Country Churches of NZ 50. Christ Church, Pukehou

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, PUKEHOU

'Locked. Plaque reads "Historic Places Trust Building No.1036." Lovely church. Well-weathered shingles. Magnificent bell tower. No visible graves, but very old oaks in churchyard. I sat in their cool dapple and had lunch occasionally hearing heavy footsteps from invisible feet, not realizing - until one fell on my head - that they were acorns dropping! Underfoot they were plentiful and crunchy Eeyore would have loved them. Slightly crooked drawing, but it catches the right spirit.'
(FROM MY NOTEBOOK 25/3/01)

The first part of this Victorian Free Gothic church was built in 1858-59 modeled on the lines of Christ Church at Russell. The sanctuary was added in 1881 followed by both transepts and vestry in 1893.

The oak trees were planted from acorns brought back by Archdeacon Samuel Williams from England well over 100 years ago.

© DON DONOVAN
donovan@ihug.co.nz
.