The Holy Trinity Church at Kameruka was built in 1869 – and its story isn’t over yet. Photo: Sapphire Coast Anglican Parish.
Community pushback against the sale of a historic church has stopped the idea – at least temporarily.
The Holy Trinity Church at Kameruka, about a five-minute drive from Candelo in the Bega Valley Shire, falls under the Sapphire Coast Anglican parish’s control.
The parish had previously recommended to the Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn that it be sold, with notice given to locals in early August.
At the time, parish council chair Ken Traise said maintaining churches was becoming increasingly expensive.
“They’ve virtually become a maintenance issue. Both the church building and the grounds have become a maintenance issue and a cost [for the parish],” he told Region.
This week, the diocese announced its decision to hold off selling the church, following community opposition to the move.
“The diocese has paused further work on the proposed sale so it and the local parish can engage with the views of the community,” a spokesperson said.
“The feedback was received after the diocese sought views on the proposed sale through notices placed on the doors of parish churches.”
The diocesan spokesperson also confirmed that many of the submissions called for the building to be kept in local hands and retained as a church.
“The diocese recognises the significance of Holy Trinity as part of local heritage and a venue for important community and family events.
“We also recognise the need for the local parish to be resourced to enable it to minister effectively to a growing population.
“We are open to creative suggestions on how we can together achieve these important goals.”
The church started its life as part of a farming estate.
Built in 1869, it was designed by Edmund Blackett, who also drew up the plans for the University of Sydney’s quadrangle.
Holy Trinity Church had long been one of three churches in the vicinity, alongside those at Tantawangalo and Candelo.
Sir Robert Lucas Lucas-Tooth donated the land to the church, while the remainder of his estate hosted cottages, a post office, a school and other facilities for his workers.
According to the parish’s website, there are no regular services at the Kameruka church.
