there are five churches in island bay. the oldest is the anglican church, which is over 100 years old. it has a traditional brick front design, and some stained glass windows honouring the early settlers. it is named after st hilda of whitby, as the early settlers felt the coastline resembled northumbria. the baptist, catholic , serbian orthodox and presbyterian churches are younger. the churches have facilities that are used for a range of community groups. church activities include a full range of programmes for all ages, including the annual "teddy bears' picnic" for children which forms part of the island bay festival.