South Canterbury NZ GenWeb Project

Pleasant Point  

The Roman Catholic Church of St Mary, Afghan St. One stained glass window (?1910) Christ with St Mary and Joseph attributed to Harold Bradley, Bradley Bros. Christchurch. Donated by Mary Sullivan to her parents (James Sullivan) and sister. It is a replica of the window at the St. Joseph's Church in Temuka.   

New Zealand Tablet, 7 June 1889, Page 25
Temuka, June 11. The Right Rev. Dr. Grimes, Bishop of the Diocese of Christchurch, accompanied by the Rev. Father Aubrey (his chaplain), arrived in Temuka by the express train from the north on Saturday, for the purpose of consecrating and formally opening the newly-erected Roman Catholic church at Pleasant Point, and was greeted with a hearty welcome by the pealing of the bells of St. Joseph's Church. In 1879, when the Rev. Father Hennebery was preaching a mission in Temuka, the Rev. Father Fauvel deemed the opportunity had arrived, and subscription lists were opened. Shortly afterwards a start was made, and the present handsome and commodious church was erected. It is needless to say more of the church, save that its value is estimated at over £6000. The next step was the erection of the presbytery, its value being £1500. The rev. gentleman considered the parish still incomplete without religious education for the young, and his next endeavours were to establish a community of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Temuka, which object, after considerable difficulty, he accomplished, and shortly afterwards built a convent and school in Kerrytown.  The Catholic church at Geraldine was also built by him and now he has completed the erection of the church at Pleasant Point. Thus it will be seen that Father Fauvel has done what probably no one else could have done. The property of the Church in the parish is now worth considerably over £10,000. When the rev. gentleman took charge it was not worth as many hundreds, we believe the rev. gentleman has spent between £2000 and £3000 out of his private means on the parish. The church at Pleasant Point stands on a block of land 1½ acres in extent (the gift of Mr. Jas. Sullivan), and is a faithful imitation of St Joseph's Church, Temuka, save the tower and spire, which will be added at some future time. It is built in brick, on concrete foundations, in the style known as Perpendicular Gothic, the dimensions being-length, 60ft ; width, 30ft. The walls are supported by seven buttresses on each side, the height from floor line to spring of roof being loft. There are six lancet windows (8ft x 2ft) on each side and a triple one at the south end. The front gable is ornamented with two lancet windows, and a large rose window 6ft in diameter. The windows are of Cathedral glass, with lead framings, the marginal being of green, blue, amber, and ruby. The front door is of the Gothic-headed type, surmounted by moulded archivolts, which rest on carved boses. As on St. Joseph's Church, there are four pinnacles (ornamental) with finials. The roof, which is an open one is of specially chosen rimu, varnished. The wall posts of the roof rest on Gothic moulded trusses, and over all the internal openings are moulded a chivolts and carved Gothic foliated basses. The interior is plastered, while externally the walls are finished with cement composition. There are two vestries, similar to those at Temuka, and the Communion rails are of cast iron the sanctuary being beautifully carperted and cocoanut matting laid along the passages. The main altar, which is of wood, and from a model supplied by the Rev. Father Fauvel, presents a very neat appearance, and is a faithful imitation of marble, with borders of golden leaves, the work of the Sisters of St. Joseph. It is ornamented with gold-worked lace, and beautiful artificial flowers (lilies, roses, etc.,) also most artistically made by the Sisters. On the left side is a small altar, which is surmounted by costly lace work, and on which stands a statue of the Madonna, to whom the Church has been dedicated. The Church is estimated to seat 400 comfortably, and on the whole it presents a very neat appearance. The Building Committee may be congratulated upon the success which they achieved, and Messrs. Geaney and O'Driscoll deserve special praise for the indefatigable efforts they put forth in bringing about the great success. The architect for the church was Mr M. de H. Duval (the designs being supplied by Father Fauvel) ; the contractor, Mr. James Delaney, and the and contractors : for brick and plaster work, Mr. E. Hall; and plumbing and painter s work Mr Healey ; all of whom are deserving of great praise. It may be mentioned that Father Fauvel spent much of his time at the works. The cost of the building, exclusive of cartage of materials (which was done by the parishioners), was about £750. The amount raised on Sunday was £80, and the debt on the church now amounts to barely £300 About twenty yards to the south-west of the church the Rev. Father Fauvel has had erected at his own expense a two-roomed cottage (l4ft, x 12ft. and 12ft. x 10ft.), wherein he will stay while visiting Pleasant Point for the purpose of holding services, etc. The Temuka choir (under the charge of the Sisters of St. Joseph) contributed greatly to the success of the day. and Mr M. de H. Duval rendered several of the solos in the Mass, Miss Gaffaney presided at the organ, which was kindly placed at the disposal of the choir by Messrs. Begg and Co., of Timaru.

