Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of the Good Shepherd |
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Church of the Good Shepherd with Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps as a backdrop
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| 44°00′12″S 170°28′57″E / 44.00333°S 170.48250°E | |
| Location | Pioneer Drive, Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie District |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Denomination | Interdenominational |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Consecrated | 3 August 1935 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) | Richard Strachan De Renzy Harman |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Concrete faced with stones |
The Church of the Good Shepherd is a famous little church located right by the beautiful Lake Tekapo in the South Island of New Zealand. It's a special place used by different Christian groups. This church was built in 1935 to remember the first people who settled in the area. It's one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand because of its amazing views. It's also recognized as an important historical building by Heritage New Zealand.
Why Was the Church Built?
In 1933, a vicar named Walter Ernest Detheridge Davies realized that the Mackenzie Basin area needed its own church. He suggested this idea to the local people. Davies also had a cool idea for the church: he wanted a big window so people inside could see the stunning lake view. This idea was inspired by another church, St James Church, Franz Josef, which had a similar design.
Local farmers and landowners loved the idea. They thought building a church would be a great way to honor their ancestors who were pioneers in the area. The land for the church was generously given by the owners of Braemar Station, a large farm near Lake Tekapo. They gave enough land to make sure the church would always have its own peaceful space.
A local artist named Esther Hope drew some first sketches for the church's design. Then, an architect from Christchurch, Richard Strachan De Renzy Harman, used her drawings to create the final plans in 1933 and 1934.
Building the Church
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The first stone for the church was laid on January 16, 1935, by Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, a member of the British Royal Family. The local bishop and vicar Davies were also there.
The building team wanted the church to look like it belonged in the natural environment. They decided to leave the plants around the church as they were, keeping the native look. The church walls were covered with local stones, and they even left the natural moss (lichen) on the stones to make it blend in even more. The main structure of the church was made from concrete, with the stones added on the outside.
Fred Trott won the job to build the church, but the actual work was done by Les Loomes and Doug Rodman. A stonemason from Christchurch, Jack Miller, did all the beautiful stonework. The roof was covered with special wooden tiles called shingles.
A bell was donated to the church by the Barker and Sealy families. It was given in memory of Audrey Barker, who passed away in 1935 at age 21, and her grandfather, Edward Sealy. Edward Sealy was famous for exploring many glaciers in the area back in the 1860s. The bell was made in Christchurch. The church was officially opened and blessed on August 3, 1935.
Even before the church was completely finished, a newspaper in Christchurch, The Press, wrote about it:
The whole effect of the little church is striking and has won the admiration of all who have seen it.
—The Press staff writer, 26 July 1935 article
Church History
Doug Rodman, one of the builders, was the first person to get married in the new church! He married Peggy Trott on December 14, 1935.
The original wooden roof tiles didn't last very long in the harsh weather of the Mackenzie Basin. So, in 1957, the roof was replaced with stronger slate tiles.
On September 5, 1985, the Church of the Good Shepherd was officially recognized as a Category I historic building by Heritage New Zealand. This means it's considered a place of great historical importance.
The church is one of the most photographed places in New Zealand. However, taking photos inside the church is no longer allowed. This rule was put in place because too many tourists were interrupting church services.
In late 2017, a fence was put around the church grounds. This was done to protect the area from damage and to stop tourists from bothering staff and services. Visitors can still access the church grounds during the daytime.
As of 2018, the local vicar (the priest) estimated that about 600,000 people visit the church every year!
