St Stephen’s, Penrith has used the 170th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of their historic church building to connect with the local community.

"Old church buildings can be a mission tool,' says Brenda Aldous, Parish Secretary of St Stephen's Anglican Church, Penrith.

"Significant historical occasions can provide good opportunities for community contact and gospel proclamation.'

A well-known sight on High Street in Penrith, St Stephen's is thought to be the 15th-oldest church building in Australia that is still in use, and the oldest public building in Penrith.

Invitations to a special celebration service and morning tea on 18 November were sent to and accepted by the Governor of New South Wales, Professor Marie Bashir.

Other guests included descendants of the first incumbent, the Rev Henry Fulton; descendants of George Wolledge who dug the foundations; members of local, state and federal government; and representatives from service organisations and historical societies.

People came from as far away as Victoria and Queensland.

The church building was full and the service was relayed by a video-link to an extra 60 people in the church hall.

The service was gospel-focussed and contained a mixture of the traditional and contemporary.

The Rev Rick Miller, the current and 21st incumbent, spoke about the need for Christ to be the foundation stone of our lives.

Two testimonies given during the service by current church members described the impact of Jesus on people's lives. 

"It was a good weekend for celebrating what God has done in Penrith,' said Mr Miller.

"It was particularly encouraging to make such positive contact with many in our community.

‘The Diocesan Mission speaks about "penetrating structures of society' and this sort of event is one way to do that.'

Says Brenda, "We hope to follow up on the good-will created by inviting many of the community representatives who attended to our Christmas services’.