COUNCIL OWNED: The Presbyterian Church is now owned by Forbes Shire.
Forbes St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church recently sold to Forbes Shire Council for an undisclosed sum. Despite efforts to keep the church in operation, the 144 year old heritage listed church was unable to remain viable with a dwindling congregation.
“Given the location to Town Hall, Council wanted to ensure the building remained in safe hands, so we made an offer,” said Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM.
“The plans for the site are not finalised as yet but we have a few suggestions.”
“It is so important to keep this amazing heritage-listed building in the condition it is worthy of,” Mayor Miller continued.
“The church sits within a very important square of Forbes, Victoria Square and is part of our very popular Heritage Trail.”
“Local stonemasons assisted in building this stone church back in 1877 and many locals don’t want to see it go into disrepair.”
Built in a Gothic Revival style with an octagonal belltower and spire, St Andrew’s is constructed in coursed stone with smooth dressed stone to quoins and surrounds and openings. It was classified by the National Trust in 1975.