Geelong Advertiser

The founder and long-time leader of a controversial Pentecostal church based in Geelong’s northern suburbs has died.
Multiple sources said the Geelong Revival Centre’s (GRC) Noel Hollins died just after 6am Monday at Bupa’s Bellarine Lakes aged care facility in Moolap.
Contrary to the church’s preachings, the 93-year-old had been receiving medical care following an earlier fall that he never fully recovered from.
The news travelled quickly to former members of the church, with multiple sources saying Mr Hollins wouldn’t be missed by many.
“I’m happy he’s gone,” one said.
“He can’t control and harm anyone anymore.”
Gates at the church on Thompson Rd, Norlane were padlocked Monday and the compound was quiet.
The church has around 30 Australian and global offshoots, including in South America, the Pacific and Europe.
It has courted significant controversy because of its secrecy and strict teachings, including that members shun medical treatment in favour of prayer.
For many years a key belief of the church – labelled a “cult” by some former members – has been that the world will soon end, with only members saved.
Members are forbidden to speak to people not associated with the church.
Shine Lawyers continues to investigate potential civil damages claims on behalf of dozens of GRC “survivors”.
Another ex-member said Mr Hollins’s death meant he could no longer control members’ lives.
“I don’t believe many will pay that evil, narcissistic, self-proclaimed apostle any respect whatsoever,” they said.
“Geelong will be a better place without Noel and that so-called church, that is nothing like a church.”
Despite Mr Hollins’s deteriorating health over recent years, it is understood no clear succession plan was in place.
Sources said earlier this month that Brian Griggs was in the box seat to assume control of the Geelong branch, which would effectively make him the church’s global leader.
Originally from Geelong, Mr Griggs was most recently pastor at the GRC-affiliated Bible Truth Fellowship church in Toowoomba.
GRC consists of two entities: Geelong Revival Centre Pty Ltd and the Revival Trust.
Mr Hollins was the sole director, secretary and shareholder of the GRC, according to Australian Securities and Investments Commission documents.
The Revival Trust has Mr Hollins as trustee alongside Gary Peel and Peter Morgan.
Mr Morgan hung up the phone when asked about Mr Hollins’s death, while another senior church figure also declined to comment.