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THE rehearsals may have been a shambles, but the real deal was made in heaven when Moruya Uniting Church celebrated its 150th anniversary at the weekend.
Nearly 120 people gathered for Moruya Uniting Church’s 150th anniversary celebrations on Sunday, and everything went off without a hitch.
Any performance anxiety of Laurie Trimmer, parishioner Ross Hosking and minister Reverend Elizabeth Richardson proved unfounded when they presented a history of the church's early years.
“That went surprisingly well,” Mr Trimmer said.
“We did a rehearsal for it on Friday and it was a shambles, but on the day it went well.”
The celebrations began with hymns and prayer.
“Everyone is very pleased,” Mr Trimmer said.
“There were a lot of people from years gone by.
"The church was full, apart from the choir stalls.”
Guests included Eden-Monaro MP Peter Hendy, Bega MP Andrew Constance and Eurobodalla Mayor Lindsay Brown, as well as scores of parishioners past and present.
Uniting Church NSW Moderator Reverend Doctor Brian Brown and Ms Richardson delivered well-received sermons.
Mr Trimmer and Mr Hosking rounded off the formalities by placing a time capsule, which among other effects included Bay Post/Moruya Examiner articles.
The capsule has been hidden, but left open to include more items, such as news reports of the anniversary.
Meanwhile, a 100-year-old time capsule was opened, but Mr Trimmer said the photos and documents inside were too curled to be displayed.
“We will try to copy them and put them in the new one, which will be opened in 50 years,” he said.
Joan Rourke, who at 95 is the oldest member of the congregation, cut a commemorative cake along with Maggie Hunt, the grand daughter of church stalwart and Moruya identity Abraham Emmott.