The history of St. Columb's Anglican Church, West Ryde, began in 1910 in a small fibro building on the corner of what is now Victoria Road and Anzac Avenue, just opposite the Pumping Station.

In 1924, this church building was physically moved 'on wheels' to the corner of Victoria Road and Riverview Street.

In 1932, St Columb's Church purchased the 'Ryedale' site from the Darvall family, on the corner of what is now Dickson Avenue and Bellevue Avenue. 'Ryedale House' the old sandstone house on the block dated back to the 1850s. It was used as a rectory until 1969 when a new rectory was built.

In 1951, a hall was built as an extension to the servants' quarters at the back of Ryedale House and called St. COlumb's House. It fulfilled an urgent need to provide space for the growing Sunday School and general meeting areas.

Ryedale House was sold in 1974 and relocated to Paterson in the Hunter Valley where it was rebuilt in it's heritage style. Planning could now begin on the long awaited new church which had first been discussed in the 1930s.

The new, modern church was dedicated in 1980. Far more than the history of church buildings, this centenary book is essentially about a journey by people of faith - generations of people who have faithfully proclaimed the message of Christ and salvation in their everyday lives.

- from the back cover of "I Will Build My Church" published October 2010 for the Centenary of St. Columb's Anglican Church, West Ryde.

Copies are available for $25 each at our church services, or $35 each including postage when using this online Order Form.

In this story we have tried to show something of the life, faith and involvement of God's people. It would have been easier to write the recorded history of the clergy and buildings, but wherever possible, we have included the voices and memories of the people of faith who have attended the church throughout its one hundred year history.

- from the Introduction by Dahlis Feltham and Helen Colman.

There have been many ups and downs in the life of St. Columb's Church but through it all the ministers and parishioners have been faithful in their prayer, proclamation of God's word and reliance upon God's grace. The church has travelled through many locations and church buildings, it has relied upon God through years of depression and financial hardship, but despite all of this it has grown and continued to have an impact on the local community.

- from the Preface by Senior Pastor, Rev. Mal York.