More recently, the community has gathered in the old stone structure for a very specific purpose - raising money for restoration of the distinctive lancet shaped windows.

'The Lift Our Voices' concert earlier this month brought together the U3A Alfresco Jubilo choir, the Goulburn Region Ukulele Band, Saint Patrick's, Marulan and renowned Goulburn composer, Dr Paul Paviour OAM.

Bungonia and District Historical Society secretary, Anne Wiggan said the concert raised $1900 which would be used towards conservation work.

"It went very well," she said.

"Groups lent their talent to the concert and it was well received. There was a lot of collaboration and it was standing room only."

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It's just one of the initiatives to raise funds for the landmark. Saint Michaels' was consecrated in 1848 but was believed to have been built in the 1840s. It's said to be the oldest church in mainland Australia still in use on its original footprint.

Mrs Wiggan said a hail storm in 1934 destroyed the original windows, which were replaced with plain glass panels with timber mullions. Since then, the weather and white ants have damaged the structures.

The concert will go part way to the project.

"We're trying to raise as much as possible and are asking people to donate to a window. We'll also be applying for grants," Mrs Wiggan said.

"We're hoping we can get the windows taken out and repaired and to have the church sound and weather proofed."

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Fortunately the structure does not suffer significant damp problems thanks to earlier gutter and down pipe replacement. In 1988, a Bicentenary grant enabled an architect to consolidate the roof and walls and to stop water flowing into the altar.

Also in the 1980s, workers in a Commonwealth Employment Program were engaged to remove mortar over the stonework as it was assessed to be letting water into the building.

Mrs Wiggan said the replacement mortar gave a grey appearance and now looked to the casual observer like the church was built from square stone blocks, when it fact it was rubblestone underneath.

But the community is determined to conserve the heritage gem.

"It's a really important building. It's listed on the council's LEP and is classified by the National Trust...We have quite a few events here," Mrs Wiggan said.

The annual Patronal mass will be held at the church on Saturday, September 14 at 10am. It will also be a chance to farewell Father Dermid McDermott who is retiring.

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