General News
27 April, 2026
Christ Church Navarre marks final chapter
A piece of Navarre’s history has come to an end with a recent deconsecration service held at the former Church of England.
The Anglican Diocese decided to close the church two years ago due to declining numbers.
Anglican Bishop Garry Weatherill recently joined a small number of former parishioners at the Christ Church for one last time, marking the end of over 100 years of service to the Navarre and district community.
The Navarre Church of England at 68 High Street was built in 1901 to a design by Molloy and Smith, Architects of Ballarat.
Historic records show the church has strong links to the local community, in particular the Bibby and Thomson families, including George Thomson who donated the church land.
A memorial gate pier commemorates the lives of George Lawrence Thomson and Margaret Anna Thomson.
Long time parishioner Lyn Bibby has been attending the church since 1972 and said the recent deconsecration service was a sad day for the small group.
“We had twelve people there.
“It was a sad day. I actually lived next to the church for 30 odd years and had four of my children christened there and two grandchildren along with many funerals.
“It was sad when I rang up and disconnected the power two years ago,” she said.
Mrs Bibby said dwindling numbers at the small church sealed its fate.
“There were a lot of people who had passed away, the numbers got quite low,” she said.
“This church has been a big part of my life.”
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