Country Churches of NZ 73. St. Paul's, Cheltenham, Rangitikei

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. PAUL'S, CHELTENHAM

A sister church to St Mary’s at Beaconsfield, Clere & Swan's St Paul's in Cheltenham was built in 1904.

Its once triumphant belfry still holds its head high. Sadly the church was deconsecrated for lack of support on 25 March 2001 and, at the time I made my drawing, was up for tender.

© DON DONOVAN
donovan@ihug.co.nz
.

Country Churches of NZ 56. St. Andrew's, Whareama, 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. ANDREWS, WHAREAMA

St Andrew's, Whareama, is another 'Clere' church near Tinui in the eastern Wairarapa. It was designed by John Swan of the Clere & Swan architectural practice while Frederick de Jersey Clere was overseas.

The pretty belfry seems to derive strength from the solid sanctuary. Inside is dark timber.

As I caught a glimpse of the landscape through one window I wondered how many small boys’ eyes had hungered for the sunlight while trapped by a long sermon.

© DON DONOVAN
donovan@ihug.co.nz
.