The land-mark sign in front of St Barnabas Broadway declares in one emphatic word the congregation’s focus following the fire that devastated their house of worship: Eternity.

The historic building may have been humbled, but the church that lived within its walls is still standing tall.

“I think we’ve all been reminded that St Barnabas’ is not a building – it’s a community,” says David Britton, church warden.

“The building was a faithful servant to us and we will miss it badly, but we will go on and will continue to serve God.”

Detectives are yet to discover the cause of the fire that has left little more than the shell of the 148 year old church.

“The fire brigade had to make the area safe before police went in, that’s only just happened, so the investigation is not fully under way yet,” a police spokesman said late today.

Community support for the now homeless congregation is flooding in with organisations offering technical assistance and temporary facilities.

“Sydney University has very generously offered us the use of the Great Hall this Sunday,” Mr Britton says.

“We will be having a special combined service at 10:30am.”

However the church is uncertain what shape their ministry will take in the weeks following.

“The fire will affect our ministry to the local community and to Sydney University students, but we will continue to serve these communities as best we can,” Mr Britton says.

Tomorrow staff will begin taking stock of the damage in offices donated by the Sydney Diocese.

Another blessing is that though the church building has been gutted by the blaze the congregation still has a home on-line.

Church officials are encouraging members to keep in touch with developments by visiting the St Barnabas web site.

“We are endeavouring to do our three Sunday services and Thursday night international service at the same times and as consistently as we do currently, but in a different space,” Mr Britton says.

Times and locations will be published on the site as they become available.