Have you ever wondered about the story behind St. Phillip’s Anglican Church? This church stands as a testament to faith and community spirit. Its history is a journey of dedication and perseverance. The story of St. Phillip’s Anglican Church begins long before its physical structure. Early Anglican activities in Stokes Valley were linked to Christ Church, Taita. Services were held in the old Taita Church. Settlers from Stokes Valley attended these services.
In the early 1930s Reverend A.L. Hansell celebrated Holy Communion. It took place at the residence of Mr and Mrs P. Cording. Later Reverend H.E.K. Fry continued these services. In 1950 Taita and Stokes Valley formed a Parochial District. Reverend W.R. Cunliffe became the vicar.
A Stokes Valley Committee was formed. Its members included Ian and Elaine Corbett. Also Evelyn Palmer, George Birchall, Jim Evans and Beryl Taylor were on the committee. A request was made to move the old Taita Church to Stokes Valley. However, there was strong opposition. One man famously said, “If the people of Stokes Valley want a Church, let them take off their shirts and build their own church”.
In 1951 seven people attended the Annual Meeting. They formed a committee and accepted the challenge to build a new Anglican Church in Stokes Valley. In 1949 Mr Bogle started subdividing land. He cooperated with Mr. A. Holloway. The Anglican Church purchased three sections from Mr Bogle in 1950. They also acquired the Rawhiti Street section.
In September 1952 the corner section was purchased from Mr Pepper. This formed the site for St. Phillip’s Anglican Church. Prior to this, Edward Earle gifted a section for a vicarage. In 1951 the Boys Home Hall was used for local services.
In 1952 Stokes Valley formed a sub-district. Ian Corbett became the Vicar’s Warden. Ned Ricketts became the People’s Warden. Elaine Corbett was the secretary. Dick Roberts served as treasurer. Plans for the church were prepared by James T. Craig. The design was based on a church in a lawn cemetery in the USA. The Bishop approved the plans. He requested the name be either St. Stephen’s or St. Philip’s. The Vestry chose St. Philip’s.
Work began in late 1952. It involved six years of devotion and self-sacrifice. The church was built on a voluntary basis. Funds at the start totaled only 40 pounds. The Foundation Stone was laid on March 21, 1953. It was brought from St. Paul’s, London. The stone was a piece of marble shattered by bombing during World War II. The church was built in reinforced concrete faced with river stones. Parishioners collected stones from around New Zealand. Mrs. L.P. Feary donated a piece of Kawa Kawa Greenstone.
In 1954 Reverend Cunliffe moved to Taihape. Reverend J.B. Arlidge became the new vicar. Three years later Reverend A.W. Sutton succeeded him. During construction, special services were held within the partially completed walls.
Donations were received from various sources. One Wellington lady gave 500 pounds. The Diocese donated land and 2400 dollars. In early 1958 tenders were let for the roof. The vestry purchased an Army Hut from Trentham. It was re-erected as a Church Hall and Sunday School. On December 13, 1958 Bishop E.J. Rich dedicated St. Phillip’s Anglican Church. The bell in the bell tower was given by St. Peter’s Church Palmerston North.
In 1963 the Stokes Valley Vestry planned to become a separate parish. Approval was granted. On October 11, 1964 Stokes Valley became a Parochial District. Reverend R.H. Smith became its first resident Vicar.
Today St. Phillip’s Anglican Church continues to be a vibrant community. Regular Sunday Services are held. St. Philip’s stands as a symbol of faith. It is a testament to the power of community. Remember the dedication and hard work that built this sacred place.