St Andrew's Church in Walcha is in desperate need of salvation

St Andrews Church in Walcha is the oldest building standing in the town and the oldest Church in the Armidale Anglican Diocese.

The building is in a state of disrepair and has not been used since the 1990s. However, a group of residents want to change this and bring the building back to life.

The group have begun to raise $50,000 to put towards work to save the building and its historic stained glass windows.

Starting next week we will publish the story behind each window - one of which is believed to be the oldest example of a window by the Hardman Company in regional NSW.

Hardman & Co. (otherwise known as John Hardman Trading Co., Ltd.) was founded in 1838, began manufacturing stained glass in 1844 and became one of the world's leading manufacturers of stained glass and ecclesiastical fittings. It was wound up in 2008

Calling themselves 'The Friends of the Old Stone Church', with the permission of the parish and diocese, they are endeavouring to raise $50,000 to receive a matching NSW Heritage Council grant.

Built in 1862 by Mr Mitchell and consecrated in 1866, many past generations have connections to the heritage listed stone church.

Some of the fine stained glass windows were dedicated to pioneer families of the district including the Fenwick, Wauch (of Wauchope) and Laird families.

The oldest window, depicting the gospel in glass, is by Hardman & Co, Birmingham. It is dedicated to William Denne who, with his brother Richard, selected Tia Station in the 1830s.

"Structural cracks along with damage to the ornate, hand painted, stained glass windows threaten the integrity of the building," said friend Nerida Hoy.

The group's fundraising brochure was launched in the Walcha Council chambers by Mayor Eric Noakes on Monday.