Now the building sits idle, paint flaking from the walls and the air is filled with damp instead of prayer.

Last week it was reported in the Blayney Chronicle that the Blayney Presbyterian congregation could no longer afford the costs involved in maintaining a building which it no longer uses.

In the face of declining church attendance in smaller rural areas Reverend McKean said that the Blayney congregation was now faced with the difficult decision to either sell or lease the building for an alternative use.

St. James holds an important place in Carcoar's colonial history. The foundation stone of St. James was laid by the Reverend James B. Laughton in May 1860 and the first service was held in the completed church 1861.

With the exception of the windows, which have been replaced with amber coloured glass, the building is remarkably intact and still retains the original furnishings. It would be unfortunate if the sale or lease of the building led to it being stripped of its furniture and artefacts.

The church is already showing signs of disrepair with work needed to repair exterior brickwork and timber.

Rev McKean would welcome discussions with any groups that may have an interest in helping preserve the building. Contact Reverend McKean on 6362 6304.

On February 11 The Carcoar Village Association held a barbecue in Kurt Fearnley Park to thank all the volunteers for their contribution towards the success of this year's Carcoar Village Fair.