The foundation stone of the StoneChurch 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.
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.
Soon after the opening of the church, plans were being made for the construction of a parsonage where the minister resided.
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.
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.
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.
