THOSE interested in learning about the rich history of perhaps Kiama's oldest existing building can attend a special presentation.
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David Radford will discuss the many facets of Kiama Uniting Church, and its role in the social and religious history of Kiama.
The event is being presented by the Kiama and District Historical Society.
The talk will take place on Saturday, February 28 at 2.30pm at the Uniting Church.
Mr Radford will speak about the many facets of the church.
The Kiama resident and Historical Society committee member said his interest stemmed from being raised in the Uniting Church, or the Methodist Church, as it was formerly known.
The Kiama Uniting Church was opened in 1851 as a Wesleyan Chapel.
"In 1977, the Uniting Church was formed, which was an amalgamation of the Methodist Church and many of the Presbyterian and congregational churches," Mr Radford said.
"I believe it probably is the oldest building in Kiama township.
"I have been told there was another that was older, but I don't know what it is.
"It wasn't the first building built in Kiama, but it's the oldest that still remains as far as I know."
Mr Radford said much of the church's history wasn't particularly well-known, even among those who regularly walked past or visited it.
"A lot of people may not realise which was the original church," he said.
"The chapel, which is now called the lecture hall, was the original building. Then there was a larger church built in 1862, and was severely damaged by a storm in the 1960s and had to be demolished.
"A newer, modern fellowship centre was also built in about 1970.
"It's got a quite rich history."
This talk/visit is one of a series planned for the district's churches.
The church is located on the corner of Manning and Bong Bong streets.