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.
COMMUNITY CHURCH, PUKEHIKI
Gales sometimes hit hard across the Otago Peninsula and macrocarpa trees make good windbreaks. A high hedge, smooth and tartan green on the outside, its boughs exposed and wonderfully sculptural on the inside, guards the Pukehiki Community Church near famous Larnach's Castle.
One of the castle's craftsman builders was Walter Riddell, who also designed and built the church in 1868.
Although attractive when seen through its gateway, its tower appears truncated and might have looked better with a cap on (see St Andrew's, Coromandel. Country Churches No.34).
It is one of the oldest wooden country churches still in regular use. Originally Presbyterian, these days it has an ecumenical congregation drawn from the local community.
© DON DONOVAN
donovan@ihug.co.nz
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