I wrote and illustrated Country Churches of New Zealand. It was published in 2002 by New Holland, Publishers and is still on sale in bookshops. The publishers have kindly agreed to me re-publishing some of the book’s images and descriptions in this blog.
ST MARY'S, GORDONTON
Is one of the younger churches, but its shape and middle-class brick gentility make for a pleasing subject.
I was fascinated to discover that the estimated cost of St Mary's in 1930 was almost exactly the same as my parents paid for a tiny English house in that same year - £775. A fine, four-square colonial church was far better value for money than a suburban London semi-detached brick and tile!
Hamilton architects Edgecumbe and White knocked five pounds off that price in their tendering letter of January 1934. So, funds already in the kitty, the estimate was accepted without demur, the church was up within five months and was consecrated on 1 July that year.
© DON DONOVAN
donovan@ihug.co.nz
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