A series of bazaars, tea-meetings, picnics and soirees took place to raise funds to build the church. These were all very successful and were reported widely in the local press at the time. The Presbyterian Church was officially opened on Sunday November 13, 1864.

At the first of these bazaars, the 28-year-old William Affleck met Miss Catherine Campbell Cameron, his future bride; they were married in the completed church building in August 1865. He went on to establish the school, the park, the bridge, the common and the literary institute and so is widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of Gundaroo.

The church was used as the first school in Gundaroo and was used regularly for church services until the 1950s. The building gradually fell into disrepair and was a ruin by the late 1980s. It was at this time that a group of locals began to restore and repair the church and grounds, and the church was re-opened in 1989.

On the weekend of November 15 and 16, the church will be celebrating its 150th anniversary. On Saturday there will be a community picnic in the grounds from 11am to 3pm with old-fashioned games, an historical display, gold coin coffee cart and free sausage sizzle for kids. Bring your own picnic hamper, gloves and top hat. On Sunday there will be a service of thanksgiving held at 9am followed by morning tea in the historic grounds. Come along and help us celebrate this important milestone. All welcome.

Contributed.