Country Churches of NZ 52. St. Cuthbert's, Eketahuna, Wairarapa

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.

ST CUTHBERTS , EKETAHUNA

St Cuthbert's is a gem concealed in a side street in the quiet northern Wairarapa town of Eketahuna.

Designed by Frederick de Jersey Clere, it is a summary of all that is excellent in his work. I rate him highly; his designs seem to breathe a soaring inspiration that is to country church architecture what Vivaldi is to music. Pure joy - no stodge or pomposity.

St Cuthbert's was built in 1898 by a local carpenter, Mr T Moss, using local native timbers. Its site was a donation by Thomas Williams whose brother Edward, and father Henry, in 1840 translated the contentious Treaty of Waitangi into Maori.

© DON DONOVAN
donovan@ihug.co.nz
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