Churches of Temuka, South Canterbury

St. Peter's Anglican Church is a handsome stone building which was erected in 1899 to replace the old wooden church which had been destroyed by fire in 1897. The interior of the church is decorated with a handsome stone pulpit, a gift in the memory of the late Mrs John Hayhurst, and a stone font given by Mr and Mrs Rooke of Temuka. It has seating accommodation for 300 persons, and services are held twice every Sunday. Services in connection with the parish are also held in the church of St John the Evangelist at Winchester and at the Orton, Seadown and Waitohi Schools. There is an efficient choir. Reference: Cyclopedia of New Zealand, Canterbury edition. 1903. The parish of Temuka was constituted in 1878 with the Rev. G. Fynes-Clinton as resident vicar. In 1870 the Rev. James Preston was appointed mission deacon of Geraldine and Temuka. Their pipe organ was built by Sandford in 1888 was probably destroyed in the fire in 1897.

St Peter's, corner of King and Dyson Streets, was built of contrasting stone, the church was under construction even before its predecessor was burnt to the ground. The vicar ran into the blazing old wooden building and rescued both the lectern and the Bible now in the present church; he noted, 'but as sparks were then falling from the roof I did not venture in again'. The east window is dedicated to John Talbot (1845-1923), who settled at Woodlands in the Rangatira Valley, in 1869. All but one of his 12 sons became farmers, and his family name is woven through South Canterbury's farming and public life. Talbot was a stalwart on local bodies, aggregating 160 years of service. His lath-and-plaster homestead, enlarged and roughcast since it was built in about 1870, still stands and is still in the family (in Talbot Rd, off Waitohi Rd). The sanctuary windows are memorials to sisters, Christiana and Elizabeth, each the wife of John Talbot. The stone pulpit is in memory of the wife of John Hayhurst.

Timaru Herald, 27 January 1900, Page 4 ST. PETER'S CHURCH, TEMUKA.
Like almost every church m the colony, St. Peter's, Temuka, staggers under a heavy load of debt, efforts to provide for which tax all the energies of the parishioners. The vicar, officers and congregation owe grateful thanks for assistance in many directions, not the least being due to Mr H. Wells (late organist of the Cathedral, Christchurch), for his recent recital, assisted as he was by Mrs B. H. Burns and Dr Warren. Many residents have but small idea of what an organ really means, and though that at St. Peter's is only a two-manual instrument, Mr Wells' professional ability enabled those present to appreciate the capabilities of their instrument, as well as the wonderful power over the king of instruments possessed by the performer. ..The organ is not, from a professional point of view, built for recital purposes lacking as it does effective solo stops, but those present were unanimous in saying that such a musical revelation had never before been heard at Temuka of Mrs Burns singing, it is only needful to say that she was probably never in better voice. .. The instrument, however, is merely an American organ (i.e. harmonium) and the whole service gave no scope for a professional man of Mr Wells' standing, though the congregation were much pleased to have him. Today

St. John the Evangelist, an Anglican Church, at Winchester

St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Temuka is a very substantial building in white stone from the banks of the Opihi River, Kakahu district. It stands on the two acre allotment facing Wilkin Street. For general design and interior decoration, it is one of the most noteworthy churches in Canterbury. On entering, one is vividly struck by the beauty of its stained glass windows, which contain 31 full-size pictures of the greatest saints of the New and of the Old Testament. The building measures 118 feet in length by 43 feet in width and can easily accommodate over 600 persons. It has a square tower, 60 feet in high, surmounted by a spire of the same height making a total height of 120 feet. The tower is thus a landmark in South Canterbury and it can be seen from a distance of 32 miles. In the belfry, there is a first class peal of bells, which have been heard at twelve miles away. Under the belfry there is a beautiful tower clock, from Dent and Co., London, which strikes all the quarters and the hours; the latter, under favourable circumstances of wind, being heard over six miles and the former at four miles. The erection of St Joseph's Church was begun in the year 1879 by Father Louis Fauvel, a French Priest, and the first stone was blessed by his Lordship, Dr. Redwood, on the 16th November, in the same year. The design was based on the parish church of Coutances.

