St James Church, Franz Josef facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St James Church |
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St James Church in 2020
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| 43°23′27″S 170°10′52″E / 43.39083°S 170.18111°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| History | |
| Status | Church |
| Founded | February 1931 |
| Founder(s) | Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe |
| Dedication |
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| Consecrated | 26 April 1931 by Bishop West-Watson |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) |
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| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Tudor Revival Selwynesque |
| Construction cost | NZ£1,400 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 100 people |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Ross and South Westland |
| Diocese | Christchurch |
| Province | Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia |
St James Church is a special Anglican church in Franz Josef, New Zealand. It is located on the West Coast of the South Island. This church was built in 1931 and is known for its unique style. It has clear glass windows that offer amazing views.
From the altar, you can see the Waiho Gorge. When the church was first built, you could also see the Franz Josef Glacier. This beautiful view was even shown on a special stamp in 1946. However, the glacier has moved back over the years.
Contents
How the Church Was Planned
The idea for a church in Franz Josef started in 1925. A vicar named Reverend James R. Young suggested building it from river stones. A piece of land was given by Peter and Alec Graham. They were famous climbing guides in the area.
Early plans for the church were too expensive. There were only nine Anglican families living there at the time. Later, in 1927, another church leader suggested a wooden church. This church would have views of the Waiho River and the Franz Josef Glacier. New plans were then drawn up by James S. Turnbull and Percy Watts Rule in 1928.
Building the Church
Work on the church site began in March 1930. The building contract was given to Bullock and Stewart in 1931. The first stone for the church was laid by the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe. This happened in February 1931. The church cost about £1000 to £1400 to build.
The church was officially opened on April 26, 1931. Bishop West-Watson led the ceremony. Reverend James R. Young, who first suggested the church, was also there. The church was named St James, partly to honor James Young for his hard work.
The church has a special "Tudor" style. Its walls are made of wood boards and battens. The roof is made of corrugated iron. It also has a bell tower that looks like a castle. The church has a unique look with dark brown paint. This paint highlights the wooden parts and roof beams.
Instead of colorful stained glass, the church has three clear glass windows. These windows look out over the Waiho River. When the church was new, you could see the Franz Josef Glacier from these windows. By 1953, the glacier had moved too far back to be seen. For a while, from 1985 to 2006, the glacier grew again. By 1997, it was visible through the altar window once more. But it has since moved back again.
Interesting Facts and History
St James Church inspired another famous church in New Zealand. The Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo also has clear glass windows. These windows offer a view of the lake, just like St James Church.
The church became famous across New Zealand in 1946. Its view of the mountains from the altar was featured on a special stamp. This stamp was called A Spirit of Thankfulness. It was released to celebrate the end of World War Two.
In 1990, St James Church was recognized as a very important building. It was listed as a Category I structure by Heritage New Zealand. This means it is a place of great historical value. People admire how well the church fits into its natural surroundings. They also love the clear glass windows behind the altar.
In December 1995, there was a very heavy rainstorm. About 750 millimeters of rain fell in three days. This caused the Waiho River to flood. The river bank was washed away, coming very close to the church. To protect the church from future floods, special work was done in 1996. This work cost $300,000 and helped keep the church safe.
Images for kids
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Foundation stone
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View in 1998 through the central apsidal window of St James Church, looking across the Waiho River with Franz Josef Glacier visible beyond
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Approach down the path
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Interior
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Exterior showing altar cross
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The rise of the Waiho River between 1936 and 2018 can be seen in these two photos of St James Church
