A BEACHPORT landmark which is almost 100 years old is set to be sold following a poorly-attended public meeting recently.
Only a small number of Beachport residents were present to discuss the future for St Nicholas Anglican Church.
Built in 1923 and standing on a 1000 square metre landholding, the church is currently used for services each month as well at Christmas and Easter.
The number of parishioners has declined in recent years, major repairs are needed to its terra-cotta tiled roof and salt damp is causing the building’s stone walls to fret.
The Millicent/Penola Anglican Church council decided to seek the views of the public at an open forum to see if there was sufficient interest in the Beachport community for it to be retained.
According to the 2016 National Census figures, there are 30 Anglicans living at Beachport.
The meeting lasted for 45 minutes and was chaired by Millicent churchwarden Trevor Rayson.
He said the public meeting had been extensively promoted and advertised.
Mr Rayson said the small number in attendance suggested there was insufficient support for the church to remain open.
According to Mr Rayson, there have been a number of dedicated parishioners at Beachport, but most had either died, become infirm or moved away.
He said there were the costs of water, power and insurance to consider, as well as the maintenance of the property.
A local real estate agent outlined the development possibilities of the site given its size and corner location.
A Millicent parishioner recommended a final service led by the bishop should be held at St Nicholas if the decision to sell the property was taken.
A Beachport worshipper said it may be possible for Anglican services to be held in a public building in Beachport or at the Catholic or Uniting churches.
The meeting began and ended with prayers led by Millicent/Penola parish priest Father John Thompson.
St Nicholas was built of stone on an elevated site and its foundation stone was laid 94 years ago by major benefactor and Beachport harbourmaster Captain Richard Solly.
He donated a number of furnishings to the church at the time of its opening.
A brass cross was donated by the local Brimage family, the holy table and reredos came from the estate of Dr T.K. Hamilton and the brass candlesticks date back to 1919.
They were donated by the family of Australian Flying Corps member Frederick Vernon Burchell as a thanks offering for his return from active service in World War I.
