History
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The
foundation stone of the Stone
Church was laid on1st January 1877 and opened 12 months
later on 1st January, 1878 as a Wesley Church which cost 900 pounds to build.
The first minister was Rev. James Phillips.
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The vestry
was added after World War One as a permanent soldier's memorial. The
stain glass window is in honour of James Shepard who was the son of the
oldest local preacher known in the state.
Electric
lighting was installed when that type of power reached Nowra in 1928. The
electric lit stained glass window called The Resurrection in the picture on the left
was erected in honour of soldiers who fought in World War II.
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Soon
after the opening of the church, plans were being made for the construction
of a parsonage where the minister resided.
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Its
foundation stone was laid on 15th September 1885 with work completed the
following year. It was located to the south of the church, with the horse
paddock between the two, for the minister used horse-drawn transport
until 1921.
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The
parsonage was occupied by ministers for many years, but after a more
up-to-date residence was purchased in Junction Street, the old one was renamed
Wesley House and had various roles in the church’s mission.
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After the parish became
part of the Uniting Church in Australia in 1977, the congregation decided
to construct a new multi-purpose hall and refurbish the old parsonage;
they were joined to become the Wesley Centre which was opened on 17th
October 1981.
While major worship
services are now held there, the Stone Church is still used for 8:30 am
services each Sunday, along with weddings, funerals and other special
services as appropriate.
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