A few facts about the historic church building:

This church is of Gothic architecture and was designed by Thomas Rowe of Sydney. Sandstone used in its construction was a gift of the Robb family whose estate at Riverdale near the Minnamurra River it was quarried. Basalt for the foundations and inner walls came from Mr. Carson’s quarry in Kiama. Tenders for the construction of the Church (which replaced an earlier weatherboard structure adjacent of Black Beach) were called in December 1859 and the foundation stone laid in January 1860. The building was completed early in 1863 without the present spire and vestry. The opening services took place on 4th March 1863. The minister at the time was Rev. John Kinross. The opening was performed by Rev. Dr. William Grant of Shoalhaven, Moderator or the Eastern Synod of Australia. The sermon on that occasion was preached by Rev. Dr. Robert Steel of Sydney.

The total cost of the church was £1991/7/1 and the debt on completion was £250. Messrs. Moon and Simmons were the builders, and Messrs. Walker Bros. were the carpenters.

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In 1893 the railway resumed portion of the Church land bisecting it diagonally and largely spoilt the church setting by the sea.

Deliberations took place as to the advisability of building a new church on another site, but this step was finally abandoned. In 1897 a move was begun to complete the church by the addition of the vestry and the spire above the main tower mainly with the proceedings from the railway resumption. This project was completed in 1898.

December 1999

This church building has a Permanent Conservation Order placed on it by the Heritage Act (NSW), is classified by the National Trust and is also listed in the Register of National Estate.

The building as of 2023 is 160 years old. Maintenance is an ongoing and expensive commitment.

The whole of the slate roof was replaced in 1998 (with some Government and community support) at a total cost exceeding $110,000.

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Currently the church is faced with the repair and restoration of the internal walls and stained-glass refurbishment. Any donations towards this work are always welcome and appreciated.

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