St Marks Church, Ohaeawai

My travels this week have taken me out to nearby Ohaeawai and while I was there I spotted this wee gem down one of the sides roads opposite the hotel.

According to information I've been given here is the history on the building: 

"After a patient gathering of the necessary funds, extending over a period extending over a period of something like 17 years, the people of Ohaeawai were rewarded on Monday evening, April 17, by the dedication by the Bishop of the diocese of a very pretty little church. The site (says our Bay of Islands correspondent) was given by Mr H S Ludbrook, the design was drawn by the Ven. Archdeacon Walsh, and the work carried out by Mr Wright, of Kamo.".

"The internal arrangements especially are extremely appropriate and are made to display the beauties of New Zealand woods. The building is fitted for a congregation of 100, but at the opening service 130 people found comfortable accommodation. The contract price was about £340, and no extras have been required. The building is opened free of debt. The clergyman in charge, the Rev C Mortimer-Jones, has succeeded in getting voluntary offerings in cash and articles of the value together of about £50 for the internal fittings and furniture. The dedication service was in the form prepared for use in the diocese, and for the most part was conducted by the Bishop and the Rev C Mortimer-Jones. The-Rev Wirimu Keretene read the lesson. The Revs H A Hawkins (bishop's chaplain) and Matiu Kapa, were also present. An efficient choir, with Mr Pringle at the organ, led the musical part of the service. The Bishop gave an appropriate address congratulating the people of Ohaeawai on the success of their long continued efforts, and warning them the building of the church, was by no means the end of their Christian work. The church is dedicated to St Mark." (NZ Herald 21 April 1910)

Apparently the church is still being used. Above photo kindly sourced by Heritage NZ.

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