Introduction

Kawakawa has a colourful history and we at the Kawakawa Memorial Library Museum are working toward saving as much of our past as possible before it is lost forever.

Of the Churches in this booklet only one still remains in use for its original purpose, St Andrews, Taumarere.

One has been deconsecrated and shifted to Russell to be given a new life in an Olive Grove, this being St Xavier and the other two burnt down and lost forever. St Pauls, Kawakawa and St Patricks-in-the-Bush, Whangae.

All the information contained in this book can be found in our Museum archives. Letters/Photos/Clippings/Magazines and Churches in Northland etc. We are grateful for all memorabilia and support given to us over the years.

Thank you Isobelle Cherrington for compiling all this information into one volume.

Noma Shepherd (MNZM, JP) Museum Chair

CHURCHES IN NORTHLAND

In the Beginning –

Taumarere, Opua, Whangae and Kawakawa

Chapter 1 St Paul’s, Kawakawa (1878 – 2004)

The Church of St Thomas 2015

Chapter 2 From St Pauls, Paihia to St Andrew’s, Taumarere

Chapter 3 St Michael and All Angel’s, Towai

Chapter 4 St Francis Xavier, Kawakawa

Chapter 4 St Patrick’s in the Bush, Whangae Walsh, Phillip – reputed to have designed Pakaraka & St Paul’s, Kawakawa

IN THE BEGINNING TAUMARERE Kawakawa and the surrounding townships of Taumarere and Opua owe their existence to the discovery of coal. It was described as a desolate wilderness before that. The name Kawakawa was used originally for the river. After the discovery of coal in 1864, development of Kawakawa continued at a fast pace. Schools, halls and hotels were soon established. The building of churches was much slower. Divine services were held regularly in public halls.

In the Weekly News there was mention of a Catholic church being erected by subscription in 1873. Seemingly this was built not far from where the Anglican Church of St Andrew’s now stands. Another church was built later in the same area. The prime movers for this were Mr and Mrs Tautori. We can find no record of what happened with these Churches. A later addition to Taumarere’s history was the shifting of St Andrew’s Anglican Church from Paihia when the Williams Memorial Church was constructed there. The shifting and re-location tool place in 1926.

OPUA St Patrick’s in the Bush, Whangae On October 25, 1865, the Mary Shepherd sailed from London with 192 passengers. Among them were 40 Irish settlers who had been granted lands under the Bay of Islands settlement scheme at Whangae, near Kawakawa. Coming as they did from the Old Country, where almost every village had the parish church, the new settlers were determined to provide themselves with a place of worship. A section was procured in the central part of the district, a subscription list was opened, and Mr Phillip Walsh (later Archdeacon of Waimate) a gifted draughtsman, prepared a design for a church. The Church was consecrated by Bishop Cowie on April 25, 1872. Among those present were the then Archdeacon of Waimate (Archdeacon Clarke), the Vicar of Kawakawa (the Rev. Richard Taylor), and the Rev. M Taupaki representing the Maori people. (see Page )

KAWAKAWA With the development of the coal mines the building of Churches in the area began with the opening of the Catholic Church in December, 1875. (see Page ) followed by the Anglican Church of St Pauls in 1877 (see Page ) and the Methodist Church in 1879 – 1974. (see Kawakawa Methodist Chronicles)

EXCERPTS FROM THE CHURCH GAZETTE FOR THE DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

1872 April 28:- At Paihia, where I held services in the afternoon. Was to have gone to Kawakawa by boat, but was prevented by the violence of the wind. April 29:- Went to Kawakawa, where I consecrated a small cemetery, about a mile distant from the coal mines. Mr Williams, the manager of the mines, Dr. Parsons, Mr Middleton, and a good many of the miners and their children were present at the services. Near the landing place a small church is being built by a very intelligent Maori named Tautari, who formerly commanded a vessel of his own, in which Bishop Patterson once visited the Islands.

1874 November 29:-Rode to Kawakawa, by Mr Tabuteau’s and the Messrs Hall’s estates, about 14 miles, accompanied by Messrs John and Richard Hall. November 30:- Advent Sunday – Services at Kawakawa and coal mines at 11 a.m. in the Institute building. The congregation numbered 101, and there were 14 communicants. The offertory was over 2/-. Four children were baptized. The service is ordinarily conducted by Mr W.H.Williams, manager of the mines, by whom I was hospitably entertained during my way. At 2 o’clock left the mines in a trolley drawn by a horse for the landing stage (3 miles distant), near which is a neat little chapel recently built by James Tautari for his Maori neighbours. Reached Russell, after a three hours’ row against a head wind, at 5.30, and was most kindly received by Dr Ford, our Lay Reader there. Service held at Russell at 7 p.m. The congregation consisted of 90 Europeans and 30 Maories.

1876 January:- Kawakawa, Bay of Islands – The Bishop arrived here on January 15 from Waimate, and was the guest of Mr W.H.Williams, the traffic manager for the mines. In the evening of that day the Bishop presided at a meeting of the Church Committee, held in the Hall. A financial statement for the past year was read, showing a balance of more than 50/- available towards building a church. The Bishop re-appointed Mr Williams as his member of the Church Committee; and Dr Agassiz and Mr Parnell were elected, by the congregation. A Building Committee was also elected, consisting of Messrs Ronaldson, Williams, Parnell, Bethell, and Keatley; and the Bishop was asked to obtain drawings for a suitable building, capable of holding about a hundred persons. The Committee were to call another meeting on receiving the plans for the church.

On Sunday Jan 16 the Bishop held morning service in the Hall. He baptized seven children, and after the sermon administered the Hoy Communion. The offertory was for the Church Building Fund. In the afternoon the Bishop went down the river to Russell. Service was held in the morning for the Maori congregation, in J. Tautari’s chapel, by the Rev. W. Pomare, who was resting at Kawakawa for the day, on his return from Waimate to Mahurangi.

1877 December:- Kawakawa, Bay of Islands – The foundation stone of the new church, to be called St Paul’s was laid here on Thursday October 11; and it is expected that the building will be finished by the time of the Bishop’s visit to the Bay of Islands in January next. A bottle containing a copy of the Church Gazette for October, some manuscript papers, some coins, etc, were deposited at the N.E. corner and covered with cement.

