Church moves in mysterious ways

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Already a part of Mangawhai’s history through beginning its life as a school, the much loved Anglican Chapel of Christ the King began life in Mangawhai in 1885 but was left behind when the school moved to its present site in Insley St.

Its status advanced to that of a church when purchased and refurbished by the Anglicans of the district. Typical of early community buildings in a small settlement it served school children and then worshippers from a wide area.

Though work in the area of religion is seldom, if ever, finished, the building itself has served an honourable purpose through the years but has now been superceded by a younger, more modern and more spacious counterpart. Nonetheless it is destined for another honourable calling – the old church was recently transported with due reverence to another place of safety.

Currently resting, surrounded by bush and nestled close to the new Mangawhai Museum, the building will no doubt retain its historical significance while becoming an integral part of the Mangawhai Art Centre.

This latest move was a little more than two kilometres but the old lady took the journey carefully in her stride and after a little rest and renovation, by next summer it is expected she will rise again to continue her life of valuable community service within a planned historic village.

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NEW CALLING: The old Anglican chapel heads to a new home and new calling.