Country Churches of NZ 119. Christ Church, Clifton, Southland

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, CLIFTON

I could hardly believe that Christ Church at Clifton, south of Invercargill, was built in 1887. It looks new, like a replica, as if it were no older than the adjacent modern suburban houses. But it is, in fact, the oldest remaining wooden church still operating on its original site in Invercargill.

Not so long ago it was in a sorry state and heading for dilapidation but the Historic Places Trust, particularly Maureen Fox and architect Mick Hesselin, rescued it. Over the next six years, until 1999, it was faithfully restored to the design of its original architects, McKenzie &; Gilbertson.

It was then re-dedicated for the Cook Islands Christian Community to whom the tiny ex-Anglican church had been given in 1993.

© DON DONOVAN 
donovan@ihug.co.nz
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