St Columba Anglican Church – Karuah

A heritage plaque records: “This church was built and dedicated on 21st June 1913. It was initially known as the St Columba’s Chapel and was blessed by Bishop John Francis Stretch, Lord Bishop of Newcastle. The land, building and furnishings were the gift of the philanthropist, William Longworth. His step daughter. Hazel New, was one of the first people to be married there in 1923. She married Squire John Bennett for whom the Altar Bible was dedicated in 1973. The building is a timber construction extended to included a vestry in June 1963 for the 50th Anniversary. – Canon Knox was the first appointed clergyman to conduct worship in this church as it was then part of the parish of Sroud. Later it became part of thr Clarence Town parish. One of the most beautiful memorials in the church is that of the stone erected in memory of Leslie John Farley, born 1902 and tragically drowned in 1915 trying to save another young person at Stockton beach. The Church Bell, located between the church and hall, was dedicated on 26th January 1964 and was the gift of the Board of Fire Commissioners in NSW in appreciation of the 50 years of faithful service, of Edward (Teddy) Armstrong of Karuah. The internal fabric of the church including the pews, altar, vessals, furniture and font, has been lovingly donated and cared for by the generations of parishioners who have worshipped in it over the last 100 years.”

You are warmly invited to join us on Sunday mornings at 8:30am for a time of singing, a Bible talk, prayers and morning tea afterwards. Our congregation ranges in ages from 2 to 92 and everyone is welcome! We sing a range of songs including hymns, choruses and contemporary music.

On the 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th Sundays of the month we have a Holy Communion service and on the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays we have a more relaxed Praise, Prayer & Proclamation service.

Messy Church is held once a month from 4:00 -5:30pm. This has been very popular with young families and consists of craft and activities, followed by a Bible story, songs and prayer in the church after (every child gets to ring the bell!) and then a delicious meal is shared together. The cost is free, but there is a donations box if people would like to contribute.

You are welcome to turn up, but it helps with catering if you let us know you’d like to come. Enquiries are through Vicki Cottier at messychurch2324@gmail.com or on 0431 985598 .

Little Fish Playgroup is on every Friday during school term from 10:00-11:30am. Parents and carers of young children are welcome to come and enjoy a chat and a coffee while their little ones play. There is also a time of music, movement and a story. Cost is $2 per family.

The Op Shop is a treasure trove of clothes and goods and also a great place to call in for a chat with our friendly volunteers. Opening times are Weds, Thurs, Fri and Sat from 9am – 1pm.  Please remember if you are donating goods, we are not allowed to sell or give away electrical items and we don’t have room for furniture or large items, so please don’t drop these items off.

For enquiries for any of our services or activities, please contact Rev. Alison Williams on 0491 112681 or alisonwilliams1@zoho.com