St John the Evangelist Church
This Feilding church was the first major work of well known NZ architect Frederick de Jersey Clere (1856-1952). It is also the earliest remaining example of his work.
Feilding was founded in 1874. Land had always been set aside for a church, but until it was completed services had to be held in the Manchester St School building, then later the Immigration Barracks in Beattie St. Cere was comissioned to design an Anglican church to the value of £600 and for a congregation of 350. Apart from the spire, it took four months to build and was officially consecrated in 1882.
Clere’s design reflects the trends in church design of his era, but also development of his own architectural style. It is based on the shape of the cross and uses narrow windows and pointed arches, as in Gothic style. At the western end of the church, Clere included an 18 m high bell tower, with a barrel vaulted roof. This was a design he developed as an apprentice in London. Native timber was used throughout and St Johns stands as a fine example of a simple, economical but elegant Victorian Gothic design in a NZ setting.
Less than a year after the completion of the Feilding Church, Clere became chief architect for the Wellington Anglican Diocese. He designed over 100 more churches and is highly regarded for his success in marrying European architectural styles to New Zealand conditions.
The inside of the church is very beautiful. It has carved reredos with emblems made of oak that was acquired from the Dunblane Cathedral in Scotland (thirteenth century) during its 1889 renovations. Also the 'Lawton Organ' (1922), is one of only a few of these top quality instruments remaining in the world. The Church of St John the Evangelist has strong spiritual significance as an enduring place of worship in Feilding. Please refer to related web page for pictures of the interior or information on church services.
Take a stroll around the outside of the church to gather info for the cache co-ordinates .
A = How many circular windows are in the church?
B = The number of seats for contemplation all together - the number with inlaid stones on them.
C = The number of planter boxes shaped like a cross.
Count the no. of letters in G.D's first name, then last name ( hint: seat)
D = The number missing to make a sequence.
E = The no. of churches shown onsite being in the Oroua Parish family (+1 b/c God loves you)
F = The number of iron decorations on top of the bell tower.
Cache is at: 40 13. ABC 175 33. DEF
Check sum = 26
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