North Tamworth Anglican Church expands further as religion spreads fast across suburb

In February 2020 Minister Scott Dunlop, who grew up in Tamworth, returned to the city from Gunnedah and was tasked with heading up the new church - it began with just nine people attending the first service.

But fast forward nearly two years and more than 100 people rock up every Sunday, many of whom are new to the religion or have returned to it.

"The church has been growing for the past 2000 years and some spots grow faster than others," he said.

"It's certainly been really encouraging and this area out this way is really growing quickly and there's no other churches out here, plus it's quite a close community out this way.

"We haven't seen that many people transferring from other churches, a lot of it has been people exploring Christianity for the first time or that mightn't have been for a while."

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Having initially started in the library of Calrossy's William Cowper campus, it became obvious within weeks of meeting in person - which took a while due to COVID lockdown - that a bigger area would be needed.

The move to Bishop Peter Chiswell Hall will now allow for the church to meet for services, Sunday school and youth programs without stressing about a lack of space.

Given the size of the hall, Minister Dunlop doesn't expect the congregation will outgrow that facility anytime soon, but he is confident the church will get bigger due to the closeness of community in North Tamworth.

"It's quickly developed a very close, family environment and a good community, so we've had a really good retention rate," he said.

"Probably 80 per cent of people who actually come and visit keep coming and staying."

The first service at the new facility will be held this Sunday at 9:30am.

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