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.
METHODIST CHURCH, NORTH MAURICEVILLE
I found the 1881 Methodist Church at North Mauriceville after a long search. It sits a short, steep climb above a tortuous, gravel road along a confining valley.
As I walked around the church on a beautiful, gusty morning a top dressing aircraft droned over the hills.
On the slopes the graves of Norwegian immigrants (Larsens, Amundsens, etc) now fight a losing battle with the roots of old pines (but young pines in 1881). The south side of the spire is crusted with lichens built up over many years. The interior is simple, in fresh light blue and yellow 'Scandinavian' colours. Its pews are of scrubbed pine, like a holy-stoned kitchen table.
The church was built upon the inspiration of Norwegian Pastor Edward Nielsen who ministered to a flock drawn from a disproportionately large number of Scandinavian settlers in the area. Although small - designed for a congregation of seventy - it boasts a shingled belfry, and that's what gives it its special character.
© DON DONOVAN
donovan@ihug.co.nz
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