The church was gutted by a deliberately lit fire in February, 2014, and while there were early hopes it may be rebuilt, Bishop Ian Palmer announced last week that the burnt-out structure will not be reconstructed.

“The church as it was will not be rebuilt, we just don't see that it could be rebuilt as it was,” he said.

The announcement left many Western Advocate readers shocked and saddened.

Dianne Dowton posted: “I’m so disappointed to hear about this. I was married in this church and both my daughters were christened at St Barnabas’ and over the years so many people have donated so much time and money to support this church.”

Kristy Paine wrote: “I got married here 10 years ago and wanted to renew our vows for our 20th. So sad that we can't do that. It was an amazing church.” 

Others readers questioned the Anglican Diocese of Bathurst’s financial management that led to the decision.

Wayne Anthony posted: “Decades of poor financial management and flagrant waste from the Diocese have contributed to this building’s demise just as much as the low life that lit the match.”

Bishop Palmer said the diocese had “financial challenges”, but said that was not the only reason behind the announcement.

“It is no secret that congregations have diminished,” he said.

Some readers said they understood the reasons behind the decision.

Sharon Esther Dyson posted: “As a person who ministered in this church, and has a great sentimental attachment to it, I cannot but agree with Bishop Ian. The church has to think of it’s core reason for existing, to serve God and people. Beautiful as the building was, the church is not an historical society, but needs to respond to a changing world.”

Clint Half-Bald Dowsett wrote: “I’m always saddened to see such a monumental building like this destroyed, but the Bishop is right. The numbers to support such a large building no longer existent.”