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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.

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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.
25 August 2022 at 16:56
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
25 August 2022 at 21:10
Tom said…
...it looks so modern.
26 August 2022 at 00:19
Tom said…
...it looks so modern.
26 August 2022 at 00:20
Billy Blue Eyes said…
Pretty church in a nice settin
26 August 2022 at 08:37
Yogi♪♪♪ said…
It does look a little institutional. Glad it is repurposed to something better.
26 August 2022 at 09:12
William Kendall said…
Very common with churches of that period here.
26 August 2022 at 12:14
Pisi Prkl said…
I like the architecture and photography on this one.
26 August 2022 at 13:01
Jim said…
Great style.
26 August 2022 at 19:15
Jocelyn said…
It is a very pretty building.
27 August 2022 at 02:05
Spare Parts and Pics said…
I clicked on the link. Seaview Asylum has a long and interesting history.
27 August 2022 at 04:46
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.
27 August 2022 at 06:31
Photo Cache said…
I would not have guessed this was a church.

Worth a Thousand Words
28 August 2022 at 12:04
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.
29 August 2022 at 11:47
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