The four corner stones for this Methodist church were laid in June 1898. The first by long-term resident, Mrs Okey, the next by Rev. C.H. Garland, Mr Howell the third, and the last, Mr Thomas Chatterton.
The church was opened on New Years Day 1899 by the Rev. C. Penney, followed by another service by the Rev. C.H. Garland on 8 January 1900. It was described as "...a commodious and elegant structure, centrally situated on the main road, with a very cheerful interior...". The cost was said to be £300.
In 1978 an agreement was reached with St Paul's Anglican Church on co-operation, and the first service of the combined parish was held on 9 October 1978.
The final service in this Ōkato church was held on Sunday 28 July 1985. The church was then rented to the Ōkato Kohanga Reo. At some later stage it was moved to a lifestyle block in Onaero.
Further reading: Okato, Tataraimaka, Puniho Districts; Their Stories Told (pages 61-63): compiled by Irene Waswo (1998).
Related documents:
$35,000 joint hall to open (Daily News 27 April 1973)
St Luke's closes after 87 years (Daily News 30 July 1985)
Character home, orchard income (Daily News - Property Press 24 August 2013)
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