1878 February:- Kawakawa – On Thursday January 24 the Bishop opened a handsome church at this settlement. The day was quite perfect in sunshine and temperature; and there was a very large assemblage from the country round about at the opening service, which was held at 3 p.m. The Bishop arrived at one, accompanied by Archdeacon Clarke, from Taumarere, where he had held a Maori Confirmation in the morning. Hospitable arrangements had been made for receiving the guests by Mr W.H.Williams, the manager of the mines, and other residents at Kawakawa; a substantial luncheon being provided in the goods shed of the railway. Among the visitors were Mr and Mrs Carleton, Mr and Mrs Simcox, Mr Greenway and Mr Laing from Paihia and Russell; Mrs Hall and the Messrs Hall from Wangai, also Mrs Bindon and the Messrs Bindon, Mrs Tabuteau, and Mr Higginson’ Messrs H and J Williams, and Miss Hutton, from Pakaraka’ and Mrs Tautari from Taumarere. The Church, which is very well situated, was crowded some time before the service began, and many would have had to leave for want of room but for the activity and good management of the Committee. Psalm 24 was chanted as the Bishop entered the church, preceded by the Revs. Piripi Patiki, Meinata Te Hara, and Matiu Kapa. The Bishop said the usual Consecration prayers; Evening Prayer was said by Archdeacon Clarke, the first special Lesson being read in a scholar-like manner by Mr Carleton, Lay Reader of St Paul’s Paihia, and the second by Mr W H Williams, to whom the congregation are mainly indebted for the erection of their church, which has cost more than 500/-.

The Bishop took for his text the words Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? Or, as some scholars prefer, in my Father’s house.

In the course of his sermon he spoke of the good work done in the congregation for many years by Mr W. H. Williams, the Lay Reader of the district, to whom our people are mainly indebted for the erection of the church. The offertory collection was for the Building Fund, and amounted to nearly 19/-. Afterwards the Bishop baptized eight children, the rest of the service being said by Archdeacon Clarke. The Kawakawa population employed at the coal mines has much increased of late and is likely to go on increasing, so that the new church was much needed. For the present, regular Sunday services will be conducted by Mr Williams; and Archdeacon Clarke hopes to visit Kawakawa once in two months for a Sunday, to administer the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. At the opening service the singing was good and hearty. After the service there was a soiree, which was attended by a very large number of people. The Bishop was unable to stay after 8 o’clock; when he left, with the other visitors from Paihia and Russell. They went by a special train to Taumarere (about three miles distant), whence they descended the river in boats to the Bay. The Bishop, Mr and Mrs Carleton, Mr and Mrs Simcox, Archdeacon Clarke, the widow of the Rev. M Taupaki with her daughters, and others returned to Paihia in a whaleboat with five cars. The Archdeacon and Mr Simcox took it in turn to pull stroke, and Mr Joyce managed the steerage oar’ while the Bishop held the lantern, to enable the ladies, with Messrs Carleton and Simcox, to see the music from which they sang glees on the way to Paihia, where they arrived before midnight.

1878 July:- Kawakawa – Our people of this settlement and district have sustained a very great loss by the departure of Mr and Mrs W.H.Williams for Otago. Mr Williams has held the Bishop’s licence as Lay Reader of the settlement since 1870; indeed he was the first recipient of a licence to that office from the present Bishop. Mr Williams leaves behind him, as the result mainly of his faithful and efficient work, a large congregation, a flourishing Sunday School, and a handsome church. He will be sadly missed by all classes of the community, who are chiefly employed in connection with the coal mines, of which he was the manager. The visits of a clergyman to the district have been few and far between since the departure of the Rev. W. Taylor from Russell; but all that could be done by a Lay Reader, under such circumstances, has been done by Mr Williams. Valuable tokens of respect and affection were given to Mr and Mrs Williams before they left, by the settlers generally, the children of the Sunday school, and others.

1878 August:- Kawakawa – The Bishop has requested Messrs John Keatley and James Hardie Marshall to act as Lay Readers in St Paul’s Church, until a more permanent arrangement is made for the services. September: - Kawakawa - On Wednesday August 21 the Rev. A.R. Tomlinson visited Kawakawa at the Bishop’s request, and in the evening met the Church Committee. Mr Tomlinson undertook on behalf of the Standing Committee, that a considerable portion of the money still required to be paid for the building of St Paul’s Church, should be lent on the usual terms to the Kawakawa Committee by the Standing Committee. Mr Tomlinson informed the meeting that the Bishop hoped to place a clergyman at Kawakawa by the beginning of next year. St Paul’s Church is a really handsome building, capable of holding about 200 people. A service is held there very Sunday by a layman – except when Archdeacon Clarke or some other clergyman is present. There is also a successful Sunday School in full operation. There is every prospect of the Kawakawa Coal Mines shortly considerably extending their operations and consequently of there being a largely increased population in the place; hence it is most important that a resident clergyman should be established there as soon as possible.

1879 Kawakawa: – The Bishop visited this settlement in January. He arrived on Saturday the 18th, having ridden from Waimate (about twelve miles), and was the guest of Mr Trimnell, formerly of Kaitaia. In the afternoon and evening the Bishop called on as many as he could of the settlers, and attended the choir practising in the church, which was superintended by Mr Marshall. On Sunday the 19th service was held at St Paul’s at 10.45 a.m. The sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion were administered. The Bishop took for his text Matt. xi. 5, the poor have the Gospel preached to them; and spoke of the essential characteristics of a standing or falling Church, dwelling especially on the extension of Christ’s kingdom among our fellow countrymen and the heathen, and on the deepening of the spiritual life in the hearts of individual Christians. The lessons were read by Messrs Keatley and Marshall, the Lay Readers of St Paul’s, to whom the congregation are much indebted for their zealous work in the church, and for the progress that has been made in the reduction of the debt on the building fund. The harmonium was played by Mrs Fitzpatrick. The Sunday school continues to be conducted by Mr Shepherd. After the service there was a Church Meeting, at which the Bishop asked the congregation to guarantee a definite contribution to the stipend fund, and a house rent free for a clergyman whom he hoped soon to appoint to the district.

1882 February: - Kawakawa – St Paul’s Sunday School On Sunday January 1 a very pleasing Children’s Service was held, when after the opening prayers, an interesting and thoroughly practical address was delivered by the Rev. W. Lambert, M.A.; after which each scholar was presented with a book by the desire of Mr R. W. Moody, who with his usual kind liberality provided the cost of the same. The success of this school has been very encouraging to those engaged in the work, it having been opened on September 4 1881, with sixty children, and now numbering 103 on the roll, divided into eleven classes. There is also a library, consisting of about 220 volumes. The school is greatly indebted to the Rev. W. Lambert, for the unceasing and vigilant oversight he exercises; and his deep interest in the young people is repaid by the earnest affection with which he is regarded by them. It is to be hoped that the future of this school will be still more prosperous, and that its usefulness will be hereafter proved in the well ordered lives of those who are being trained in it.

