THE NSW moderator of the Australian Presbyterian church Rev Sandy McMillan, in Murwillumbah to unveil a centenary stone at the 100-year-old St Andrew's Church, yesterday addressed a special packed service in the 100-year-old building.

Rev McMillan declared it was good to look back and see what “God has done” and consequently feel secure about the future.

“A church is vital for any community, old or not,” Rev McMillan said..

“It's good to celebrate these things and that there's been people witnessing to the Lord Jesus for over 100 years in the area.”

Rev McMillan said he hoped those who attended a celebratory dinner on Saturday night and yesterday's centenary service would “be encouraged to see the importance of people getting together each week to hear God's word and celebrate him.”

He said his message on Sunday was that Jesus Christ was “the same yesterday, today and forever”

“Looking back into the past and seeing what God has done is real security for the future,” he added.

“So much has changed since the church was built, but what hasn't changed is the love of God.”

Congregation member Lisa Townsend said both the Saturday dinner and yesterday's service had “a very happy atmosphere”.

“We were partying,” she added.

“The church took seven months to build, and we will also be celebrating the date it was finished.”

On Saturday nearly 200 people celebrated the church's centenary at a special dinner where many of them wore period costumes reflecting the early days of the 20th Century.