CAREFULLY planned sandstone repairs are helping safeguard one of Raymond Terrace’s most enduring landmarks.
Standing since 1862, the Anglican Church of St John the Evangelist has long been a quiet constant in the centre of town.
Today, more than 160 years later, its sweeping lawns and memorial garden remain open spaces for reflection.
Generations of locals have marked life’s milestones within its walls, from weddings and baptisms to funerals and memorials.
The church continues that legacy with weekly services, daily online prayer, and community programs ranging from an emergency food bank to grief and grandparent support groups, alongside a community garden open to all.
The current restoration focuses on the building’s distinctive Muree sandstone façade.
Several mid-19th century buildings in the region were constructed using the locally quarried stone, known for its warm golden tones but also its vulnerability to moisture.
Over time, some sandstone blocks and sills deteriorate, allowing water penetration that threatens interior plaster and structural integrity.
Specialist contractors Hunter Heritage Stonemasonry are replacing damaged blocks and repointing sections of the original lime mortar.
The work is designed to prevent further moisture ingress and ensure the stability of the church’s exterior walls.
When complete, the repairs are expected to preserve the building for generations, potentially another 160 years.
The project has been made possible through a $20,000 grant from the 2025 Community Building Partnership program, secured with support from Port Stephens MP Kate Washington.
Church leaders say the funding, supplemented by a bequest, recognises the important role St John’s continues to play beyond its heritage value.
By Jacie WHITFIELD
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