1882 October: - Kawakawa – St Paul’s Sunday School The first anniversary of this school was celebrated on September 3 by a special service for parents and children at 3p.m. when there was a full attendance of the scholars and their parents and friends, our church being quite filled. The Rev. W. Lambert delivered a pleasing address, in which he thanked the parents for the confidence they had shown in him by entrusting their children to his care. He was able to make the gratifying announcement that, although when the school was opened twelve months ago there were only sixty four children entered on the roll, and several removals from the district had taken place during the year, there were now 100 names of bona fide scholars upon the lists. He said that words failed him to express the devout gratitude he felt in the efforts made having proved so successful, and promised in the future to exercise the same careful watchfulness over the interests of the young people as he had endeavoured earnestly to exercise in the past. His own duties compelled frequent absences from Kawakawa, but he knew in those absences that the work of the school was zealously and efficiently carried on by those upon whom the working arrangements devolved. He thanked those who had by their active services contributed so greatly to the success of the school, and also Miss Wilson, who had kindly officiated at the harmonium and taken great pains and interest in the singing; and he cordially invited any of those who had placed their children in the school to occasionally visit and see for themselves its practical working The offertories for the day were kindly given to the School Fund, and with the afternoon collection, reached the handsome amount of 6l.5shilings.

1883 March: - The Annual General Meeting was held at St Paul’s Church, Kawakawa on the evening of Monday February 2, and the Rev. P. Walsh (designer) in the chair. The attendance was moderate. The balance sheet for the past year, which was adopted, showed that the receipts had been 113 pounds, 17 shillings, and 1 pence. And the expenditure 100 pounds, 1 shilling and 3 pence. It was stated, however, in the report that there existed a liability of 25 pounds, consisting of 20 pounds due for clergyman’s stipend and 8 pounds for insurance. The following Church officers were appointed:- Churchwardens, Mr T.P. Moody (clergyman’s), Dr Caldwell (people’s), vestrymen, Messrs Keatley, Cummins, Armstrong, Bennett, Harrop, Coughlan, J.H. Marshall, Hyman, Glen and McClintock. It was resolved on the motion of Mr Armstrong, seconded by Mr Coughlan, “That the contribution towards the minister’s stipend for the current year be 100 pounds.

1988 One hundred and ten years old!

A special Birthday Service is planned for 31 January 1988 at 10.30 a.m. with a Matins and Prayer Book Communion, followed, not by a Soiree, but a Matinee and Pot Luck Luncheon, on the lawn. It was a glorious summer day and St Paul’s was filled to capacity with locals and parishioners from the Waimate North Parish under the care of the Rev. Tim Hunter, approximately 100 people. George Palmer was one of many, who assisted with the Service this day, the reading taken from Psalm 24 – the same one used 110 years ago. Others involved were Leslie Grainger (cross bearer) Vic Driver, Richard Parker, Hudi Edwards and Letty Cherrington (organist). It was also the last service for Rev. Gwen Needham as vicar at St Paul’s. The Alb Gwen wore incorporated lace from a tablecloth of her mother’s (the late Mrs Edna Holder) – who lived in the Vicarage in 1915 when her father, the Rev. Alfred Drake was vicar. The church was stunningly decorated with flowers arranged by Mrs Kath Oram and Mrs Ethel Woods a prime mover behind the Celebration, put together an impressive display of old books, photos, silver and other delightful treasures in the church. A delicious Pot Luck lunch was served on the lawn, in the welcome shade from sun umbrellas and trees. The Kawakawa Fellowship group who initiated and organised the day’s happenings are to be congratulated on a most successful and happy event; it was greatly enjoyed by young and old alike. The Cherrington family, always Anglican stalwarts, were well represented; the Rev. Wahi Cherrington, who is not well, made a wheelchair visit, his smile and presence making this 110th birthday of St Paul’s complete.

125th Anniversary for St Paul’s

The sun shone down generously on Kawakawa St Paul’s Anglican Church and on to a capacity crowd from far and wide gathered to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of its consecration, the church bell ringing out over the town at precisely 3 p.m. three days earlier to mark the exact moment in time 125 years before.

Bishop John Paterson of Auckland celebrated the service assisted by Archdeacon Chris Honore, local clergy Rev. Ngaire Clifford and Rev. Glenys Davis, liturgist Janice Phillips with Letty Cherrington presiding at the organ.

Many old identities returned for the occasion, including Canon Doug Edmiston who spoke of his early church life in Kawakawa, where he was employed at the Bank of NSW in 1949-1950, and started his clergy training under the guidance of Rev. Hutton.

Ron Phillips, Administrator of St Paul’s, welcomed everybody and Pat Davis acted as MC, Bishop Ben Te Haara briefly addressed the gathering. Gwen Green thanked the anniversary committee for organising an enjoyable day. May Jordan and Ethel Woods read extracts from the ‘Church Gazette’ of February 1878 and ‘Out of the Past’, written by Aynsley Danton, a grand-daughter of Rev. Henry Williams and his wife Helen Williams(nee Forbes): the family give credit for the building of St Paul’s to Helen.

Leading up to the celebrations, a display of old mine maps, photo books, Maori artefacts, crockery, silverware, linen, antique bottles and jars kindly loaned by Mrs N Cummings created much interest.

Rev. Ngaire Clifford, Bishop John Patterson and Letty Cherrington

COMMUNITY GUTTED OVER LOSS OF HISTORIC BUILDING Kawakawa’s St Pauls Anglican Church was burnt down about 12.10 am on Waitangi Day 2002. It is believed that the fire was in no way linked to protesters, although it was suspicious. St Paul’s Priest, Glenys Davis, quoted ‘To think that somebody could intentionally do this to a church …. Really, I think our society has gone backwards, in my opinion.’ The Church held a service at the Davis’ home the day after the fire and next week will meet at St Andrews Church, Taumarere, four kilometres north-east of Kawakawa. Historic records and items were lost in the fire along with the church bell, which disintegrated in the heat. Celebrations were held in January last year to commemorate the old wooden church’s 125th anniversary. Mrs Davis said the church would be rebuilt.

