One of the oldest churches in the Diocese, St Mary Magdalene Anglican Church at St Marys, recently marked its 175th birthday by rejoicing in its history and looking to the future.

“It was a wonderful day of celebration,” said St Mary’s assistant minister, the Rev Mark Collins. “The church was filled – it was standing room only – with regular congregation members, members of the public and also many visitors who have been particularly involved in our parish.

“[The principal of Moore College] Mark Thompson opened God’s word, speaking from Colossians chapter 1. His message was a clear presentation of the gospel and he also spoke about Anna King, who was really the driving force behind establishing St Mary’s.”

The foundation stone for the church was laid in 1837 by Bishop Broughton – the first Bishop of Sydney – built to a design by architect Francis Clarke. Bishop Broughton consecrated the church on April 29, 1840 when the now-busy western suburb of St Marys was just the locality of South Creek.

Mr Collins said the church had touched many people in the community over its history – in everything from major life events to Sunday school and ministry to the underprivileged – adding that, “We look forward to serving Jesus and our community for much longer into the future”.

The Rev Neil Atwood, who is assistant to regional bishop Ivan Lee, was also at the celebration. He said it was “exciting to pause and reflect on how many people have passed through the doors of St Mary’s over the past 175 years – and how many of those have had their lives changed by Jesus!

“Even more exciting is to consider what can be achieved in the next 175 years as we seek to share the love of Jesus with the community around us,” he said. “With God’s help that’s exactly what we are focused on doing.”