Oratia Church

In 1867, Queen Victoria granted land to the Waikumete Parish settlers. This land would eventually become the site of the Oratia Church. The settlers used this land for religious and educational purposes. The first church building was erected in 1872. It was a small structure, built by a local preacher named George Gunson. He even crafted the heavy kauri pews himself. The materials for the building were generously donated by local settlers. The Oratia Church has a unique history of shared ownership. Anglicans, Methodists, and Presbyterians all used the building. A trust administered it. The first trustees were Kelly, Parr, and Cantwell. Later, in the 1950s, families like the Parkins, McMasters, Whittakers, Davidsons, and Allens became heavily involved with the trust. Before the Oratia School had its own building, classes were held in the Oratia Church three days a week. This arrangement continued until the school opened its first dedicated building in 1882. Imagine the teacher’s commute, walking all the way from Glen Eden Station! The church building underwent several expansions over the years. Two rooms were added to the back in 1922. Another two rooms were added to the front in 1956. Then, a significant change occurred in 1967. The original church building was carefully uplifted and moved. Its new location was right beside a brand-new church building. This new Oratia Church, designed by Russell Gash and Fred Whittaker, opened in 1968 completely debt-free. Albert Latham supervised the construction, aided by volunteers. The project cost $15,000. The original church building still stands. It now serves as a hall used by various community groups. This makes the original structure the oldest public building in the area. Today, Oratia Church continues to serve its community, located at the corner of West Coast and Parker Roads.