St John the Baptist (Waitara)

The foundation stone for this Anglican church in Waitara was laid by the Right Reverend J.L. Holland on 7 November 1959. (New Plymouth Photo News #38, 20 November 1959)

The centenary booklet for St John the Baptist advises that the basic plan of the church was drawn by Rev. Middlebrook in association with the Christchurch firm of C. Luney. The Christchurch firm built the church at a cost of £11,000 - the first church the firm had constructed. The church was dedicated on 16 July 1960 and later consecrated on 30 October 1965. The design of the church is based on the Colonial Churches in North America.

In 1878 the foundation stone was laid for the first Anglican church in Waitara. It was dedicated on 2 October 1879 and consecrated by Bishop Cowie in 1894. The land for the church was given by Mr Phillip Walsh and it is thought he was also responsible for the design and supervision of the construction.

The final service in the church was held on 11 October 1959, following which it was demolished to make way for the present church. While the church was built services were held in the hall (built in 1895) adjacent to the church.

Further reading: "St John the Baptist, Waitara 1876-1976" (TRCT283 ALE)

Related documents:

Consecration Service Sheet (30 October 1965)

NPDC approves grant to repair rusty church roof (DN 22/01/1999)