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Kakaraea Methodist Church


This is a place I've been wanting to photograph for a long time. Located about 20 minutes or so out of Maungaturoto in the Kaipara along gravel roads the Kakaraea Methodist Church was first opened on Sunday March 29th 1874 and built under the direction of missionary Rev. William Gittos for the purpose of being the central church for his mission to the Maori in this region.


Unfortunately the entry door was locked so I couldn't take decent photos of the interior, so this one I had to make do with through one of the windows.  Apparently the church has special significance as the land it stands on was deliberately picked because of it's tapu (sacred) status in connection with the death of Hautatu (Chief Arama Karaka) and others at the battle of Ranganui (part of the musket wars). Otamatea Marae which is nearby and is the meeting place for the local Ngati Whatua tribe - it is still used today for events and tangis (burials).

Linking up with My Corner of the World and Skywatch Friday.
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Comments

Susan Heather said…
What a delightful church.
22 January 2020 at 19:47
local alien said…
A picturesque little church, nicely looked after
22 January 2020 at 20:07
Veronica Lee said…
I would love to pray inside this quaint little church.

Happy Wednesday!
22 January 2020 at 23:25
PerthDailyPhoto said…
I'm so glad that it is still used today Amy, it certainly has stood the test of time, a well loved and looked after little church I think ✨
23 January 2020 at 02:16
Billy Blue Eyes said…
That is a pretty little church, unusual bell cover, not what I'd call a tower
23 January 2020 at 04:28
Sharon said…
It's very picturesque.
23 January 2020 at 04:31
Bill said…
Looks nice inside, well loved and taken care of.
23 January 2020 at 06:26
Pauline said…
That's a lovely little church in a lovely location, Amy. Great photo of it, too.
23 January 2020 at 12:06
betty-NZ said…
I love seeing these little places that are still used and respected. The photo tells us a lot.

It's delightful to see you at 'My Corner of the World' this week!

My Corner of the World
23 January 2020 at 12:36
William Kendall said…
A pretty tower. I had much the same thought as Bill about the bell tower- assuming that's what it is.
23 January 2020 at 13:16
Jim said…
Great church.
24 January 2020 at 09:13
Spare Parts and Pics said…
A pretty little church and really interesting history. The wood floor looks beautiful.
24 January 2020 at 11:16
eileeninmd said…
Hello, The tower is interesting. Pretty church and I like the windows. Enjoy your day, have a great weekend!
25 January 2020 at 00:39
Sallie (FullTime-Life) said…
I so admire you for the way you learn local history...and thank you for sharing it.
26 January 2020 at 01:23
Stevenson said…
What a beautiful and quiet church. I have been inside a Methodist church in Tamsui, Taiwan and I really like the wooden interiors it has, something similar to that in Kakaraea.

Stevenson
http://www.stevensonque.com
29 January 2020 at 08:54
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