WHILE the fight to save Camberwell Church continues, a second Singleton church is now facing closure.

Parishioners from the Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth Street are battling to stop plans to sell their church.

Church elder Susan Gittoes told The Singleton Argus yesterday members were “shell-shocked” when first told of the news in September last year.

Since then, parishioners have been trying to gain support and over-turn the decision.

Mrs Gittoes said their battle first began 12-months ago following the resignation of their preacher.

Mrs Gittoes said members were told a suitable replacement could not be found and as a result services would be postponed for six-months.

In the meantime, they were told they could attend the Evangelical Church also located in Elizabeth Street.

“It was supposed to be for six months but I think they forgot about us,” she said.

Mrs Gittoes said it was at a meeting in September that parishoners were told of a recommendation for closure.

In the letter the congregation was told “there was no way forward as sad as it would be to close” the church.

The report from the Hunter Presbytarian Church said Singleton had shrunk to an untenable size and that they encouraged parishioners to lay down roots in other churches.

“Their answer is to close and sell so we’re fighting back,” Mrs Gittoes said.

“We are very much against the closure. We can’t understand why they persist with their plans,” she said.

Mrs Gittoes said what astounded members was the fact the church was not in financial difficulty and still had a strong congregation of about 30 members.

“We believe they are sacrificing the country churches for the city churches,” Mrs Gittoes said.

She said if the Presbytarian Church was to close, Singleton parishioners would have to travel to Muswellbrook, Cessnock or Rutherford to attend services.

Mrs Gittoes said it was unfair to ask members to attend “another church”.

“I object very strongly to being told I could go to another church,” she added.

“For me, when I walk in the door here I feel at absolute peace, that’s the effect it has on me,” she said.

A meeting to discuss the proposed closure of the church will be held at the church tomorrow with representatives from the Hunter Presbyterian meeting with local parishioners.

The Singleton Argus attempted to contact the Newcastle office of the Presbyterian Church for comment but despite leaving a message yesterday, no return call was received by deadline.