A decision to build a church in Matau was made in 1957 and construction was complete in six weeks.

The land on which St. James' stands was given by Mr & Mrs W.L. Carver. Timber was donated by Mr. Nigel Rawlinson, with contributions from other members of the community. 

Tom Mackie of Stratford built the church with the assistance of voluntary labour. It was dedicated by the Rev. J.T. Holland, 2nd Bishop of Waikato, on the 28 August 1957.

Related documents:

St James Anglican Church, Matau (Stratford Heritage Inventory)

St James History (Matau 1889 - 1996, N.S. Smillie p.57)

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