Carcoar community looks to buy St Paul's Anglican Church

Church warden Ron Murray said the newly formed St Paul's Church Carcoar Association would be the organising body coordinating some very innovative fundraising ideas in a bid to ensure the church is retained by the village it has served for over a century.

"We have to look at garnering large donations from our benefactors and supporters," he said.

"This is not something we can do with a few cake stalls."

At a public meeting held in St Paul's, Mr Murray said at first he was reluctant to accept the possibility of raising enough money to buy the church, but those doubts were quickly dispelled.

"I was apprehensive in any attempt to raise $400,000, but all I got was a positive vibe from everyone that was there," the warden said.

Mr Murray's idea of offering supporters 400 shares of $1000 each or 800 half shares of $500 was one that was roundly supported by all that gathered at the meeting.

"We're setting up a GoFundMe page as well so people that may not want a share can donate to that," he said.

Mr Murray said that the committee was a true reflection of the wide,and growing, support those determined to save the church are feeling.

"It goes across all genders, ages and beliefs," he said.

"I'm 70 and the oldest member, and the youngest is 20."

The whole process of purchasing the church though depends on a decision to be made by the Bathurst Anglican diocese property trust meeting on December 16.

But Mr Murray is feeling confident of a positive outcome out of that meeting later this month.

"If they allow us to purchase the property before it goes to market we will have 90 days to then raise the money they're asking for," he said.

If successful Mr Murray said that the church would become an ecumenical church, open to all Christian faiths and one likely to fulfill a number of different roles for both the village community and those willing to visit the tiny area.

"The church is already popular for weddings with enquiries from as far away as Sydney. It really is the heart of the town," he said.

The sale of the church has caused anger among the community, with family members of those buried on the site worried about their loved one's remains.

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