|
St Johns Home Page|History | Opotiki Home Page 1872 - A Reverend Mr Martin began Presbyterian services 1878 - The Rev John Gow officially inducted September 22nd. 1883 - April 22nd, the first church building was opened. Built by Thomas Abbot for £270.0.0. Seating (for 105) was let at 10/- per annum. 1885 - The first Kirk Session (a court of Elders) formed. 1887 - An organ purchased from W Gow for £30. 1893 - The first Manse built on the present site by Thomas Abbot for £300.
Church and Manse - circa 1896 1894 - Services held in Opouraio and Whakatane. The later parishes at Taneatua and Whakatane were offshoots of Opotiki. 1907 - The present church was dedicated in August. It was built for a cost of £666.0.0, with selected timber supplied from J B Gow's mill. The old church became the Sunday School.
The Church - under construction. | The Church - about 1909
1915 - A small church built at Kutarere, and a 'Home Missioner' appointed. 1926 - A 'Modern' infant school opened at a cost of £350. A commemorative plaque for the WW1 soldiers erected And for the first time, a motor car was provided for parish use.
The Church and Manse - 1928 1938 - An Everett 'Orgatron' purchased for church music 1946 - A Roll of Honour erected for WW2 participants. 1947 - A 'New Look' instigated to provide new communion tables and chairs and a pulpit. The beautiful stained glass windows were installed, and also a blue Fleur-de-lis carpet.
1959 - The old church shifted, and a new hall complex built adjoining: the new 'St John's Church Centre'. 1964 - The Everett organ damaged by fire and replaced with a 'Conn' electric organ. 1972 - Congregation voted to unite with the Methodists, and formed the new St John's Union Parish. 1973/4 - The old Manse was removed, and the new house erected on the same site. 1976 - The front of the church was altered to enlarge the foyer and create upstairs seating. 1978 - Church centenary celebrations took place, and a centennial souvenir booklet was produced.
St Johns - 1999 1999 - The church is declared an Historic building by the Historic Places Trust, and is repainted for the Millennium celebrations. |
