Kilkivan locals fight to save St Matthews Anglican Church

An historical building in the main street of a tight-knit South Burnett town has been earmarked for demolition, but a group of residents passionate about saving it won’t let that happen without a fight.

Martin Essenberg, Mavis O'Neill, Dawn Choate and Dorn Gooding are among the Kilkivan residents hoping to restore the St Matthews Anglican Church.

The town of Kilkivan, about 50km west of Gympie, is fighting to save a beloved local landmark, amid fears it will be sold by the Gympie Regional Council.

The former St Matthews Anglican Church on the main street of Kilkivan - Bligh Street - was built in 1888, and has been an important part of the community over the ensuing 130-odd years.

It operated as a place of worship for 125 years and was deconsecrated in 2013, after a steady decline in congregation numbers.

Despite the decline in attendance, local residents say the building is an important part of the town’s history. It also remains in fairly good condition, except for small patches of wood rot.

The interior of the now abandoned St Matthews Anglican Church in Kilkivan.

Martin Essenberg is the secretary of the newly formed Kilkivan Progress Association, which was created with the intention of preserving and restoring the church.

In a submission to the Gympie Regional Council, he noted the important part the church had played in the local community.

“In the time it was open many people have been married there, been christened or had services on their death,” he said.

Mavis O’Neill, a lifelong Kilkivan resident, is an Anglican woman whose family has marked many key life events in the St Matthews Church.

She said the church hosted her confirmation, marriage, baptism of her children and grandchildren, and her late husband’s funeral service.

“It’s got a lot of meaning to my family,” she said.

Martin Essenberg has taken preserving the St Matthews Anglican Church in Kilkivan into his own hands.

Dawn Choate, a fifth generation Kilkivan resident, has written to the council voicing her support for the preservation of the church.

“It is sad when a small community like Kilkivan is in jeopardy of losing one of our landmarks,” she wrote.

“I urge all concerned to give earnest consideration to this request.”

The KPA is yet to finalise plans for the restored building, fearing its request may be declined.

Ideas for its future include a cafe, local community centre, art gallery or wedding venue.

Gympie Regional Council has been approached for comment.