Save the Village Chapel on Moore St, Austinmer

Austinmer Uniting Church has been at the heart of Moore Street since it first opened on the 7th of January 1922.

Historically the Chapel has been not only a sacred space for worship but a place for families and friends to gather and celebrate significant personal events, life and togetherness. There is considerable history of family activities attached to the Chapel on Moore Street well remembered by many people, and its preservation is near to the heart of the residents in the area. Since 2014, the Church became the home of Classics in the Chapel, attracting prominent musicians and singers for the entertainment of the local community, with people travelling from the Southern Highlands and beyond.

Deeply concerning are serious structural issues with our beautiful Church, visible because of external and internal cracking.  Initial investigation by several engineering companies determined the footings under the vestry, which is used as an office, has over the years become undermined and in need of underpinning and stabilising. A more invasive inspection has revealed an extensive problem that can only be described as a serious safety issue. All the brick piers under the main body of the Church need major work. Some are leaning significantly, causing substantial gaps between the piers and the floor beams.

Wollongong Council, through the annual Heritage Grant has approved funds toward this restoration project, and the Illawarra Presbytery of the Uniting Church, through the Woden Grant has also made funds available. However, because of the extent of the problem, these grants and other funds will fall far short of the cost of the restoration that is needed. Due to the current COVID crisis in NSW and the extensive lockdowns, the Congregation has been prevented from engaging in their usual fundraising activities.  

 

Minister of the Church, Reverend Roselin Fisher, the Congregation, and members of the Community gratefully thank you for taking the time to read our story and appreciate your help from the bottom of our hearts. Please help us save this beautiful jewel of Austinmerand restore the Chapel on Moore Street to be enjoyed by the community for many, many more years to come.