Burnt church and Alex Woods (granddaughter of Ethel) Northern Advocate - 8th February 2004

12th February 2004

Extract from letter written by Ethel Woods (sent to Aynsley Denton, Glentunnel, Canterbury) describing the fire at St Paul’s Anglican Church.

“The fire started we feel under the belfries floor, as the particle board flooring was badly burnt underneath but, not so bad on top. Our Organist saw the Church in flames from her home. She said it looked beautiful with the walls all in flames and the cross standing out on top. “But I wish I had not seen it” she very sadly said.

The lovely oak 1914-1918 War Memorial font destroyed. Names of those who had given their lives carved into it. All we have is the chard base and the copper bowl. A brass candle snuffer, melted brass vase the second yet to be found, old nails, wet shingles from under the iron roof, the church bell broken into many pieces and some kauri timber which we hope to save.

We now know the full agony of our Methodist Church people when their Church had to be sold, when we tried uniting.

Today we are going to put things in our Museum. “

WE WILL RISE FROM THE ASHES

Generous Gift

When the members of Calliope Lodge of the Manchester Unity Friendly Society based in Devonport, heard the news that St Paul’s Church in Kawakawa had burned down, they immediately started fund raising. Lodge member, Tony Banks, also a member of the ‘Doll House Miniature Society’ started to produce a miniature replica of the St Paul’s Church. Selwyn Stinger, also a member of Manchester Unity, of Moerewa Lodge, obtained photos and measurements and forwarded them to Tony. This took about 12 months to get to the Stage in this photo. The next step was to furnish the inside of this model with lighting and figurines and furniture. This was made easier to access the inside as the roof section could be removed.

About six to nine months later Tony’s garage, which is also his workshop, was broken into and his car was hotwired, unfortunately it caught fire, destroying everything in the garage, car, tools, projects unfinished, and the completed model of the church, which was in the process of being transported to Kawakawa.

Members of St Paul’s Church, Letty Cherrington and Ron Phillips travelled to Devonport to receive a donation from the Lodge, which was raised by members of Calliope Lodge.

A new life for an old Church from St Brigids at Mangere to the Church of St Thomas, Kawakawa

St Brigid’s Church (the second) was built in 1896, on an elevated site which commanded a splendid view of the surrounding district in South Auckland. The Auckland Star provided a description of the event: ‘ The new building is erected on an elevated site and commands a splendid view of the surrounding district… At the entrance gate a tasteful arch was erected of nikau and fern and other green shrubbery, surmounted in large red lettering by the word welcome… There was a large congregation present, the church, which is a large one for a country district being packed to the doors, many being unable to get inside…’

Monthly mass was held at St Brigids Church in the Cemetery Reserve until 1967, when it closed due to a diminishing congregation. The church was moved to Raventhorpe Hospital in 1969, where it stayed until the mid 1980s when the hospital closed. It was then moved to Selwyn Oaks Retirement Village and renamed ‘St Martins in the Oaks’.

Late in 2011 the Anglican congregation of Kawakawa were asked if they would be interested in moving St Martins in the Oaks to the old St Paul’s site in Kawakawa. After many months and much agonising, St Martins in the Oaks found a new home in the North, to be known as ‘The Church of St. Thomas’ signifying new beginnings. Opened 2015.

St Paul’s Paihia to St Andrews Taumarere……

First meeting June 23, 1921 to set up Hall Committee in the Pakaru School. Land was given by Mr Bert Goodhue and a managing committee of:- I J Ware, H Doel, H L Irving, J Doel Jnr, C S Goodhue, E Doel and G Simpson.

In 1922 the timber was ordered from Kauri Timber Co. Waipuna Piano by time payment then delivered by Scow 1923 W Foster to survey hall site

Money was raised from the following events – Lantern Slide Evenings, Concerts, Socials, Bridge, Dancing Classes, Subscriptions, Card Evenings, Table Tennis and C.W.I meetings. The hall opened in 1922 and the first dance was a Basket Social.

A meeting was held on June 16th, 1922 in the home of Mrs Bryers to discuss the building of an Anglican Church at Taumarere. It is interesting to note that apart from the Reverend W J Piggot that the rest were all women of the area.

Local family members who assisted at this time were C S Goodhue, Bert Lemon, Ben Doel, H L Irving, E Doel, H Doel, E Late, F Hunter, R Steers, A Bryers, G Simpson and F. H. Goodhue. The church was erected in 1925 and it would appear the same names shine thru their records. C. S. Goodhue in particular seemed to feature and when he died of a heart attack whilst re-erecting the Church building, the records show that in 1927 it was proposed that a Tablet be erected in the Taumarere Church in recognition of his services.

Cloth Montage by local CW member Mara Keeble In 2000, to be entered into National WI Competition

St Paul’s Paihia to St Andrews Taumarere……

Saint Andrews Church, Taumarere has a long and colourful history, dating from 1874 the year it was built in Paihia. The fourth church to be built on the site of the Paihia Mission Station, established in 1823 by Rev Henry Williams, it was formerly dedicated the church of St Paul. It was preceded on the Paihia site by a raupo church in 1923 and by a lathe and plaster church in 1856. When the church was dismantled in 1874 to make way for another wooden church (the present St Andrews) a considerable quantity of sound timber from the 1856 structure was used in the new building, the total cost of which amounted to 455 pounds including an organ. Built mainly to serve a Maori congregation with a Maori clergyman officiating, St Paul’s as the church was then called, served both Maori and Pakeha congregation for fifty years. Many notable Maori clergy and parishioners, as well as European clergy and pioneers worshipped there.

However, as the years passed by, attendance at the church diminished and the building fell into disrepair. In 1903 William Henry Bedggood from Waimate North arrived. A lay preacher and son of pioneer wheelwright, he brought about a revival of attendance at St Paul’s and in 1904-5 he re-shingled the roof and carried out general maintenance. By 1925 St Paul’s had served for 50 years at Paihia.

