St John the Divine in Otakeho was first used on Easter Sunday 1893 and consecrated the following year on 14 March 1894.
It was designed by well-known Wellington architect, Frederick de Jersey Clere. Although a simple wooden church, it is described as a good example of one of his early designs. It was built by Mr Fitton at a cost of £500.
A plaque on the front gate is a memorial to J. R. Hastie, KIA 1941.
Sam Hunt has written a poem about it, a framed copy is listed among the the church 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 their plan is to restore the church and create a museum/display area in honour of Mark's father, Ian Stevenson.
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 documents:
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)
Please do not reproduce these images without permission from Puke Ariki.
Contact us for more information or you can order images online here.
