Country Churches of NZ 31. Christ Church, Taupiri, Waikato

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.

CHRIST CHURCH, TAUPIRI

'I hate the colours,' a local woman complained.

I love them; it's not often that lavender doors turn up on churches. Anyway, coats of paint are the least offensive of church alterations; they can always re-decorate in a different colour.

Christ Church, Taupiri, stands near State Highway One just south of the sacred burial grounds on Taupiri Mountain.

It was dedicated on 12 November 1905 and replaced an 1875 predecessor; both were designed by pioneer T H White. The lych gate was added in 1989.

Regular services were discontinued in 1992, but, because of its typical country church appearance, it still offers a special setting for weddings.

© DON DONOVAN

donovan@ihug.co.nz
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