 15 Afghan Street, Pleasant Point. This lovely old building was formerly the original Post Office built in 1912.

The Anglican Church of St Alban (the Martyr), Harris St.


One stained glass window (1962-63), Christ seated in Majesty with St Alban the Martyr and St Paul the Apostle of James Powell & Sons, Wealdstone, Middlesex, with a white friar etched in blue flashed glass, right base. The Anglican Church of St. Alban, Harris St., Pleasant Point is constructed mostly of concrete, and was erected about the end of the 70's. It has accommodation for about 80 worshippers, and services are held regularly, morning and evening, every Sunday. The Sunday school of 20 scholars is in the charge of three teachers. Reference: Cyclopedia of New Zealand, Canterbury edition. 1903     The AKL Cities Library has a photo online taken by James D Richardson showing an exterior view of another church but it is labeled St Albans Church, Pleasant Point.

The Presbyterian Church of St John (the Evangelist, Manse Road.

 Two windows. The Sower to commemorated the pioneers of the district, executed by Roy Miller at Miller Studios, Dunedin in July 1969, the ninetieth anniversary of the parish and St. George and the Defeated Dragon by Les Taylor of Bradley Bros. Christchurch, dedicated on Sunday 16 March 1958 in commemoration of the World War Two dead.

3rd March 1912 Reverend Les Gosling said it had been decided to close 1920s built St John's Pleasant Point Presbyterian Church due to earthquake risk and use the adjacent hall for Sunday services after a report showed it was only 13 per cent compliant under the Building Code. Public buildings are required to be a minimum of 34 per cent compliant.

Anglicans planted a church building in every small village.                                          

Pleasant Point 

The Presbyterian Church at Pleasant Point is prettily placed on an eminence overlooking the township. Occasionally services were held in the district as early as 1865 and the church was built ten years later. The congregation was made a separate charge in 1879. The church is of wood, with a shingle roof, and has seating accommodation for 120 persons. A Sunday school consisting of 70 children and nine teachers, meets in the building. The minister in charge holds services in Totara Valley in a pretty little church, and in the schoolhouses at Cannington and Cave, and also at Kakahu Bush and Waitohi. The manse, which was erected in 1881, and was considerable enlarged in 1892, is a short distance away from the church and stands on a glebe of 5 acres. Reference: Cyclopedia of New Zealand, Canterbury edition. 1903     

Timaru Herald Friday 26 November 1875 page 3
Presbyterian Church, Pleasant Point. The new church at Pleasant Point, was opened for divine service last Sunday. The Rev. George Barclay, the minister of the parish, conducted the service in the morning and the Rev. William Gillies, of Timaru, in the evening. On Tuesday evening a soiree was held, chairman was Rev. Barclay, on the platform, Rev. Mr Gillies assisted by Messrs Stewart and Acton, Revs. Preston and Bonds absence. Mr Sharland posed a vote of thanks to the Ladies and Mr Bilton and the choir thanked by Mr Opie Mr Bilton presided at the harmonium. The architect has been Mr Frank Wilson, of this town. The cost of the building is about 400, one hundred of which has yet to be met by the committee. The little church is capable of accommodating 180 persons, is pleasantly situated on the brow of a hill, near to Mr Gammie's residence.

