The celebration will be marked with a Thanksgiving Service at which the Bishop of Armidale, the Right Reverend Rick Lewers will be guest speaker. 

A light luncheon will follow in the Kentucky Memorial Hall. Around 100 people have indicated that they will be attending.

With the influx of soldier settlers into the area after World War 1 the need for a local church was seen as a necessary addition to the village.

A Building Committee was formed under the leadership of the Reverend F.De P.St John, the Vicar of Uralla.

After quite a few meetings and consultation with the church members, it was decided to build a brick building for ease of maintenance and to facilitate a loan from the Diocese.

The architect was Mr F.J. Bishop of Tamworth and the quotation for £1350.14.00 by C.G.Cooper & Sons of Uralla for building the church was accepted.

The volunteer labour force who cleared the site and carted materials from the railhead, was made up of orchardists, railway fettlers, school teachers, farm managers, a settlement inspector and manager.

Meanwhile, the wives of the above men were in fundraising mode. They held dances, bazaars, American teas and many other events in efforts to raise the funds needed. 

The Foundation Stone was laid, by Frederick George Taylor on 16th October, 1927.

St Mark’s was dedicated on 29th April, 1928, only six months later, by the Reverend Archdeacon Forster in the absence of the Bishop. About 250 people attended the dedication.

St Mark’s was furnished in accordance with the Licence from the Diocese, by furniture and fittings given by church members and their families.

Many of these were in memory of relatives and as memorials to those who lost their lives in both wars.

Anyone who is interested in attending and who hasn’t been contacted may ring 67787262 for more information.