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.
Over several years I have drawn and re-drawn Holy Trinity, Pakaraka.
My first effort had it with a blue iron roof. Then it was re-shingled and I painted it again. On 12 April 2001 a replica steeple was finished to make it externally exactly the same as the original which opened on 28 November 1873 on the site of a previous church built in 1851, so I made this final rendering
I imagine architect Richard Keals would think the restoration flattering, but for a church well into its second century it looks too fresh, too new. Once a patina of age has stained its shingles all will be well. Reverend Henry Williams, the pioneer missionary of Paihia, and his wife, Marianne, are buried side by side beneath two brown-lichened stones within a wrought iron enclosure below the east window.
© DON DONOVAN
donovan@ihug.co.nz
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