Timaru Herald 4 December 1879 pg8
The Roman Catholic Church

The ceremony of laying the foundation stone at Temuka was performed on Sunday Nov. 16th by His Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Redwood, Roman Catholic Bishop of Wellington attended by Fathers Fauvel and Chataigner and lay attendants. Mr James Sullivan arranged a special train, 400 to 500 people. It was the largest congregation that had been seen here since the time of Father Hennebeery's temperance demonstration. The foundation of the church has already been constructed to the height above the ground of about two feet, the site opposite the old church on the other side of the street. After blessing the stone, the Bishop, with a sliver trowel, made a cross on each side of it. Copies of the Timaru Herald, the New Zealand Tablet, and the Temuka Leader, having been put in the cavity beneath the stone, it was lowered, made firm in its proper position. The collection resulted in £180.

New Zealand Tablet, 7 October 1881, Page 20
ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH BELLS.

The bells come from that celebrated foundry, so widely and favourably known, at Meneely, West Troy, New York, established in 1826. The distinguishing characteristics of the bells made at that establishment consist in an unequalled combination of sonorousness and purity of tone, the result of half a century of uninterrupted experience gained in developing the science, and prosecuting the art of bell-making. The material of which the bells are composed is a mixture of pure copper and tin, the superiority of which as a sonorous metal has been demonstrated by centuries of use and experience. The shape of the bells is one of the best we have ever witnessed, and best calculated to give free issue to their sound. The weight of the peal is 20001 bs., the three bells weighing respectively 1100 lbs., 5501bs., and 3501bs. They were cast to play the three notes of the scale, do, me, sol, and they do it in a perfect manner. Their tone is exceedingly sweet and sonorous, and their sound spreads harmoniously very far off, having been heard at a distance of twelve and a-half miles. There are two inscriptions on each bell : one records the year in which they were cast, as follows —
A.D., 1881,
PONTIFICATE OF LEO XIII.,
RIGHT REVEREND FRANCIS REDWOOD, BISHOP,
REV. L. FAUVEL, PASTOR.
The other expresses the task or duty entrusted to them,
I PRAISE GOD; REJOICE THE LIVING, AND RELIEVE THE DEAD.
Next in importance to the qualities of the bells is the adaption and security of the apparatus with which they are mounted, the construction of which is so well devised as not only to make the bells sound, but effectually to bring out their whole sound with the least labour in ringing. The different parts of this apparatus consists of the yoke, the wheel, the uprights, the frame, the clapper springs, and the tolling hammer. We shall now give a short description of each. The yoke (Meneely's Patent Conical Rotary) is of entirely different construction from the old non-rotary fixture in use twenty years ago, while in one respect to strength, efficiency of operation, and adaption to the end in view, it has advantages possessed by none other. By means of this yoke the bells may be readily turned around, without unhanging it, so as to cause the clapper to strike it in a new place, thus preventing it becoming broken through by long continued ringing in one position, while it also permits of the poise of the bell being adjusted so that it may be swung more or less easily, according to the strength and experience of the ringer. The bells are cast with a truncated cone at their top instead of with loops as formerly, and the yoke being made with a corresponding aperture a socket is formed which gives it a firm seat upon the bell. The uprights on which the bells rest and swing are made of iron, in the shape of the letter A, the bottom of which is strongly bolted down to a hard timber frame. The wheels are made of ash timber, strongly braced ; that of the main bell is 6ft in diameter ; that of the second, 5ft ; and the third 3ft. l0in. Clapper springs are attached to all bells of 1,000 1bs. and upwards. The spring and clapper-clevis are both connected to the centre-bolt which passes up through the top of the bell, and by it the arms of the springs are always held in the path in which the clapper swings, catching it just before it reaches the bell, permitting it to strike with sufficient force, and then holding it away so that the vibration is uninterrupted, and its clattering upon the bell after having struck is avoided. Bells of 4001bs and upwards are furnished with a tolling hammer which is attached to the frame. By it a uniform and full blow may be obtained, and it is also very effective in giving a quick fire-alarm blow. When the bell is rung by the main rope the tolling-hammer cord — if not under the eye of the ringer — is so secured that it may not be thoughtlessly pulled, since the hammer is thus liable to be broken off and even the bell dismounted. The peal of bells in St. Joseph's Church give the greatest satisfaction, and the Roman Catholics of Temuka have every reason to be proud of them. It has been rumoured that Father Fauvel intends to invite his Lordship the Right Rev. Bishop Redwood to come and bless the bells on some future occasion.