In 1924 descendants of Henry and William Williams had decided to commemorate the work of the missionary brothers by erecting a memorial stone church on the site. About this time a small group of Anglicans at Taumarere were fund raising to build a church there. We can imagine their delight on receiving a letter from Bishop Hawkins stating that the old Paihia church was to be delivered at the Derrick Landing free to the local people who were then expected to take charge and re-erect it as soon as possible on the site at Taumarere. At a meeting chaired by the vicar, Rev Pigott, were Mesdames Hunter, Doel, Bryers, and Simpson. It was proposed by Mrs Doel, seconded by Mrs Simpson that the offer be accepted with thanks and that immediate steps be taken to take advantage of this generous gift. Carried! The ‘immediate steps’ were to withdraw money held in the POSB to defray expenses and that a general meeting be called to be held in the Taumarere Hall on Tuesday night, 21st July at 7 pm to discuss ‘ways and means’. A list of those present at that meeting reads like a District Who’s who! An Executive Committee was elected, consisting of the Church Committee plus Messrs Here Ututaonga, Thompson, Hau, Tautari, F Hunter, J E Tate and C S Goodhue. The erection of the church was to be done by day labour under Mr F Hunter, a builder, to be commenced as soon as the building was landed at Taumarere. A vote of thanks was passed to Messrs Thompson, Ututaonga, and Henare for their free gift of totara blocks to be landed on the ground.

Mr E Doel proposed that non-interest bearing debentures be issued to cover any deficiency there may be to complete the re-erection of the church and a vote of thanks accorded the Taumarere Ladies Church Guild for their untiring effort in collecting the handsome sum of 69 pounds for church purposes. As the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall had been built in 1922 it was used for a number of fund raising events – a sale of work, lantern slide evenings and so on. By January 1926 the completed building was rededicated by Archbishop Averill as the church of St Andrew. ‘After the dedication a Confirmation Service was held when 12 candidates, four of them Maoris, became members of the church. There was a full congregation, the church being packed with Maoris and Pakehas. The offertory was donated to the rebuilding fund. Afterwards the Archbishop and his party were entertained at afternoon tea by the parishioners.

Quote from Church Gazette ‘We owe a deep debt of gratitude to Mr C Goodhue and others who voluntarily gave a great deal of their time in helping to rebuild and paint the church.’

When Mr Goodhue died at the end of the year it was decided that a tablet be erected in the church and inscribed- In Loving Memory of C S GOODHUE Died 2nd December, 1926 This tablet is erected by his loving friends

It cost 9 pounds and 7 shillings and was paid for by public subscription, including the sum of 1 pound 5 shillings from the Oddfellows Lodge. Through the years the Goodhue family have maintained their interest in St Andrews. Seventy years later when Mrs Irene Gray died her family sought a way to commemorate her years of interest and support and planted the Camellia Walk between the church and the corner with a path so that people need not walk along the busy road. “Irene’s Walk” was dedicated at the St Andrew’s Day service in 1997. Although not a Goodhue, Irene had connections with the family.

Notes from later minutes of Ladies Guild and Church Committee- With the completion of St Andrews no further minutes of Guild or Church Committee meetings were recorded until Sept 12, 1939 when a meeting was held in the Soldiers Memorial Hall to form a church committee for the purpose of renovating and painting St Andrews Church, Taumarere It was proposed by Mr Lemon and seconded by Miss Tate that all present comprise the committee. They were Mesdames McMullen, Bryers, G Shepherd, Doel and Miss Tate, Messrs B Goodhue and B Lemon, Rev Palmer who chaired the meeting and Mr & Mrs Murcott. 18

At this meeting Messrs Goodhue’s and Lemon’s offer to block out the birds from the church was accepted with thanks. This has been an on-going concern and so far there’s been no permanent solution. Mr B Doel was thanked for putting a lock on the door. Mrs Shepherd and Mr Lemon were appointed to take a subscription list around the district with the object of collecting funds for the work.

Meetings seem to have been held on an ad hoc basis until June 1944 and business included the purchase of 4 gallons of dieseline for staining the church floor and light grey paint for the sanctuary. One Meeting was recorded in 1950 and then a gap to 1954 when an interesting Annual General Meeting was held in July. Business again centred around funding for church painting, the vicar to get an estimate of the amount of paint needed and a quote for the contract of painting the building and ‘the ladies to get together to raise funds so that the church can be painted early in 1955’, a subscription list to be circulated again. A painter offered to do the job for 2 pounds per day, which the committee considered very reasonable. However in February 1955 they decided to accept an offer from Mr G Sullivan of Otiria at the rate of 5/- per hour. Mr Mc Gliesh lent trestles and ladder. • Mr G Sullivan for accepting only 20 pound for painting the outside of church • Mrs Long for her donation of 1 pound – although outside the church district she takes a keen interest in the church • Mr Mc Gliesh for loan of trestles

Decided that the interior of the church from ceiling to rail be white and from rail to floor be pearl pink.

The Committee decided that there should be Sunday school lessons for the children of Taumarere, Mrs Kay to supervise the work, and Mrs Bray to play the organ. The estimated roll was 25, ages from 3-14 years. “Now that Taumarere had formed a Guild services would be more regular.” When did the earlier guild lapse! The Vicar explained that there would be some difficulty in having a representative on Central Vestry as the said body had made a rule that no woman would be admitted. However, he would discuss the matter with them.

What was the outcome, I wonder!

In the 1960’s during Rev Peter Tanton’s time as Vicar, St Andrews opened its door to members to fellow communions’. In this St Andrews was possibly a little ahead of the move towards co-operating parishes. This came during the 1970’s and when the Anglicans pulled out nation-wide, the Taumarere Anglicans remained with St Andrews as part of the Bay of Islands Co- operating Parish. From 1988 to 2000 the regular worship leader was Margaret Strong, an Anglican, training for the ministry, with other Methodist and Presbyterian ministers and lay preachers coming from time to time. 19

George Barke taken from Kawakawa Methodist Chronicles

My family were Anglicans and my mother played the organ at St Pauls, Kawakawa and in fact taught Lettie Cherrington (Wilson) to play the piano. As the Methodists were short of an organist, my mother offered to play for their services as well, and I might add, she played for the Salvation Army meeting on Wednesday evenings, too. At that time the Anglicans didn’t have a Sunday School so I grew up in the Methodist Sunday School and always stayed for the church service, sitting in the front pew, where Mum would join me for the sermon. Mrs Clifford, Ian’s mother was the Sunday School Superintendent at the time and used to play the organ for Sunday School. George continued to Minister in both St Pauls and St Andrews for many years.

Photo below is of George Barke at St Andrews, officiating at the Christening of Bronwyn Cowles and Graham Gray in 1978.

1974 was the year we planned a festival of flowers to celebrate St Andrew’s Day but a swarm of bees took up residence and so it was cancelled. However, the Northern News printed an article on the church’s history and plans for the future. For many years the care of the church of St Andrews and the grounds was attended to by a few local families, in particular Mrs Kapu Wilson and Mrs Mary Bryers.

