Former clergy and current parishioners joined together for the special celebratory service to mark this important occasion.

It was also the first visit to St Matthew's Parish, and indeed to Wauchope, for the new Bishop of Grafton, the Rt Rev'd Dr Murray Harvey.

Bishop Harvey's sermon drew on two children's stories, the three little pigs, and the three little wolves and the big bad pig, to illustrate the importance of building our house - whether that be a physical building or a spiritual life - on solid ground.

The Bishop and Rector, the Rev'd Angela Dutton celebrated communion for the congregation of about 80 people.

Mrs Joyce Armiger, organist, and the Parish Choir, presented some specially chosen pieces, as well as leading the congregation in the singing of hymns.

This included, appropriately, "The Church's One Foundation".

"It was a joy to hear the well-known hymns sung so beautifully and with great volume and to see the amazing fellowship, with a lot of catching up happening over lunch" said a Church Warden.

A finger food luncheon, generously prepared by Wauchope parishes' talented cooks, was served in the adjacent hall following the service.

More than 20 parishioners who were present at the Official Opening of the current church building in 1969, gathered together as Mrs Mavis Flanagan and Mr Jim Hanington cut the 50 th Anniversary Cake.

A 50th anniversary commemorative Recipe Book has been released to mark this occasion and is available now for $5.

To obtain your copy please contact the Parish Office 6585 2019 or Parish Council Secretary Helen Hoare 0408 684 802.