St John the Divine (Otakeho)

St John the Divine in Otakeho was first used on Easter Sunday 1893 and was consecrated the following year on 14 March 1894.

Tenders were called in November 1891 and although there was a brief report in the Hawera & Normanby Star on 21 March 1892 indicating that a builder had made a start on the church, this appears to be misleading. 

There are no further progress reports and then in August 1892 tender advertisements are placed once again for a "Church (new plans) at Otakeho". An article published on 5 September 1892 indicates that these "new plans" were drawn by Hāwera architect, Charles Clarson.

It's presently unknown whether this was a new design or based on plans prepared by well-known Wellington architect, Frederick de Jersey Clere, who was previously thought to have designed the Otakeho church. It was built by Mr Fitton at a cost of £250.

At the time the church was built it appears the section (Otakeho Town Section 51) was owned by Edward Godsal who was also responsible for inserting the tender advertisements. 

Sam Hunt wrote a poem about the small church, and a framed copy is listed among the chattels, it reads:

"Near Manaia

A white horse beside a white church

A white church beside a white horse

I’m not sure which I prefer

But please keep things

Just as they are”

The final service was conducted at Christmas 2016. It was bought by Mark & Trish Stevenson in 2018, who were granted permission to move the church 12kms to their farm. It was moved in May 2021 and has since been restored and includes a small museum/display area. 

Further reading: "Otakeho District and School - Souvenir Booklet 1884-1964" (TRCT372.9 OTA).

A detailed heritage report researched by conservation architect, Bruce Dickson was published in May 2020.

Related items:

Tenders Called Again (Hawera & Normanby Star 27 August 1892 p.2)

Close To Completion (Hawera & Normanby Star 25 February 1893 p.4)

Section 51 exempt from rates (Hawera & Normanby Star 11 December 1896)

Festive Farewell for Church (Taranaki Daily News 19 December 2016)

Living in God's house (Taranaki Daily News 22 May 2018)

Old church is set to move (Taranaki Daily News 25 September 2020)

A new home for old church (Taranaki Daily News 8 May 2021)