So said Mark Twain in a cable from London in June 1897 to the press in the United States following reports that he had died.

Ever since 1977 people have been saying to members of the congregation, ‘Oh, I thought the Presbyterian Church had closed’; or, ‘Is the Presbyterian Church still meeting?’

So, let’s set the record straight!

In 1977 the Methodist, Congregational and Presbyterian churches combined to form the Uniting Church of Australia, and all church property was absorbed into the new church.

However, a small group of continuing Presbyterians met in private homes, the Masonic Hall and Baptist church until the group was able to rent St Andrew’s back from the Uniting Church in 1982, and ultimately to purchase the church and adjoining block of land back from the Uniting Church.

To financially enable this, the church hall was sold to Forbes Shire Council and is now part of council chambers.

However, the church is now at the point where it is in danger of having to close its doors, due to declining numbers.

This church has been part of the Forbes township since before 1862. The minister, Rev Craig Bland, comes across each Sunday from Parkes, but if numbers decline any further the church will need to close its doors.

Craig is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church with a BTh and before entering ministry completed a BSc in Computing Science and worked in the computing field.

There is a small active women’s group who present the 5Ps Luncheon in July, as well as providing catering at the Forbes Eisteddfod, with the help of friends.

An invitation is extended to anyone who would like to attend church, or explore Christianity and what the Bible has to say, to come and join in.

The church meets at 9am each Sunday in the church building in Harold Street, opposite Victoria Park.

At this stage there is no organised children’s activity, but children are most welcome to the service and there is a play area for the smaller ones.

St Andrew’s Christmas service will be held on Sunday 23 December; come and join in!

Jan Mullette, Committee of Management for St Andrew’s