But Lindsay Harley’s story certainly sheds some light on the heartbreak felt by him, and many other parishioners, after news that their church, the almost 162-year-old Barkly Street Uniting Church, will be sold next month. 

For Mr Harley, 91, the church has been his refuge every Sunday for more than half a century. 

His children were married there. It was his fellow parishioners who supported him when his wife died. A huge part of him belongs there. 

But by April 11, the day the church will go under the hammer, all Mr Harley will have left are these, and many other memories. 

As he told The Courier: “It will be a sad day for a lot of people when this church closes it doors ... The church community are like a family.”

The Courier couldn’t agree more. 

What a sad state of affairs it is when an organisation like a church, an organisation that provides support to so many people, must close its doors and sell up due to financial strains. 

We live in an era where change is necessary, and where financial stress has probably never been worse. 

The first couple of months of 2015 have been tough for this city and its people. 

We have seen job cuts in several industries and the closure of core local businesses. All due to financial pressure.  It’s times like these when those of faith turn to their churches. It’s times like these that the last thing we need is such a crucial outlet being sold off. 

The church will shut its doors on March 31, the 162nd anniversary of the parish. 

A saddened congregation secretary Beryl Hodges said the church had little option other than selling up. 

She said numbers had dropped significantly, with about 14 people attending a regular Sunday service. 

“Financially we just can’t keep going,” Ms Hodges said. 

The Courier understands the tough position the church is in. We understand the realities of the world we live in. 

But we can’t help feeling a great sense of loss when reporting such news. 

The church will be auctioned on April 11.