“A NEW START” HOME HILL’S ST. HELENS ANGLICAN CHURCH SET FOR SALE

Ministry Unit Warden Pam Ashworth (pictured) said that while the sale would spell the end of the building as it’s known today, it opens the door for “a new start” for the congregation. Photo: Jacob Casha.

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St. Helens Anglican Church in Home Hill has seen generations of love, life, and new beginnings unfold within its walls over the last 49 years.

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Ironically, it now prepares for its own new chapter.

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The church is among a group of properties owned by the Anglican Diocese of North Queensland earmarked for sale as the diocese works to meet its financial obligations to victims of historic child sexual abuse.

The diocese, which covers almost one-third of the state, was placed into receivership after facing millions of dollars in financial liabilities, with court-appointed receiver Michael Brennan now overseeing the sale of its assets in a bid to raise up to $18 million.

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According to an ABC report, Mr Brennan said the diocese had “too many churches, not enough priests, and probably not enough parishioners” to justify the cost of operating all of its properties.

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Eleven properties have subsequently been placed on the market, with a further 23 church assets across North Queensland awaiting court approval for sale, including St. Helens.

Ministry Unit Warden Pam Ashworth said that while the sale would spell the end of the building as it’s known today, it opens the door for “a new start” for the congregation.

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“Christianity still lives on,” she said.

“The church is an extension of our own families … and we have a wonderful group of people that, hopefully, will see it continue.”

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The St. Helens congregation has a history in the town dating back more than 100 years. Its current building on Fourteenth Street was built in 1977, hosting services and becoming a fixture of the town ever since.

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Home Hill local Kate Casswell, who was married at St. Helens, said she could understand—albeit regrettably—the decision to sell the Home Hill church, pointing to its close proximity to All Saints Church in Ayr.

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“One can see why it’s been slated for sale,” she said.

“We have to accept that times have changed. If Home Hill was established now, [the church] probably wouldn’t have been built in the first place; it’s really only 10-15 minutes across the river to All Saints.

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“But that doesn’t make [the sale] less sad. All the special memories made there will live on.”

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Church assets in Mackay, Proserpine, Bowen and Townsville are also among properties being sold as part of the diocese’s broader effort to resolve its financial liabilities.

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Mrs Ashworth confirmed that stocktaking procedures at St Helens were being undertaken in preparation for the church’s expected sale next year.

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She said the congregation would continue meeting at the building until a buyer was found, with discussions to determine where services would be held once the property changed hands.

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