With the passing of these dedicated women the St Andrews Guild has taken on the task of maintaining the Church building. Everyone in the area took ownership, participating in the fundraising no matter what their religion. Pam Thompson (Catholic), Isobel & George Rigden (Presbyterian), Noma & Doug Shepherd (Methodist), Irene & Les Gray (Anglican), Dolly Bray & Buddy Shepherd, Beryl Wood, Aileen Goodhue, and Linda & Gilbert Dodd’s, to name a few.

Isobel Rigden was a dedicated sole who will be remembered for her many talents, taking over the duties of Sunday School Teacher when Mrs Funnell retired and left the area, as well as being the organist for many years. In recognition of all fund raising efforts for the stalls, a ‘Camellia Walk’ was planted and dedicated to the memory of Irene Gray. The candlesticks and brass cross were gifted to the Church on behalf of Mary Bryers and Kapu Wilson, to commemorate their many years of service to the Church. After the death of his mother, Selwyn and his wife Joan continued with her work of looking after the Church and grounds. Selwyn chaired St Andrews Restoration Society from its inception in the 1970’s until his death in 2002. His sister Lettie Wilson was married to Bill Cherrington in this Church in 1940 and they celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with a ceremony in the Church and a luncheon at the old family home. The Lectern in the Church was gifted in 2001; in memory of the late Margaret Louie (Ware) Sigley who was born and raised in the valley.

Several successful floral festivals to celebrate St Andrews Day were held in the early 1970’s. These were organised by Noma Shepherd, Jessie McLeod, Isobel Rigden with the help of members of the Russell floral art group.

The Church was opened to the public for the weekend as a fund raising venture, proving to be a popular event.

Isobel Rigden was another dedicated sole who will be remembered for her many talents; in particular her time spent playing the organ. With the passing of these dedicated women the St Andrews Guild has taken on the task, raising funds for repainting etc as well.

In 1974 and again in 2000 the church needed considerable repairs. The St Andrews Restoration Society was formed to raise funds for this by approaching church bodies, ASB Trust, the local community and others who had some connection with the building. On each occasion we have had very good support enabling the necessary work to be done – by Ian Barrett in 1975 and Peter Glithro in 2000. With its new piles and new roof it is in a position to serve the Taumarere community for many years yet. However the St Andrews is not just a building. Apart from being the meeting place for a small group of Christians who gather there regularly for worship and fellowship, it is a place of comfort and joy where the members of the community and their friends can gather to celebrate the milestones of life. What other ways can St Andrews serve the community?

C.W.I. St Andrew’s Connections Sept 1937… Letters of thanks to men who helped fence church. June 1939… Mrs Turner’s gift of dolls and Mrs McMullen’s gift were put towards the stall for church funds. April 1940… $12 from stall handed over to church committee 2 Aug 1944… Arbour day – members planted 3 native trees in Taumarere Church grounds 1939… 1 pound 10 shillings given for cement for church paths 1939… 12 pounds from street stall April 1955… Half street stall money of 27 pounds donated to church Nov 1959… Half street stall money of 18 pound 10 shillings donated to church Help with street stalls every year – attended St Andrews day services 1980… The money given to the CWI after sale of hall land was donated to the church 1986… Federation held Founders Day Service in St Andrews 1990… Catered at Holford’s Auction raising $531 towards painting roof of St Andrews’s

St. Andrews, Taumarere, 1999…….

It is 125 years since the Church of St Andrews at Taumarere was built. The St Andrews Congregation and the Restoration Society celebrated the event on St Andrews day, November 30th. Although the Church is 125 years old it has only been situated in Taumarere for 74 years. In 1925 the building was moved from Paihia Mission Station (where it was dedicated the church of St Paul) to make way for the memorial stone church now on that site. Mr C Goodhue and other Taumarere parishioners, both Maori and European, dedicated a lot of time to fully reconstructing the church to the way it had been when it stood in Paihia. Interestingly Robert Goodhue (Kawakawa’s watchmaker) and direct descendant of Mr C Goodhue still helps to maintain the site taking turns to mow the lawns. During its first years at Taumarere the church was cared for by the St Andrews Ladies Guild until the formation of the St Andrews Restoration Society in 1974, when major maintenance was required. On-going upkeep has been continued over the past 25 years with funds raised by the society and help from the local community and the ASB Trust.

St Andrew’s Church – The Redeemed Motorcycle Ministry Visit 2012

ST MICHAEL’S & ALL ANGELS…….

The Church of St. Michael’s and All Angels was built in Towai in 1914. This Anglican Church is situated in Towai Road off State Highway One. It is on a hillside and is easily seen from the road. During a visit to the Whangarei area by Bishop Averill and his wife, the Bishop travelled to Towai on Saturday, October 3rd, 1914 to dedicate the new church of St Michael’s and All Angels. The Bishop and his wife were accompanied by the Rev’d. H.A. Johnson, Rev’d W.H. Keretene (Cherrington) and the Vicar Rev’d. Flavell. The church is also named as a memorial to the late Rev’d. Wahi Cherrington.

The Church Gazette of 1st July 1914 page 116 records as follows: The Standing Committee of the Diocese received a letter from Mr P Wakelin, secretary to the building committee, stating that the approximate value of the church and five acres was 220 pounds and asking the assistance of the Standing Committee to obtain a grant, from the SPCK, also wanting to borrow a loan of 75 pounds. The Committee resolved – that as soon as the land if invested in the name of the General Trust Board a loan of 75 pounds be granted at 6% on the security of the bond to be signed by six gentlemen, whose names are to be submitted to the committee.

October 3rd, 1914 A visit by Bishop Averill…….. The Bishop, accompanied b Mrs Averill, by the Reverend’s H.A. Johnson, W. H. Keretene, and the Vicar, journeyed to Towai on Saturday 3rd October, to dedicate the new church of St. Michel and All Angels. Arrangements for the service had been carefully made by Mr. Rawlings. Friends from Whangarei and Kawakawa were present. The service of dedication was taken by the Bishop. Morning Prayer was said by the Vicar of Whangarei, the lessons being read by the Reverend’s H. A. Johnson and W. H. Keretene, and the Bishop delivered an address in the course of which he congratulated the Towai church people on their enterprise and devotion, and stated that his many years connexion, as Vicar, with the Parish of rt. Michael and All Angels in Christchurch made it a matter of special joy to him to be able to dedicate the Towai Church with the same name and within the octave of the Festival. After the service the visitors were entertained right royally to luncheon n the hall, And in the afternoon the Bishop and Mrs. Averill, with the assisting clergy, were driven to the Ruapekapeka Pa, and spent an entirely enjoyable time. The Reverend Keretene, who had a grandfather on both sides in the old fighting days, was able to give interesting details and explain much that was seen.”

