Ring the Bell - Save St Mary's

I'm John Hay, the Public Officer for St Mary's Community Cemetery Kempton Inc.

A fundraising campaign to “Ring the Bell” has been launched to save Kempton's last Church and Cemetery.

The church, which dates from 1837, is no longer an Anglican church.

The not-for-profit association has agreed to purchase the Church and Cemetery for the bargain price of $90,000. Legal fees and government charges will add $20,000 to $30,000. Repairs and maintenance $40,000.  $60,000 has already been raised.

(Building blocks in the township recently sold for more than $160,000).

The settlement date is 18 April.

The building will be available to any denomination, community or family groups for weddings, funerals, naming ceremonies, concerts or any other purpose which respects its history and place in the community.

The cemetery will remain an active community facility available to all.

Local pioneering families gave the land for St Mary's and contributed to the construction of the building. The purchase of the property will ensure it will remain in community ownership in perpetuity.

Full details are available on our website: www.stmaryskempton.org.au