It followed a rollercoaster nine months for the church in which it was sold by the Anglican Diocese of Bathurst, bought by a benefactor and returned to the community.

The Bishop of Bathurst, the Reverend Ian Palmer, said the church had to be sold to help pay redress to those abused by lay people and clergy from the parishes and institutions of the diocese.

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Sunday’s ceremony of re-hallowing was conducted in the heritage-listed St Aidan's Village Church by the Reverend Andrew Sempell, Rector of the historic St James Church, Sydney, who is also a local grazier.

A church spokesperson said the ceremony, written by Father Andrew, “restores the Christian sanctity taken away from the church by Bishop Ian Palmer”.

“Late last year, Bishop Palmer locked the congregation out of the church, and put the building up for sale. The church was deconsecrated without the congregation being advised,” the spokesperson said.

Sunday's hallowing filled the pioneer-built church.

“Participants came from across the state and the ACT to witness the congregation taking a part in every symbolic stage of the occasion,” the spokesperson said.

“Generous private donations, and a benefactor who purchased the building and bestowed its use on the congregation, have assisted the church to become independent and non-denominational.

“The name of St Aidan's Village Church signals its new status on the church sign, and the congregation has undertaken to maintain it as a sacred centre for worship, reflection and community outreach.”

The spokesperson said the congregation walked from the church gate as one with Father Andrew on Sunday.

They said Father Andrew requested the church doors to be opened “and on his marking a sign of the cross on the threshold, all entered”.

“The ceremony continued with items of spiritual significance being separately blessed,” the spokesperson said.

“The congregation took the occasion to thank the many who have helped to encourage and sustain them during some recent difficult years, during which time they conducted a spirited challenge to the Anglican Diocese of Bathurst on its attitude and behaviour.”

The spokesperson said the village church will hold monthly worship and regular events for fellowship.

“It is available for dedication and baptism ceremonies, weddings, funerals and for creative events in keeping with it being a heritage-listed building and a place of worship,” they said.

“From October on, gatherings for worship will be celebrated on the third Sunday of each month at 11am.”