The first couple to be ever married in the old church, Earl and Wendy James, also made a return for the celebrations.

Rev Kristan Slack and Bishop Greg Anderson conducted the service, which was followed by refreshments and the chance to inspect a partial reconstruction of the old church – a Sidney Williams hut originally relocated from Banka Banka Station.

The church family would like to thank all those who joined them for this special occasion.

The current congregation were added to by long-time locals, former locals, and members of the other churches in town.

Everyone enjoyed a lively service and time to connect afterwards.

Special guests were Earl and Wendy James – the first couple to be married in the old church back in 1956.

Their wedding was a collection of mishaps  - a sobbing best man whose house had burnt down the previous night, a crooked aisle for Wendy to walk down, an amateur concertina player whose Catholic conscience was stricken at the last minute who then played from outside the church building, and wilting carnations from Darwin, to name just a few!

Church member Shirley Smith re-told their story to the congregation.

Wendy was escorted down the straight aisle in the new church, to her husband Earl – accompanied by music played from within the church, and was also presented with fresh carnations.

Wendy James told the story of when the old church was opened a willy-willy stole the thunder from the Bishop of Carpentaria.

As he began to knock on the church door with his crook the wind blew the door open, whipped up all the papers all over the interior and moved some of the corrugated tin around!