With a ‘carpark’ designed for a maximum of six horses, the church had perched on top of a hill in Towai for more than 100 years, hardly used and slowly deteriorating. It had no electricity, was on tank water, and worshippers in need had to use a long drop toilet. (It took more than a year and about $25,000 to get the church relocated) In 2009 St. Michael’s and All Angels Church was moved to a new site at the bottom of the hill next to the Agriculture Association Hall. Trust Secretary, Vicki Dawson, states –the fundraising leading up to this move was a true community effort. By relocating the Church it will enable the Parishioners to use the hall’s facilities and make it more accessible for weddings, christenings and funerals.

St Michael’s and All Angels opening service in December 2009

St Michael’s on the hill, built 1914 St Michael’s on the move Feb 2009

St Michael’s before moving St Michael’s in repair mode

St Michael’s nearing completion St Michael’s Nov 2009

Bishop Ben Te Haara at St Michael’s Bishop Ben and Rev Bill presiding

Opening of a Roman Catholic Church at Kawakawa 1875

In December 1875, Father Walter McDonald opened the first church in Kawakawa, St. Francis Xavier, a Catholic Church. In December 2012 this church was shifted to an Olive Grove in Russell.

December 1875 Daily Southern Cross The Rev. Father Walter McDonald last week visited the Bay of Islands, and took advantage of the opportunity thus afforded him to bless the new building erected at Kawakawa for a Roman Catholic Chapel. This is a neat little structure, capable of accommodating about 100 persons, faithfully built by Mr J Moore, the contractor, and dedicated to “The Immaculate Conception.” It was appropriately opened on the morning of Wednesday, the feast of “The Immaculate Conception,” when Mass was celebrated in it for the first time. The building was crowded both then and in the evening, when there were devotions, followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The rev. gentlemen delivered an address in the morning, and also in the evening, before Benediction, taking for his subject, “The Real Presence.” This is the first Catholic Church erected at the township of Kawakawa, whose coal deposits, now that they are becoming thoroughly available, must lead to its permanent prosperity. It may be here stated that an excellent bell has been secured for the church.

The Very Rev. Dr McDonald selected the beautiful site where it stands, and the Rev J R Simpson helped in raising funds for its erection. On Thursday, after Mass, Father Walter visited Waiomio (Mr Charles Pietro kindly supplying horses), a large native settlement, in order to call upon the influential native chief, Maihi (or Marsh) Brown, whose daughter has been lately a boarder at St Mary’s Institution, Ponsonby. Here he examined the children of the native school, numbering about 20, who are taught by Mr D Lorrigan and his daughter, Miss Clara Lorrigan. The proficiency of the pupils in reading, writing, spelling, and arithmetic, including mental calculation, and more especially their calligraphy, reflected the highest credit upon the teachers. The pupils are also taught singing, drill, and craft. The people expressed their great gratification, particularly at the service of Benediction, which was very nicely carried out, the singing of the choir calling for special commendation. Great taste was displayed in the decorating of the sanctuary and church by Messrs. Norton and Flynn.

Father Walter speaks with gratitude of the kindness shown to him and his congregation on all sides. Messrs. Ronaldson and Williams, the managers of the mine and tramway, were most attentive, not only on this occasion, but many times previously.

The best feeling of unity exists amongst all denominations, indeed all have contributed largely toward the expense of erecting the little chapel thus happily opened. Before leaving Kawakawa, Father Walter formed the nucleus of Christian Doctrine Society, enrolling five ladies and five gentlemen, who have undertaken to give lessons in Cathechism every Sunday, from 3 to 4 o’clock p m, followed by evening devotions for the congregation.

During the reverent gentleman’s sojourn at Kawakawa, he was the guest of Mr J Callaghan and Mr Flanagan. He had to acknowledge his indebtedness to Captain Farquhar, of the S.S. ‘Iona,’ for the kindness which he has more than once received at his hands.

On the eve of his departure, Father Walter received a substantial address, presented by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Catholics of the district, conveying their everlasting gratitude for the interest he has taken in their welfare.

Situated at 25 – 27 North Road, Kawakawa

Trevor & Zoe (Shepherd) Wynn-Parke

Bruce & Tui (Crawford) Rear Bill & Letty (Wilson) Cherrington

Marshall & Annie (Haycock) Cookson Dwayne & Vicki (Shepherd) Yakas Denis & Jenny Paul

Norman & Kitty (Dean) Fraser Douglas & Gaylene (Shepherd) Gray Fred & Carol (Shepherd) Irving

Douglas & May (Noy) Jordan Darcy & Phyllis (Emmett) Thomas

The Rev’d Frank Wright enlightens us about the life of Archdeacon Philip Walsh and his lasting legacy. You may have come across his name in old newspapers, seen his drawings in archives, wandered past his graveside in the St John’s College grounds or noticed one of several stained-glass windows erected in his memory around the country. One of these can be found in St Mary’s in Holy Trinity Cathedral is a stained glass window depicting the figure of St Columba, the Irish missionary of the sixth century. It contains the words: “In memory of Philip Walsh, Archdeacon of Waimate 1900-1912. 1843 -1914. Erected by his friends.”

“Not many know much about Philip Walsh these days, although he was on the staff of the Cathedral, and therefore officiated in St Mary’s, in 1881 for a few months’ between his appointments at Waitara in Taranaki and Waimate North in the Bay of Islands,” says Frank.

Frank has assembled a large volume containing Walsh’s work, which he has deposited at the Diocesan Archives, hoping to inspire present and future members of the Anglican Church by making them familiar with the life and works of this historian, churchman, scientist, artist, author and architect.

The volume Frank put together starts with a brief outline of Walsh’s life, followed by his pictures, drawings and many articles published in newspapers, scientific magazines.

So who was Philip Walsh and what influence did he have on the development of the Anglican Church in New Zealand?

Walsh was born in 1843, son of the vicar of Kilcooley in Ireland, and came to New Zealand in 1866 as part of the exodus of Irish Anglicans, who with the disestablishment of the Anglican Church there in 1872 saw little future for themselves in the Emerald Isle.

