Church services in Tarata were first held at the Tarata School in 1901. In 1902 Miss Hine donated a site on which to build a church. Two years later local residents were canvased for donations and a tender of 119 pound was accepted and the first church service was held on the 7th May 1904.
Established in 1904 as The Tarata Presbyterian Church and became the Tarata Community church in 1905.
Following World war one a stain glass window was installed by the Paterson family in memory of David Paterson who was the first person to enlist from Tarata. He was killed in Palestine on the 1st April 1918.
In 2001 the Presbyterian Church sold the building to the local community for the princely amount of $1.
The Tarata/Purangi Trust and the T.E.T contributed $8300 which covered the cost of recladding and painting the building. Many voluntary hours were put in planting trees and shrubs in the church grounds.
At the time of placing the cache, scaffolding surrounds the church and a new roof has been put on and preparation is being made to replace some exterior cladding.
At the entrance to the grounds is a notice board which was made and erected by Donald Waite to mark the church’s 100 years.
The Church is open for viewing and is also available for Weddings, Christenings and funerals for a small charge. You will find these details in the church foyer.
Take a peck over the fence at ‘The Croft’ which in time will have wonderful gardens.