New Zealand Tablet, 17 June 1898, Page 27

The opening and consecration of the new convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph at Temuka, was the occasion for one of the largest and most representative gatherings that has probably been witnessed in the district since the opening of the Catholic church. THE CONVENT. The new convent is situated on sections which have frontages on Wilkin street (opposite the Catholic chapel), Denmark, and Studholme streets, Arowhenua, within less than a minute's walk of the railway station, Temuka. It is a substantial building in brick, 40ft square, of two storeys, and all neatly faced with cement, and lined out to represent stone. The roof is of that description known as " hip," with projections supported by cantilever blocks. It is surmounted by a very handsome gilt cross. A very substantial verandah. Oft wide, has been carried along three sides of the building. The windows are those technically known as " twin windows," and of these five open to Wilkin street. Internally, the arrangements appear to be most convenient. On the ground floor there are a reception room, music room, 'the Sister's room," kitchen and scullery. On the upper floor are four large dormitories, and bath room, and in the passages wardrobes and linen closets. Adjoining the main building, and easily accessible from the main hall passage, which is 8ft wide, is the private chapel of the Sisters, the gift of a friend. This is a very well built and well-designed building, 20ft x lift, with octagon end, raised altar floor, leaded windows with Gothic heads, and handsome doorway, also with Gothic head, surmounted by a shield and cross. At the back of the main building, and enclosed within a substantial fence, are a washhouse, coal-shed, and other buildings, all conveniently arranged for their several purposes. At the western end of the north verandah arrangements have been made for a small storeroom adjacent to the kitchen. The kitchen is large and convenient, furnished with cooking range, store, cupboards, shelving, etc. There is a complete hot and cold water supply to the kitchen, bathroom, and scullery. The ordinary water supply is by means of four 400-gallon tanks situated at the rear of the building. The hot-water system is that patented by Mr. J.H. Walker, and it has been found most effective and economical. The refectory, or dining-room, is separated from the music room by a partition moveable at will, and thus a large room can be obtained for occasions of ceremony. The height of rooms throughout is lift. The floors are of 4in tongued-and grooved red pine, and the majority of the fittings, such as wardrobes, etc., are of the same material. The staircase is of easy grade, plainly but substantially finished. The bathroom is sufficiently large as to admit of the storage of any surplus luggage, although this is reduced to a minimum. The dormitories are very plainly furnished for three occupants. There are no carpets, and no extraneous comforts. Everything is of the simplest. The general appearance of the building from the outside is attractive ; internally it conveys the idea of comfort and simplicity. The immediate surroundings are enclosed with a neat fence of wire and standards, and on either side are the boys' and girls' playgrounds.
The old convent buildings have been disposed of, except one portion, which will be added as a class-room to the school. When this is completed there will be every convenience for the conduct of several large classes.
The contractor for the building was Mr. Alex Frew, of Temuka. His work has been so faithfully carried out as to earn the highest praise from all associated with it. He constructed himself the windows, doors, staircase, and principal fittings of the buildings, and has evidently spared no pains to give satisfaction to his employers. Faithful sub-contractors have been Mr. Emil Hall for brickwork, and Messrs. Bates and Co. for painting and plumbing. In connection with the latter firm, Mr. J. H. Walker were employed, and his heating apparatus, as well as other work undertaken by him, having given every satisfaction. The building as a whole was carried out under the immediate supervision of the Rev. Father Fauvel, somewhat on the lines of the convent at Waimate.

New Zealand Tablet, 19 January 1905, Page 5
Timaru (From our own correspondent.) January 16.

The Very Rev. Dean Foley, of Temuka, left for Rotorua on Wednesday last in company with Mr. Jeffries, who has very thoughtfully placed his services at the Dean's disposal. Prior to his departure he was presented with a purse of sovereigns by a deputation consisting of Messrs. P. Wareing, J. Fitzgerald, J.P., John Brosnahan, Jeremiah Brosnahan, D. Enright, W. Tarrant, J.P., W. Jeffries, and Monarty, representing the Temuka, Kerrytown, and Pleasant Point districts. Mr. Wareing, in making the presentation, referred to the zealous labors of the Dean since he came amongst them, the great interest he had shown in the building of the diocesan Cathedral, and hoped that he would come back to them in robust health. In reply the Dean thanked them for their timely gift, the more unexpected as he was comparatively a stranger amongst them. His sincerest prayer was that the good God would give him strength to show by his labor his appreciation of the kindnesses they had showered upon him.

