This is the third in a series of caches designed around the theme
that caches can be more than just a specific sized container. The
urban series uses things that you would normally find in an urban
setting. Their concealment is based on the simple principle that if
its not out of place its not normally noticed and is therefore the
ultimate subterfuge and needs little or no further camouflage. The
simple rules of caching prevail “Expect the Unexpected” and “Assume
Nothing”.
In some cases certain “tools” will be handy so if you don’t
already have these in your caching bag I suggest you carry the
following when attempting caches in this series:
- Tweezers, small screwdriver, mirror, torch and of course a
pen.
Not all caches need these tools but some do so be prepared.
** Please replace the cache EXACTLY as
you found it **
The cache contains a logsheet only so please bring your own
pen.
The cache is in the church yard of Christ Church Taita the oldest
church in the Wellington region and one of the oldest in its
original condition in New Zealand. It's also thought to be the
oldest complete building in Wellington. Christ Church was built by
pioneer families and held its first service on 1 January 1854.
In 1853, Taita had just over 30 households. Many of these
pioneer families are buried in the churchyard. Their names - Avery,
Boulcott, Buck, Daysh, Harris, Hooper, Hirst, Kemble, Mabey, Peck,
Percy, Riddler, Welch and Matangi (the son of a signatory to the
Treaty of Waitangi) are still well known in the Hutt Valley.
In 1948, a new train line through the valley to the Wairarapa
cut the Church off from the rapidly growing community, and the
Anglican Church decided to move the church to Stokes Valley. This
caused an outcry and a public meeting in 1950 voted to leave the
Church on its original site. The Preservation Society was formed
and has since taken responsibility for the care and maintenance of
the church and its graveyard.
The significance of Christ Church far exceeds its age, it was
the catalyst for Parliament deciding to pass the Historic Places
Act (1954) and the later formation of the Historic Places Trust.
This was the first time New Zealanders had lobbied to save an
historic building. The Church and graveyard are now both a memorial
to the faith and determination of the settler families and local
Maori and to the vision of those who have worked for its
preservation.
Christ Church is still a consecrated church and is frequently
used for, weddings, baptisms and funerals, in addition to special
services arranged by the Preservation Society. The church was
internally damaged by fire in 1989 and subsequently restored to its
original specifications. The cost was met by insurance and
extensive fundraising carried out by the Preservation Society.
Christ Church holds a New Zealand Historic Places Trust category 1
registration, and the Church and graveyard are frequently visited
by descendants of those buried there and by visitors from all
around New Zealand and overseas. Please treat this area with
respect.
Placed by a member of
The
Kiwicaching Association of NZ