Bulahdelah Community of Christ closes after more than a century Bulahdelah, Wootton, Nerong FEATURED Myall Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - November 28, 2017November 28, 2017 Evangelist Frank Flood, Green Cathedral Pastor Wendy Ballard and Mission President Ben Smith. THE Bulahdelah Community of Christ has recently closed its doors after serving the local area for well over a century. Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE Congregation member Irene Worth said the tough decision to close was based on declining attendance, the lack of younger families joining and stewardship. “There are only a few of us left and we are all related, so we see each other all the time during the week,” Irene said. “There seems to be a trend away from the church these days, I think a lot of younger people are disillusioned with religion in general.” The Bulahdelah congregation has had only six pastors during its 111-year history, three of which were members of the Richards family. Between them, James Richards and his two sons Mervyn and Jimmy served a total of 89 years. William and James Maybury and Albert Burdekin served as pastors in the early days. The church’s long history in the Bulahdelah community was celebrated during a final worship service held last weekend. Congregation members, Green Cathedral Pastor Wendy Ballard and Evangelist Frank Flood led the service. “It was good to see brothers and sisters of the faith come together from the Uniting, Anglican and Catholic churches, and other friends and church members from all around,” Irene said. “It showed that the church is still a valuable part of the community.” Irene said although the church is closing, “It will still live on in spirit”. “That’s because any finances that come from here will go towards helping Tiona and the Green Cathedral, that has always been the wish of the congregation,” Irene said. “If anyone needs to use the church before it is sold, the doors will always be open to them, it won’t just be closed up and forgotten.” Australian Mission President Ben Smith thanked the congregation for their service over many decades. “There is no doubt that the church has had a major impact on Bulahdelah as a community,” he said. “I give thanks for the commitment and service of members and friends, both past and present.” By Daniel SAHYOUN A large crowd attended the final service in Bulahdelah. Final Service: Russell Richards, Bernadette Newton and Irene Worth.
