SAINT Matthew’s Church in Windsor has begun an appeal to raise $400,000 to restore some of the older parts of the church site.
Minister of the Anglican church Chris Jones said he wanted to keep the historic church in good condition for the present and the future.
Reverend Jones said the church had plans to restore the rectory and church tower, improve signage, and do some minor work to vegetation near the church.
He also said there were a number of graves of historically important people at the church and he wanted professional advice on how to maintain them.
Rev Jones, who began work at the church about 12 months ago, said it had been kept in good condition previously, and now it was his turn to help maintain it.
“I am trying to develop another stream of resources to maintain this historic precinct,” he said.
“We want to draw funding from wider afield to support the upkeep of the whole precinct. It has been well cared for in the past but we would like to update it a little bit.”
Rev Jones said the church was an important part of the Hawkesbury’s early history.
“To have the site in pristine condition is a good thing for the Hawkesbury because it is a major tourist.
“We are trying to leave it in good nick for future generations so we want to do our bit while we're on our watch.”
Rev Jones said the church would start an appeal to raise $400,000 for the first stage of restorations.
However, he said he wanted to try to raise some funds from people other than his congregation, and felt the historic nature of the church was deserving of that.