IT was a sad day for Tumbulgum families on Sunday when St Peter's Anglican Church held its final service after 124 years of worship.

The church is one of many being sold off by the Diocese of Grafton to reduce a massive $14million debt amassed by a church school in Grafton.

The original church of St Peter was built on the corner of Government Road and Bawden St, behind the hall, and dedicated on 16th April 1888.

It was the second Anglican Church on the Tweed.

On his visit in December 1888 Bishop Turner described it as "one of the prettiest and most complete churches in the diocese."

Services were conducted by the Reverend Thomas Fox, first Vicar of the Tweed.

The church was built at a cost of 400 pounds and opened debt free.

A feature of the church, unique for a village church, was a mezzanine floor from which flowed the beautiful voices of the local South Sea Islander cane cutters.

Furnishings still gracing the church to this day, were donated by pioneering Tumbulgum families.

Tragedy struck in1943, when a cyclone destroyed the building which had only recently been re-stumped, carpeted and painted.

All original church furnishings were salvaged.

Salvaged timber was sold and a new riverside site was purchased next to the hotel.

Until the new St Peter's was built and dedicated in 1954, services were held in the Tumbulgum Hall.

Unfortunately, with modern transport and its proximity to Murwillumbah, and changing demographics, attendances declined over the last few years.

"Despite the concerns of many parishioners over the reason for its sale, they felt it only just to give thanks to those who have battled floods, cyclones, the great depression and other factors to maintain their 1888 church and its 1954 successor as beautiful places of worship in the village of Tumbulgum for the past 124 years," said a spokesperson or the church.

A Service of Thanksgiving was held on Sunday preceded by a high tea.

Members of pioneering families attended with recently appointed parish priest, Reverend Bruce Sligo conducting the worship.

The church has been purchased by the New Beginnings Church which has been using it on a regular basis over the past two years.

Much of the restored 1888, cedar furniture will remain in place.