ONE of the South East’s most historic and iconic churches will commemorate its 180th anniversary on Sunday.

Christ Church Maneroo is the oldest church on the Monaro. A special service will see the church full on Sunday as the community celebrates 180 years of the iconic church. The service starts at 9.30am with morning tea to follow before lunch at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Cooma.

A fundraising effort in recent years led to the restoration of the church with Monaro residents and families supporting the initiative.

Located five minutes from Cooma, at the intersection of the Maffra and Myalla roads, the building is a popular place for visitors. Its cemetery is the final resting place for several Monaro pioneers.

In February 1845, Bishop Wiliam Broughton laid the foundation stone. It was used as a regular place of worship until 1872.

The church now holds occasional services and other gatherings including weddings and funerals.