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.
EX-METHODIST CHURCH, WAIKUKU
EX-METHODIST CHURCH, WAIKUKU
I carefully ignored its sterile carpark and the traffic on State Highway One that passes within metres of its front door, and concentrated hard on the mischievous curves of its barge boards and the sweet proportions of the front porch of the ex-Methodist church at Waikuku, north of Christchurch.
The foundation stone is dated 7 December 1899. The church opened for service on 8 February 1900. It was both designed and built by J. Withers of Southbrook for £179.
The front porch, with its side gables and paired Gothic windows, is an inspired addition - they rarely work so well as this one.
A notice board outside proclaims, 'Gospel Way Outreach ... An Old Fashioned Full Gospel Church'. While it has relinquished Methodism, since 1984 it has had proud owners who obviously give it lots of tender, loving care.
© DON DONOVAN
donovan@ihug.co.nz
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