Before you stands St Michael’s Church Taita a testament to faith resilience and community. This unassuming building in Lower Hutt holds a captivating history.
Initially a humble Catholic Men’s Hut from Trentham Military Camp it found a new home in Taita in 1947. Father Leo Daly a visionary priest secured 4.5 acres of land in 1945. This land now houses the church school and presbytery. Mass was first celebrated here in April 1948. Taita became its own parish in March 1952 under Father Joe Leahy’s guidance.
The arrival of the first Order of Presentation Sisters in New Zealand in January 1951 marked a significant moment. These five nuns Mother Xavier Sister Philomena Sister Asicus Sister Perpetua and Sister Pius began teaching the 56 children at St Michael’s school. They initially shared space with the church and hall. Parishioners moved desks in and out each weekend until a separate school was built in 1953.
Father Joe a beloved figure was instrumental in the parish’s growth. His leadership and the dedication of parishioners led to significant expansions by 1961. Tragically the church burned down on June 6 1963. Undeterred the community rebuilt it opening the new church on May 29 1966.
The following decades saw the parish flourish. The Presentation Sisters welcomed new members and orders. A vibrant cultural diversity emerged with the arrival of Samoan and Tokelauan communities. International missionaries from the Divine Word and St Vincent de Paul further enriched the parish’s character.
In 2008 Father Patrick McCullough became the parish priest. He guided the congregation with compassion and love. In February 2015 St Michael’s became part of Te Awakairangi Parish. This brought together several churches in the Hutt Valley creating one parish for the area. St Michael’s Church Taita continues to serve as a spiritual heart of the community. It’s a place of worship a center for learning and a symbol of unwavering faith.