St Andrew's Church, Whareama

From 1904 till 2021, St Andrew's Anglican Church, Whareama, sat proudly at the intersection of the Blairlogie-Langdale and Homewood Roads. 

History

In 1903 – when Tinui Parish was known as the Whareama and East Coast Mission – the people of Whareama and Vicar John Sykes decided they needed a church. Up till then, Sunday services were held at Whareama School, no doubt seated on little chairs unsuitable for strapping farmers and their wives.

Mrs Jessie Morrison donated the land for the church, as well as the flat paddock surrounding it. An ideal situation for a church, being at the junction of Langdale, Blairlogie and Riversdale roads, the main route for locals, those who lived towards the coast and the Homewood area.

Frederick de Jersey Clere, Diocesan architect, was commissioned to design the church and fundraising began in earnest. Tenders were called and Mr C E Daniell, of Masterton, was awarded the contract.

On 24 October 1903, the Rev John Chapman Andrew, with Tinui Vicar, John Sykes, laid the foundation stone and building got underway. Ladies of the parish sold afternoon tea to everyone, proceeds towards the cost of the church.

Because there were no building regulations then, once the plans were finalised the building was completed in under three months, the firm of C E Daniell being assisted by William Birkett, carpenter, who lived nearby.

On 26 January 1904 the opening service was held. The Rev. John Sykes led the service, the Rev J C Andrew preached the sermon and Miss Katie Morrison played the organ.

St Andrew’s cost £400 to build, was painted in a warm cream with green facings (as St Alban’s at Tauweru is today) and had orange Marseilles tiles on the roof.

The beautiful native timber lining the church was simply oiled, as were the pews. The church was built to seat 100, but had pews for 70 at the time it was opened.

On 26 January 1906, Bishop Frederic Wallis consecrated the church. He was met at the church porch by Mr Hugh Morrison, who read a petition asking the Bishop to consecrate the church. Having dedicated the church building to the glory of God, Bishop Wallis went on to dedicate the pulpit, font, altar and other furnishings.

Unfortunately, due to ill health, the Rev J C Andrew, who had led worship across the district before a vicar was first appointed, was unable to attend.

On 7 December 1907, the Rev J C Andrew died in Otaki. The following day a memorial service was held in St Andrew’s, conducted by Vicar John Sykes. The church was packed. A beautiful silver communion set was presented by members of the Andrew family in his memory. The Andrew family also gave the original brass altar cross and candlesticks.

The beautiful stained glass windows behind the altar were given by Mrs Morrison, of Blairlogie, in 1904.

The First World War saw many young men called up. We can imagine them attending a Sunday service, on final leave before they were sent overseas. The church would have provided comfort to parents and relatives of those at the front, and those injured or who died in battle.

At the end of the war, New Zealand was hit by the influenza epidemic. Rupert Morrison offered Blairlogie homestead as a temporary hospital for influenza victims, only to lose his own life to influenza.

Church renovated

In 2009 St Andrew’s was renovated, repiled and repainted. The aisle and sanctuary were carpeted in a deep red which combined beautifully with the timber walls and pews. St Andrew’s was set for another hundred years. But it was not to be.

Church burns down

On the night of Monday, 22nd November 2021, locals Dick Tredwell and Len French watched helplessly as the church burned fiercely, Fire and Emergency teams unable to save the 117 year old building. A very sad end for a much-loved church. Arson was suspected but not able to be proved.

Church farewelled

On Saturday, 11 December 2021 a farewell service was held for the church. Many former parishioners with lifetime associations with the church joined current parishioners to farewell a much-loved local icon and landmark

The order of service for the Farewell to St Andrews is below.