New Zealand Tablet, 1 February 1889, Page 29
January 21, 1889 Laying Foundation Stone of New Church at Peasant Point . The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of St: Mary's Church at Pleasant Point, was performed by the Right Rev. Dr. Grimes, Bishop of Christchurch, on Sunday, December 30th, with great pomp. The day was beautifully fine, and everything seemed to favour success His Lordship, accompanied by his chaplain, the Rev. Father Briand, and the Rev. Father Fauvel, left Temuka at about 2 o'clock, and reached Pleasant Point at 3. As they hove in sight the same scene resented itself as was witnessed at Temuka about ten years ago � flags flying, etc. The rev. party proceeded to a private house which had been kindly placed at their disposal by Mr. T. Geaney, where they were joined by the Rev. Fathers Foley and Brown, of Timaru, and Bowers, of Geraldine. Shortly after 3 o'clock the special train from Timaru arrived bringing with it & large number of people, which increased the number to about 3000. After the Bishop and priests had robed a procession was formed, headed by the Rev. Fathers Fauvel and Briand, Dr. Grimes in his pontifical robes, attended by the other priests, coming next, with a large number of children following, the general public bringing up the rear. High poles were planted all round the church, and ropes by which they were held together. At the top flags of all kinds floated in the breeze. At the front of the building a carpeted platform was erected, which was canopied over, and made to represent a Bishop's throne, whilst a flag bearing the Pope's tiara and the cross keys swayed to the gentle breeze over it. The concrete foundations were down, and at the south-west end the foundation stone was in a position for laying. After the ceremony of laying the stone, for which purpose His Lordship was presented with a handsome trowel by the contractor, Mr. James Delaney, of Timaru, and the consecration of the church to the Blessed Virgin Mary, his Lordship and the priests ascended the platform, and from this Dr. Grimes delivered one of the finest discourses ever beard in the colony, taking for his text, " Behold, I will lay a stone in the foundation of Zion," etc., Isaiah xxxiii, 16. I could not do justice by giving a portion of it, so I must be content with saying that all were delighted at it. His Lordship created a favourable impression of our Protestant friends, and I am sure, on this occasion, the Church was honoured through him. His talent is already well known, therefore, encomium from me is unnecessary. At the conclusion of the sermon Dr. Grimes, as Father Fauvel's Bishop, paid a high tribute to our good pastor, and thanked him for the zealous manner in which he baa laboured since his arrival in the parish, remarking that what Father Fauvel had done bore testimony to his zeal. He thanked the people who had liberally contributed to the funds, and those who had given  the land on which the church is being erected. After his Lordship had given the customary blessing, a collection was made with the result that �83 14s was banded in. In a bottle under the stone was placed a Temuka Leader, and a sheet of the Tablet, and also a document in Latin, the translation of which is "On the 30th day of December, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and eighty eight - Leo XIII being Sovereign Pontiff, her Majesty Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Empress of India, Sir William D. Jervious, Governor of New Zealand, and the Rev. L. Fauvel, S.M., rector of St. Joseph's parish, Temuka, this stone was laid by the Most Reverend and Illustrious Prelate John Joseph Grimes, SW, Bishop of Christchurch, in the presence of a large assemblage of people."

(There is no mention of there being a Catholic Church in Pleasant Point in 1903 but interestingly, there was this school at Kerrytown, just three miles from the Point.) (There were at this time accommodation for 200 students at Pleasant Point Public School, average attendance 166 with three staff and two pupil teachers.) 

Otago Witness, 14 April 1892, Page 18
The induction of the Rev. Joseph White to the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church, Pleasant Point, South Canterbury, took place, under the happiest circumstances, on the 5th. The church was well filled to the induction service in the afternoon. The Rev. J. Clarke, of Fairlie Creek, preached and inducted the new minister, and the Revs. J. M'Kee and A. B. Todd addressed the minister and congregation respectively. A crowded soiree was held in the assembly rooms in the evening, at which addresses were delivered by all the ministers of the Timaru Presbytery, the Rev. Jaspar Smythe (Episcopalian, who has cordially cooperated with Presbyterians), and Mr S. Buxton, of Totara. The choir of Trinity Church, Timaru, supplied an excellent musical service.

The Cure of Te Ngawai-with Fairlie extends from Washdyke to Mount Cook, a distance of 140 miles, and was constituted in 1891. It includes the settlements of Fairlie, Pleasant Point and Burke's Pass, among others. The vicarage is situated on Tengawai Road, Pleasant Point. There is a glebe of ten acres and there is also a small endowment of thirteen acres for the church. Services are held in outlying places, inclusive of Hazelburn, Albury, and Opihi, in school buildings, and also at Fairlie, Silverstream and Burkes Pass. Reference: Cyclopedia of New Zealand, Canterbury edition. 1903

Nelligan's Railway Hotel on the main street of Pleasant Point at the intersection of Manse and Tengawai Roads, October 2007.
This hotel was built after 1913. Jan. 2008

Evening Post, 30 January 1913, Page 3
HOTEL DESTROYED BY FIRE TIMARU, 29th January. News has been received that Nelligan's Hotel at Pleasant Point was burnt down to-night, and other buildings are in danger. The Timaru Fire Brigade has gone out (12 miles) with a manual engine.

South Canterbury NZGenWeb Project

Anthon Bertholdt's home, Pleasant Point:
Real photo postcard dated February the 19th, 1906.