Country Churches of NZ 65. St. Peter's, Wanganui

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 PETER'S, WANGANUI

I had intended to pass through Wanganui as it is too much of a city. But the sight of St Peter's in its lollipop colours had me lusting for my paint box.

Inside, a pop group's drum kit glittered appropriately out of place among the brass plaques, flags, memorials and stained glass that adorn its serious old timbers. One can only conclude that inside and outside fresh tunes are being played on old fiddles.

Built in 1866, it's the oldest building still in use in Wanganui, although it wasn't always on this site, having been moved here bit by bit by horse and cart in 1921 at which time its name was changed from Christ Church to St Peter's.

© DON DONOVAN
donovan@ihug.co.nz
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