A Country Church

St Stephen's, Tuahiwi

The little board and batten church of St Stephen's, Tuahiwi was built in 1867 and is thought to be the first Maori Mission church to be built in the South Island of New Zealand.

The foundation stone for the kauri church was laid by Governor George Grey on 9 February 1867 amid great ceremony.  The entrance to Tuahiwi and route to the church were decorated with flags and arches of evergreen and Ngai Tuahuriri people lined the road, giving cheers, hakas and screams of welcome.  When St Stephen's Church was officially opened seven months later in September, Maori from all over the province attended the celebrations.

It is nestled between tall trees with a grass path lined with NZ Cabbage trees leading to the entranceway. The entrance faces north (left) and overlooks paddocks of marshmellow weeds and horses quietly grazing.

The little church holds approximately 100 people, has an organ without an organist. The parishioners sing unaccompanied or sometimes the priest brings his guitar. Services are held twice a month for a small and friendly congregation.

I spent the day with Mum, we had a few chores to do in the city and went for a drive after. Mid afternoon clouds came rolling in from the sea and the air felt quite misty and dampish but the sun was still shining.

Many thanks for the hearts and wonderful comments for yesterdays river shot - 'Wow, stop the car!!' was well worth stopping for :)

Time for tea, not a clue what we will have, but no doubt will find something in the cupboards. Be back later :)