Impression of Churches in NZ

As we traveled around NZ from the North Island to South Island, we noticed that there are significant numbers of church buildings built in very strategic locations. Many are literally in the town centers. This is understandable once we get to know a bit of the history of the founding of NZ. NZ is a nation founded by immigrants from the UK. They brought along their faith and set up churches. Three denominations are distinctly noticeable: the Anglicans, the Roman Catholics and the Presbyterians.

The First Church of Otago in Dunedin is a Church I planned to visit and which I did. The second Church is a historical small church in Franz Josef called Our Lord The Alps Catholic Church. Unfortunately, I did not manage to see it. After we checked out from the Motel in Franz Josef on 24 February, it slipped my mind that I was supposed to visit this little church before we moved on towards Lake Wanaka. By the time I did remember, we were way too far ahead to return.

I was quite surprised to see so many churches of exquisite and magnificent design and architecture in this part of the world. I can only surmise that since the ancient of time, adherents of a religious faith would pool great resources and seek out the best of talents to build their places of worship.

Said a prayer in The First Church of Otago, Dunedin, NZ.

Said a prayer in The Knox Church, Dunedin, NZ.

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On the Sunday morning of 6 March, we attended the International Service of St. Andrews First Presbyterian Church in Auckland. This Church was recommended by Desiree after we told her we liked to attend a Sunday service in very traditional setting. It has been such a very long time since I last attended a worship service that sang hymns throughout. In that particular Church, a pipe organ was the sole music instrument for accompaniment. This was a far different atmosphere from the all-stand throughout of the Praise and Worship format many are used to today.

I could sense NZ churches are also changing to cope with the change in the demography in NZ churches. The introduction of International Service and other non-English speaking services (such as Indonesian Service) into the Sunday services are ways to cope with the decline in attendance by the local New Zealanders.

Attended the Sunday International Service
on 6 March 2016 in St. Andrews First
Presbyterian Church, Auckland, NZ

 

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St. Luke Anglican Church, Oamaru, NZ.

Oamaru is a town we passed through on our way to Lake Tekapo after leaving Dunedin. We were surprised to see a medium size seaside town with so many magnificent buildings. The St. Luke Anglican Church is just one of the many stunning buildings we saw in this town. Unfortunately, we did not have enough time to go inside and have a closer look of the interior.

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Tokomairiro Community Church, Milton, NZ.

Then on our way to Dunedin from Te Anau, we stopped at a little town called Milton and saw this magnificent grand church building in the middle of the town. I could imagine that at one time in this town, people professing the Christian faith made up the bulk of the community. This church building is a good indication of the impact and contribution of Christians to the local community.

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The red colour appearance of St. Luke's Union Church  is equally strategic and prominent as we set foot onto the town centre of Masterton.

St. Luke's Union Church, Masterton.

Lake Presbyterian Church, Te Anau, NZ.

St. Paul Anglican Church, Murchison, NZ.

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Since I was not able to capture a photo of "Our Lord The Alps Catholic Church" in Franz Josef, I have reproduced a photo of this Church from www.alamy.com.