New Zealand Tablet, 11 October 1906, Page 24

The new Catholic presbytery at Temuka was blessed and opened on ' Sunday, the ceremony being performed by the Ven. Archdeacon Devoy (Provincial) There was an exceptionally large congregation (says the Timaru Herald). The new building which is a handsome and comfortable residence, is built in accordance with the floor area of the old presbytery but a second storey has been added, and this gives it a fine appearance. A fine balcony facing the west runs off from the passage on the second floor, and on each side of the passage are two bedrooms. The ground level surrounding the presbytery has been greatly improved by a three-feet rise, and to obtain this clay and shingle were carted gratuitously by many friends Solemn High Mass was celebrated by the Yen Archdeacon Devoy, Rev. Father Finnerty (Timaru) being deacon, Rev. Father Kerley subdeacon, and the Very Rev. Father Le Menant des Chesnais master of ceremonies. Rev. Father Goggan, parish priest, was also in attendance. A brief sermon on charity was preached by the Very Rev. Father Le Menant des Chesnais.

Subscriptions were then taken up, and the amount received in the church was more than £100. The ceremony of blessing took place after Mass and was .performed by the Ven. Archdeacon Devoy who also delivered a brief address, in the course of which he said the building was a credit to all concerned in its erection for completeness of detail. The local priests and people of the place were to be congratulated on having such a fine presbytery, one especially in keeping with the church and convent He said the late Father Fauvel intended having the work done some time ago when he got an assistant priest Father Fauvel had left £400 which he had collected for the work, but it was left for Father Kerley to see it through, and now there was debt of £600 and he thought this was not much for a Temuka debt ; for in a very short time it would be cleared. He made a special appeal to the younger members of the congregation to wipe off the existing debt as soon as possible, and he thought one and all should be proud to see accomplished what was an urgent necessity from a priest's point of view.

The building was completed in the early part of 1881 and opened by Bishop Redwood, assisted by Bishop Luck, in April 1882. The presbytery, standing to the right of the church, is a solid and large building, 40 feet square, and was erected in 1898 and stands on a 3 acre freehold allotment, on the opposite side of Wilkin Street, where there is also the old church, a wooden building, which is now used as a schoolroom. Reference: Cyclopedia of New Zealand, Canterbury edition. 1903

These limestone blocks were hewn at Upper Waitohi on the property of Mr Henry Collett (1831-1902) who gave the stone gratis. Parishioners carted this stone fourteen miles (36km) with their horses and drays as their contribution to the cost of the structure. The spire rises to a height of 102ft. Before trees obscured the view the tower was visible from a distance of thirty two miles. The set of bells were cast in New York in 1881. The bell ropes have not been swung on regularly for years because when the big bells ring the building shakes. The bell tower needs strengthening. The smaller bells, controlled by electricity, still ring out every Sunday. The first Roman Catholic priest in the area was Father Chataigner who took up residence in Timaru about 1869. He first built a church west of Wilkin St. In 1884 Father Keane took over the Geraldine area. Reference: Daybreak by A.J. Davey. Their pipe organ was built by E.H. Jenkins in 1920. Thirty stained glass windows came from Europe and these incorporated the names of those benefactors who gave to the church building. The names on the windows include: Mrs R. Hoare, Mrs J. Fitzgerald, Mrs. M. Gaffaney, Richard Hoare, Dennis Hoare, John Fitzgerald, William Fitzgerald and Simon Coughlan. Window Sisters of St Joseph interior

There is a large clock designed in London just below the concrete steeple. The 1920s Jenkins organ was restored in 1998 by the South Island Organ Company of Washdyke and was the last of its design to be built.
The annual Temuka and Districts Horticultural Society show is held in early February at the Parish Hall of St Josephs has been held for nearly forty years. The show is free both to enter and for the public to view.
New Zealand Tablet, 19 January 1905, Page 5
The Very Rev. Dean Foley, of Temuka, left for Rotorua on Wednesday last in company with Mr. Jeffries, who has very thoughtfully placed his services at the Dean's disposal. Prior to his departure he was presented with a purse of sovereigns by a deputation consisting of Messrs. P. Wareing, J. Fitzgerald, J.P., John Brosnahan, Jeremiah Brosnahan, D. Enright, W. Tarrant, J.P., W. Jeffries, and Moriarty, representing the Temuka, Kerrytown, and Pleasant Point districts.

