On 14 November 1921 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide, the LLL officially formed based on a provisional constitution drawn up by Ben Koch and Rev Janzow. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide, c1928
The LLL prides itself on providing savings accounts that are simple to operate, with a variable interest rate and no fees or charges. The LLL has a variety of savings accounts: personal and joint accounts; guardian accounts for children; and business accounts, including for self-managed super funds and not-for-profit organisations.
As an Authorised Deposit-taking Institution (ADI), the LLL is regulated under the Banking Act and by APRA.
