Thursday, 25 August 2022

St Mary's Parish, Hokitika


In Hokitika there use to be the Seaview Asylum - it wasn't a very nice place like most of the country's instituions back then. These days it is home to people who rent out the rooms and units privately. Between the buildings and the cemetery is this church named St Mary's Parish which looks like it's reminiscent of the 1950s/1960s (same as the other buildings). When I stopped outside the atmosphere felt empty and eerie, I couldn't help but feel sad about the history of it all.

Linking up with Skywatch Friday and Tom's signs.

14 comments:

Tigger's Mum said...

Strangely, as churches go, it looks bright and light annd inviting in a photo. I guess photos don't convey the empathy you have for the history.

local alien said...

It looks a bit like the Catholic church in Te Puke. That slanted roof and red brick. If I remember rightly. So different from those nice old wooden churches

Tom said...

...it looks so modern.

Tom said...

...it looks so modern.

Billy Blue Eyes said...

Pretty church in a nice settin

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

It does look a little institutional. Glad it is repurposed to something better.

William Kendall said...

Very common with churches of that period here.

Pisi Prkl said...

I like the architecture and photography on this one.

Jim said...

Great style.

Jocelyn said...

It is a very pretty building.

Spare Parts and Pics said...

I clicked on the link. Seaview Asylum has a long and interesting history.

Iris Flavia said...

I once was in such a lunatics-goal.
Well, two flatmates asked if I wanna join to break in.
It was to be teared down - a scary place. Who knows how many were sane. Ingo´s uncle was epileptic - and not allowed to go to school cause they thought he was dumb.
At least the Grandma kept him home.
He was not dumb.

Photo Cache said...

I would not have guessed this was a church.

Worth a Thousand Words

Andree said...

The Wikipedia article is sparse. It was hopeful when I read that the first superintendent did not use restraints. I am sure there are volumes of history there. It is ironic, because when I first looked at the photo, it felt nice with the cute white curtains in the middle. Welcoming. I can see why you have conflicted feelings.

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