Members of the Jerrys Plains community are continuing their efforts to find a way of ensuring their heritage listed St James Anglican Church is not sold-off.
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The Church, designed by noted colonial architect John Horbury Hunt, has not held a regular service since it was placed in recess in mid-2017 but the community is angry that their church, like so many rural churches throughout the country, is to be sold off.
A series of meetings in the village to discuss ways to avert the sell-off has resulted in a delay by the Newcastle Anglican Diocese on their progression of their sale plans until the end of August.
One option being considered is the lease of the church, residence and hall by the community however, insurance and repairs costs have to be considered.
Two builders will carry out inspections of the buildings and provide estimates on the repairs and the cost to make the buildings comply with Work Health and Safety requirements.
If a lease was approved the church would become a 'festival church' to be used by all denominations and also for weddings and other celebrations which would be suitable in the church and to assist with funding ongoing costs.
Failure to reach a suitable outcome between the Diocese and the committee formed to save the church will most likely result in the church being deconsecrated and sold.