Parish rector Father Scott Dulley admitted the tower was in a poor state.

He said those he’d spoken to were disappointed it had reached this stage of deterioration.

“It’s gotten worse and had to be fenced off,” he told the Chronicle.

“I think people who remember it when it was in [working order] will appreciate the repairs.

“It’s part of Muswellbrook’s built heritage.”

The bell, originally positioned in Muswellbrook’s first Anglican Church, was moved to its current location in 1914 and the tower built to house it.

The local parish is committed to the tower’s restoration – and hopeful its centenary will inspire funding.

The organisation requested $62,000 from State Heritage in a funding round late last year and will soon discover if they were successful. 

In the meantime, a submission to Muswellbrook Shire Council secured the church $30,000 toward the project.

“We’re really pleased council have agreed to offer some 

assistance with the repairs of it because I think it’s a significant project,” Father Dulley said.

“It’s going to be restored to its original condition using, wherever possible, the existing material.

“Our hope is that it will be done as soon as possible and council support will help it [occur] sooner than it would have otherwise.”

The church is aiming to have local artists complete the restoration work.

The parish will host a dinner on November 15 to celebrate the sesquicentennial anniversary of the church.

The dinner will be followed by a service on Sunday, November 16, at the church.

For more information, or to find out how you can become involved, contact stalbansparish@bigpond.com or phone 6541 2718.