The original St Cuthbert's Church was a Frederick de Jersey Clere design built on Tauhuri Street in 1894. It was built by Messrs. Burns and Holder at a cost of £217.0.0. It opened on 6 May 1894 and was consecrated on 23 September 1894 by Bishop Mules of Nelson. After the present church was erected it was used as a parish hall. It was later sold and converted into a private residence.
Planning for a new church had begun as far back as the 1920s when a building fund was established. However, it was not until the late 1950s that sufficient funds were available to begin work.
The architect engaged was well-known Manaia identity, Mr J.W. Brimblecombe. The church was opened and dedicated on 18 June 1960. The church cost £13,000, and when fully paid for, was consecrated on 19 March 1972 in a service conducted by the Bishop of Wellington, the Rt Rev.H.W. Baines.
As the old St Cuthbert's bell was cracked the Manaia Fire Brigade donated their old fire bell, originally cast in Dunedin in 1910.
In 1983 a new lounge was added by Maurice Cowling and members of the Parish, at a cost of $15,000.
The Taranaki Daily News reported on 2 August 2021 that the church had been sold for $1.00 to the Ngāruahine Iwi Authority. The church has been deconsecrated due to falling congregation numbers and the requirement for earthquake strengthening. The iwi authority plans to have remedial work carried out to bring the building up to at least a 50% earthquake rating and will use the building as a hub for its services.
Related items:
60th Anniversary of Church (Taranaki Daily News 30 April 1955)
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