About the Church
This Anglican church in Opunake is described by the architect, Frederick de Jersey Clere, as “early French influence, with steep inclination of the roof, and tall belfry also giving a Gothic effect”.
The church was dedicated on the 2 June, 1895 by Archdeacon T. Fancourt. The cost of the building was £276.17.6 – helped by the donation of timber by Mr Vickery (5,000 feet) and Mr Rua Bishop (1,000 feet).
The wooden buttresses were added in 1897 to strengthen the church from the strong westerlies. The distinctive belfry was demolished in 1969 according to Susan MacLean (author of “The Churches of Frederick de Jersey Clere” ). The Heritage Inventory report states this occurred in the 1950s, the later date is more likely to be correct.
In 1991 the church was moved 180° so that it could be extended by linking it with the parish buildings behind. MacLean comments that the greatest loss was, “Clere’s innovative west elevation, sacrificed to preserve the rest of the building”.
Service Information
10am Sunday
Community Groups
The Barnabas Centre is a senior’s exercise (strength and balance) and social group with morning tea, fun and games. Mondays 10am $3 each.
Contact Details
Address
141 Tasman Street, Opunake
Phone
06 278 8667
Email
wta.manager@wtanglican.nz
