A simple timber church. That’s St Patrick’s Church in Makara. But its simplicity hides a rich history. This unassuming building is one of the oldest surviving churches in the Wellington region. It stands as a testament to the faith and resilience of early settlers.
St Patrick’s Church opened its doors in 1873. Before its construction families travelled long distances to attend Mass. They often gathered for worship in each other’s homes. The church’s construction was a significant event. It marked a turning point for the Catholic community in Makara. It provided a much-needed space for worship.
The building of St Patrick’s Church wasn’t easy. The journey to reach this isolated location was difficult. The terrain was rugged. The Makara-Karori road was notoriously rough. Reverend Father Cummins worked tirelessly to secure funding. He raised £350 for the land purchase. He then commissioned architect Charles Tringham to design the church. The construction itself cost an additional £3300 a significant sum at that time.
Imagine the excitement on September 7th 1873. Bishop Moran of Dunedin presided over the opening ceremony. Over 300 people attended this momentous occasion. A choir travelled from Thorndon. It was a truly special day for the Makara community. The church was Gothic in style. It could seat 150 people. It served as a place of worship for over a century.
For many years St Patrick’s Church was served by visiting clergy. It operated independently. Then in 1920 St Teresa’s Church in Karori opened. St Patrick’s became part of the Karori Parish in 1940. This ensured regular Mass could be held until the church closed in 1982. The dwindling congregation led to this sad decision. The parish committee considered demolition. But the local community intervened. They purchased the building saving it from destruction.
Today St Patrick’s Church stands as a community hub. It’s a testament to the past. It’s been carefully preserved. The original weatherboards were replaced. The building now has a new roof. It has been re-piled. Modern stained glass windows tell the story of Makara’s history. They are beautiful additions. They depict settlers and key events. The church is a treasure a lasting legacy of faith and community spirit. This small church continues to thrive. It stands as a powerful symbol of the past. It remains a vital part of Makara’s present.