About Us

Welcome to Penrith Uniting Church, a vibrant and welcoming Christian community located in the heart of Penrith. We are part of the Uniting Church in Australia, committed to living out the love of Christ through worship, service, and fellowship. Our congregation is multicultural and inclusive, embracing people from all walks of life. We seek to be a Christ centred community offering hospitality, welcome as well as seeking to be a safe place for people.

We seek to follow Jesus by working for justice and peace, caring for creation, and showing God’s love in practical ways. Whether you are exploring faith for the first time or looking for a spiritual home, you are warmly invited to join us.

Our vision is to make a positive impact in Penrith and beyond by sharing the hope and grace of Jesus Christ. We acknowledge the Mulgoa People of the Darug nation, and the Gundungurra people as the traditional custodians of this land and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Our History

The story of Penrith Uniting Church is deeply rooted in the early Methodist movement in Australia. One of our preaching places is the Historic Chapel at Castlereagh where John Lees, after a conversion experience, donated some of his land grants to the church. This is the site of the first Wesleyan Methodist Church in Australia which was opened on 7th October 1917. There are strong links with the Parramatta Methodist Church, currently Leigh Memorial Church. Worship continues at this site on the 1st and 4th Sundays of the month. There is a historic cemetery which is still in operation.

Our heritage in Penrith dates back to the mid-19th century when a Wesleyan chapel was built on land donated by John Tindall around 1860. This original church on Henry Street served the local community for over a century.

In 1975, the congregation moved to its current home at The John Lees Christian Centre, named in honor of John Lees—a former soldier and pioneering layman who played a significant role in establishing Methodist work in the region. The centre was officially opened and dedicated on 13 September 1975, marking a new chapter in our mission. The previous building had served as a Sunday School for many years.

Today, Penrith Uniting Church continues to build on this rich legacy, offering worship, community programs, and outreach initiatives that reflect our commitment to faith, hope, and love.