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. MARY'S, BEACONSFIELD
'Windy; weather deteriorating. Chilly; rain spots. Agapanthus past their best, seed heads flinching in the breeze. Inside, many brasses but two major behind altar: one for privates and troopers who died in 1914-18, the other to a Flt. Lt. (DFC) of Bomber Command killed over Germany in 1943. Five great heroes from this tiny community; what on earth were they doing fighting wars 20,000 km away from home?' (SKETCHBOOK NOTE)St Mary's, Beaconsfield, is eighteen kilometres from Feilding. It was built in 1912 and is another Frederick de Jersey Clere; he was busy in these parts.
Relatively expensive for those days, it cost £400 to build. Transepts take it beyond the utterly simple but it will only hold 40 souls which is just as well as, despite its upkeep being provided by local people, its congregation shrinks as it approaches its centenary.
© DON DONOVAN
donovan@ihug.co.nz
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