After a few months farming at Whangae, near Kawakawa in Northland, where he designed and helped build a church, St Patrick-in-the-Bush, Walsh was asked by Bishop Cowie to go to St John’s College. The college had just re-opened. It had been closed during the wars of the 1860’s. Cowie then sent Walsh to Taranaki, where he established a ministry at Waitara in a vast of enthusiasm and wrote: ”One old lady lent me a horse until I got one of my own. She said its chief recommendation was that it was quiet and would follow me about. One of my parishioners and I followed IT about for about an hour today, with no effect”. The horse had taken off.

After a short spell in Auckland in 1882 he became vicar of Waimate North, where he spent the next 25 years in an area stretching from Cape Brett to the mouth of the Hokianga Harbour.

Philip Walsh was an artist. He painted and drew many pictures on his travels, including one of Rewi Maniapoto, who was a great friend of Bishop Cowie. Walsh was also an architect, and designed and helped build many churches: at Pakaraka, Kawakawa, Waitara, Katikati, Kihikihi, Okaihau, Ohaewai, Auckland and Kaitaia.

Walsh is best known as a writer. He wrote in local newspapers and for the New Zealand Institute (now the Royal Society of New Zealand). Among others he recorded views on the ancient Maori and of the future of the New Zealand bush.

His lasting memorial is the Marsden Cross at Oihi Bay in the Bay of Islands. This memorial was the idea of the Rev’d Dr John Kinder, and after his death Philip Walsh took it up and enthused people about contributing to this landmark on the site where Samuel Marsden had preached the very first Christian sermon in New Zealand on Christmas Day 1814. At the dedication of the Marsden Cross in 1907 the service was as close as possible to the original one held in 1814, with the congregation singing, “All people that on earth do dwell”. In Parnell, Auckland, Walsh’s work can be seen in St Mary’s. Walsh designed and help raised funds for several of the stained-glass windows, one in memory of Bishop Cowie and others marking the contributions of Marsden and the early people of the Church Missionary Society. On retirement Walsh went to live with an old friend from his Whangae days, Archdeacon Willis, in Cambridge. Walsh is buried at St John’s College in Auckland, where he died in August 1914. A Celtic cross, similar to the Marsden Cross, marks his grave.

Forgotten History The known story of St. Patrick-In-The-Bush at Whangae, Auckland. By The Rev. F. P. de L. Willis

Inside the boundary fence of a farm near Kawakawa may be seen to bloom each year an assortment of bulb and other flowers indicating that in that spot at some time in the past there had been a home or least some sort of inhabited building. The flowers were the outward and visible sign of human caring. Actually, however the building was not a home but a Church. Recently evidence of the existence in time past of this church was brought to the Bishop of Auckland, through the presentation to the authorities of an unexpected demand for rates in connection with the property on which the church had been situated, although this had been enclosed with the adjoining farm for many years. The Bishop visited the spot, saw the flowers blooming, but could discover few facts regarding the church. It so happened that the writer of this article was at the time planning to write up such information about this church as he possessed. Accordingly, at the Bishop’s request, he has written the story which follows, derived from the day-to-day diary kept by his father. On February 11, 1800, the sailing ship Mary Shepherd arrived at the Bay of Islands, having among its passengers a number of immigrants who had come out from the Old country under what was known as the Kawakawa Settlement Scheme. Under this scheme each settler received a grant of forty acres of bush land on a tableland situated about four miles to the north of Kawakawa township. It was thus that there came into being the settlement known as Whangae.

Among the Pioneers Among the pioneers were a number of young Irish churchmen, including my father, William Willis, and his friend Phillip Walsh, who were subsequently ordained and became respectively Archdeacon of Waikato and Waimate and a Mr Lindesay, who served the Church faithfully in the early days as a lay reader and in other capacities, and whose so, Mr C. E. A. Lindesay, has been a lay reader in the Diocese of Auckland for many years. Coming as they did from the Motherland where almost every village had its parish church, these men determined to provide themselves with a place of worship. At first services were held in the home of one of their number, Mr Ward, the Rev. W. Taylor, the vicar of the parish, coming from Russell to officiate from time to time. At a meeting of settlers it was unanimously decided to set aside a portion of bush for the purpose of providing timber for the church. Willing hands soon made this available, a section was procured on Mr John Bindon’s property known as Wairuaroa, and Mr Walsh who was a skilled draughtsman prepared a design for the building. Incidentally it was also he who drew the plans for Kawakawa Church. 34

Willing Assistance

The Whangae Church was built by Mr Neilson, a local carpenter, assisted by willing hands from among the settlers. The service of consecration was conducted by Bishop Cowie on St. Mark’s Day, Thursday, April 25, 1872, the church being dedicated to St. Patrick. Besides the Bishop and Mrs Cowie, there were present, among the clergy, the Ven. Archdeacon E. B. Clark the Rev. W. Taylor, and the Rev. M. Taupaki represented the Maoris; and among the laity Mr Joseph Williams of Pakaraka, sons of Archdeacon Henry Williams. The congregation numbered fifty in all, the singing being led by the choir of the Kawakawa Church. The offertory amounted to 10 pounds.

The first regular service was held on Sunday, May 5, my father acting as lay reader, the next a week later, Mr Walsh officiating. Thereafter services were held every Sunday, with Mr Taylor coming at least once a month to administer the sacrament of Holy Communion. The church served the district for many years, but in the end the need for a place of worship in that particular part passed away. Most of the original settlers eventually sold their farms as being far too small, and these became grouped and administered by a smaller number of families.

At the beginning of the present century, the building was being used as a school and continued to be used until the year 1916, when was destroyed by fire. I am indebted for this information to Mr George McIntyre, of Whangae, who attended the school as a boy and well remembers the fire which destroyed the building. He says he believes there were two graves on the site where the children of one of the early settlers were buried.

Besides the settlers whose names have already been mentioned, there were also the following descendants of some of whom still live in the North. Messrs. Tabuteau, H. Hall, Jameson, Hood, Thurburn, Spratt, Higginson, Sidney Williams, J Press, Hadfield, Lemon, Marshall, Snodgrass, Bothwell, Weatman, Woods, Ireland, Armstrong, Flannigan and Choyce. The last named early re4linquished his farm, and coming to Auckland set up in business, and later became one of the founders of the well known firm of Milne & Choyce.

So far as is known pertaining to the church have survived, save the original sketch made by Archdeacon Walsh, and a photograph of the building taken in 1912 when being used as a school. The latter differs a little from the sketch, as at one time some of the windows were blown out in a storm and the spaces were boarded up. The church was familiarly known as St. Patrick-in-the-Bush.