History: ........
Coonabarabran is on the Newell Hwy about 1½ hours north of Dubbo and 2 hours west of Tamworth in western NSW. This church has a long and strong Methodist tradition going back to the 1800's.
The original grant of land was about twice the size of the existing block on which the church and the manse are now situated. Covering where the now Medical Centre Rural Supplies and Old Shell service station are located. The original building for the church was on the site of the Medical Centre and residence was where the old service station is located facing Cassillis Street.
The premises were originally shared with the Presbyterians until they were able to establish their own worship centre.
The church went through a difficult period following the WW1 and were without a minister for a number of years and most members attended the Presbyterian Church which had also purchased and moved the old Methodist building to their site for a Sunday School.
In 1928-29 there was a move to re-establish the Methodist Church in Coonabarabran and they sort permission to use the Presbyterian Church on alternate Sundays which was denied. So, they met in the Mechanics Institute until the new building (the current weatherboard structure) was built, (a multi-purpose centre,) timber being milled on one of the members properties at Mendooran. This building although in the middle of a paddock had electricity instead of the old candlelight of the past. In 1930 the first minister for 15 years was appointed, Rev Norman Lickiss.
The circuit in those day was a 150 mile long and 50 miles wide it was no mean feat for the minister to cover on a fortnightly cycle, and was originally known as Binnaway-Baradine circuit with the minister residing in Coonabarabran. This name was changed to the Coonabarabran Circuit in 1944. A new manse was erected in 1964-65 and the current brick building was opened on 12th December 1987. It is a church with a vision for the future and as the old weatherboard building is becoming difficult to maintain for public functions they are currently drawing up plans to extend the church and once again making it a multi-functional centre which is strongly engrained in the culture of this church.
Even though the church became a part of the Uniting Church in 1977 the core is still strongly Evangelically Methodist in its views, and has become a member of the Assembly of Confessing Congregation to up hold its evangelical stance.
Unfortunately, there hasn't been a resident minister for about 17 years (due to finances) but the congregation has a strong Lay led congregation which still has visions for future growth and invite retired ministers to assist from time to time.
If you are visiting our area we heartily invite you to join us in worshipping at 9:30 each Sunday morning, we will make you most welcome and please join us for morning tea as we love to get to know visitors.
About:
Coonabarabran is a vibrant Lay Lead congregation with a strong evangelical heart with a strong vision for the future and is a part of the Assembly of Confessing Congregations (ACC) the evangelical movement within the Uniting Church
Vision:
