Booligal’s St Alban’s Church decommissioned

Mar 19

A raw moment - parishioners of the former St Alban’s Anglican Church, Bronwyn Turner, Helen Rodgers, Jenny Sheaffe and Alison Crossley at the decommissioning service with Archdeacon Robert Murphy. Images supplied.

By Tertia Butcher

St Alban’s Church in Booligal has been de-commissioned as an Anglican church.

The service took place last Thursday by Archdeacon Robert Murphy, assisted by Riverina Diocese Registrar, Mandy Walsh and witnessed by parishioners Helen Rogers, Alison Crossley, Bronwyn Turner and Jenny Sheaffe.

“It was with profound disappointment we attended the decommission service,” Mrs Sheaffe said.

“St Alban’s Anglican Church has been more than a building in our community.

“It has witnessed church services, christenings, marriages and funeral services since 1899 when it was built and consecrated by Bishop Anderson.

“It was a short service and concluded with Archdeacon Robert Murphy saying ‘it is a new beginning for the Booligal Community Church’.

“However, the decision and haste in which the Riverina Diocese acted in putting St Alban’s Anglican Church on the market and the de-commission of the church has left the community feeling totally disheartened.

“It was a poignant moment for Helen Rogers to witness St Alban’s de-commission as it was her Great Grandfather Bishop Anderson who dedicated the church on February 22. 1899.

“From now onwards the church will be known as St Alban’s Community Church Booligal and we welcome all denomination to worship in our church.

“We, the community of Booligal, would like to thank all those who have support us with generous donations towards helping purchase St Alban’s from the Riverina Diocese.

“We are grateful for your help and hope we can achieve our goal.”

Bishop Donald Kirk was due to make his first ever visit to Booligal last week, but offered a late apology, citing his wife was ill and needed surgery.