The Village Chapel in Austinmer has seen baptisms, weddings, and even the odd film crew.
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Just shy of 100 years old, the chapel was built in 1922 and has served the local community for generations.
Cracks are beginning to show, however, quite literally.
Reverend Roselin Fisher said water "streaming down the wall" during a significant storm two years ago was the first sign historic cracking would need to be addressed.
"It's been an educational experience," Rev Fisher said.
"You see the cracks and think you have to fix those, then find out the whole area is unstable.
"Building codes of course were different 100 years ago, so there are inadequate footings underneath the building.
"Some of the piers are seriously leaning and not supporting the floor beams, so now we need a geotech survey to discover what's going on in the soil.
"You just take baby steps and do what you can, but it's certainly evolved."
The chapel has evolved in other ways over the years.
Ministered by the Uniting Church, it was once a hub for young people, hosting youth activities and young couple's clubs in addition to Sunday School and worship.
While church attendance has diminished over the years, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many in the community.
It's also opened up for more diverse uses, including art exhibitions, quarterly 'Classics in the Chapel' concerts and once an amateur movie crew.
"It was all in good fun," Rev Fisher said.
"It's nothing for people to wander in off the street and want to take pictures, or picnic in the grounds. It's our hearts' desire the chapel be used by a broader scope of the community."
The community has rallied to help with repair costs for the "endearing" chapel.
"It's not a big church, but it's a beautiful, sacred space," Rev Fisher said.
Wollongong City Council, through the annual Heritage Grant, has approved funds toward the project, and the Illawarra Presbytery of the Uniting Church has also made funds available.
A GoFundMe was started with the goal of raising $50,000.
People have also made direct donations to the church.
Rev Fisher said she was thankful for the support.
Those who can't donate, but would like to help, are encouraged to come up with ideas on how the chapel can be used for the benefit of the community.
Alternatively, when restrictions ease, anyone who is interested is welcomed to attend 'Classics in the Chapel' in 2022.
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