It served the town for more than 150 years and the Friends of St John's Church want to purchase it for the community to create a non-denominational church setting for baptisms, weddings, funerals and public and private events.

One of the group's organisers Christine Robinson said the Anglican Church was offering the group first choice to purchase it with an offer needed by the end of January.

"We're just a group trying to save a 150 year old building for our community," she said.

"We need to get as much as possible towards the $200,000.

"I'm feeling positive at this stage, we've got a lot of support it just needs people putting hands in pockets but it's a terrible time in our country's history to be trying to do anything when the focus is elsewhere."

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The group will make an offer with whatever is raised at the end of January, before it is either accepted or rejected and put on the open market.

Ms Robinson said if the offer was rejected by the church all identifiable donations would be refunded.

"My fingers are crossed," she said.

"If we get close they may allow us to open it [the church] up to further our fundraising.

"Get into contact, all ideas and helpful comments are appreciated."

The group is in the process of setting up a GoFundMe page, otherwise donations can be made through stjohnsross.com.au.