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ST Barnabas’ Anglican Church may have been destroyed by a fire, but that did not stop its congregation from holding its service next door yesterday morning.
Father James Hodson began the service for the close-knit congregation shortly after 9.30.
“I think the longer that I live, the more I believe that there is nothing in our lives, whether good or bad, that can keep us from God,” he said.
Father Hodson said while the church had been destroyed, its heart was still very much alive.
“We have lost a very treasured and sacred space, but it was a building, it was bricks and mortar,” he said.
Father Hodson said the Sunday service went ahead because it was important for the community to feel that while the building was gone, the church was still there.
He added that while a location had yet to be found, the congregation would continue to meet every Sunday.
“We need to let people know that faith is still alive in South Bathurst. For us to get through this it’s key that we continue to support one another and that we maintain hope. We can grow from this,” he said.
Relieving priest Ian Crooks added that while he was stunned by what happened, he was not despairing because the true church was still alive.
“We have lost a sacred place, but no lives were lost, so that’s a blessing,” he said.
“There have been people here that haven’t been in a while. This had brought people back.
“It [the fire] looks as though it could have been deliberately started, but we will transcend that with the love, goodness and support of the local community.”
Long-time parishioner Bev Walsh said it was devastating to watch the church burn in the early hours of yesterday morning.
“I found out at 2am on the phone and came down,” she said. “I’ve been worshipping here since I was a teenager and I love it here.
“Watching the blaze, knowing that the church was going to be destroyed, was incredibly hard.”
Like many in the congregation, however, Ms Walsh is determined that they will get through this difficult time.
“We are here. The church may be destroyed but we will continue to be a part of the community.”
Councillor Bobby Bourke said it was important the congregation had decided to come together.
“It gives the people faith and hope. It’s good they they still had the service out on the lawn,” he said.
Cr Bourke said he felt sickened when he heard the news.
“The church has been a major part of the city for so many years and this is such a loss.”
He urged the community to stay strong.
Mayor Gary Rush, who was out of town yesterday, was also shocked to hear the news.
“I express my condolences to the congregation,” he said. “Such a wonderful piece of Bathurst history has been destroyed.”