St. Joseph's Parish, Temuka, South Canterbury, 1876-1951: Being an Account ...
by Patrick Power Cahill - 1951 - 94 pages

2008. Jubilee. In 1883, the first school consisted of three classrooms and was initially used as the first Catholic church, St Josephs, of Temuka. In 1914, a brick building of four classrooms was erected and for 62 years served the area until it was demolished in 1976, before this occurred the current building was being erected to the west of it. For over 90 years, the sisters of St Joseph staffed and ran the school until the first lay teacher was appointed in 1972.

There is a Maori Church at Temuka which replaced the 1866-1931 building. The mission church, Holy Trinity, was consecrated by Rev. J. Stack on August 1866. The foundation stone for the later church was laid by Bishop F.A. Bennett, Bishop of Aotearoa, on November 1, 1931 and the church consecrated March 5 1932 by Archbishop West-Wastson assisted by Bishop Bennett, the Vicar (Rev. G. Nelham Watson) and other members of the clergy. This attractive Anglican church was built by Mr. H. Andrews of Temuka and contains one stained glass window "Christ and the children", a white friar window, commemorating Lesile V. Talbot, the Sunday School Superintendant 1909-1942, who died 28 March 1964. Dedication described in the Timaru Herald Oct. 10 1966 pg. 5.

Holy Trinity Anglican Church is directly across the street from Arowhenua War memorial arch. They are situated on the corner of State highway 1 and Huirapa Street at Arowhenua, between the Opihi and Temuka rivers.

Timaru Herald 16 January 2007
Preparations are well under way for the 75th anniversary of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Arowhenua in March. Reverend Andrew Starky said the birthday celebrations would be held on March 4. A service would be held at 10am in the church, followed by lunch at the Arowhenua Marae. The church replaced an old wooden church at the Arowhenua site in 1932. In preparation for the birthday celebrations, the church's floors had been touched up and the east window had been replaced and the leadlights renovated. The exterior of the church will also be painted. "The church is a special part of Temuka's history and many recognise the building," Rev Starky said. He said the church had been a meeting place for Maori and Pakeha in the area. "Although it's an Anglican church it has always been open to other denominations," he said. The church is the only one of its kind remaining in the area. Services are held twice a month.

The Temuka Trinity Presbyterian Church, is located on a section of land donated by Mrs J.T. Hayhurst. Mr Samuel McCully contributed generously to the need for a suitable building and the parishioners erected a memorial pulpit in his honour. Records are at the South Canterbury Museum. Services at Holy Trinity are usually often at 0800 and at St. Peters at 1000. Feb. 2002 the church celebrated 130 years since the first minister, Reverend George Barclay, began to preach in Temuka.

South Canterbury, New ZealandGenWeb Project

The Temuka Tournament, or, Presbyterianism and Catholicism compared : a reply to the pamphlet "Protestantism v. Roman Catholicism" of the Rev. J. Dickson ... / by the Very Rev. Theophilus le Menant Des-Chesnais
Publisher Dunedin : Tablet, 1896.
Description 190 p. ; 21 cm.
Subjects Presbyterian Church - New Zealand - Doctrines. | Catholic Church - New Zealand - Doctrines.

Timaru Herald, 27 November 1897, Page 3
On Thursday night St. Saviour's Church, Temuka was totally destroyed by fire. Miss Farley, the eldest daughter of the incumbent, was the first to notice that there was a fire in the building, and of her giving the alarm the fire bell almost opposite the building was rung. This was shortly after 10 o'clock when the residents at the parsonage were just retiring to rest. The brigade were on the spot within a minute or so of the time at which the alarm was given but they could do nothing to save the building, as at the north end of the town the ' water supply is inadequate. In the meantime the Rev. Mr Farley, with the assistance of Mr Bremayne, a visitor, had attempted to save some of the church fittings. When they entered the building it was evident that the fire had started near the organ and had already obtained a good hold. The Bible, prayer books, cover of the communion table, and a few benches and strips of matting were all that could be saved. The organ, seating, books and records of the vestry were destroyed. The building burned very fiercely, and the sparks were carried i to a considerable distance. The building was erected in 1869, the timber having all been cut from the old Arowhenua Rush, The foundation stone was laid by Mr William Hornbrook, and the opening service was conducted early in 1870 by the Rev. W. H. Cooper. The building was insured by the Church property trustees for £300 and there was a cover of £100 on the fittings. These would include the organ, which originally cost a trifle over £60.