Much-loved Rangiora church officially farewelled

The church has remained closed since the Canterbury earthquake on February 22, 2011, after it did not meet the post-earthquake building codes.

Following many years of investigation, consultation and heritage assessment, and after receiving approval to proceed with demolition from the Catholic Bishop of Christchurch, the parish has said goodbye to the building that has served generations of Catholics and the wider Rangiora community.

The church was opened in 1886 and has stood as a significant local landmark for almost 140 years.

Before the farewell service on September 6, parish priest Fr Do Nguyen said the occasion would be an opportunity to remember the past and hope for the future.

“For many people, this church has been the setting for some of life’s most important moments, including baptisms, weddings, funerals and countless celebrations of faith,” he said.

“While saying goodbye to the building is understandably emotional, we are also taking time to give thanks for the generations of faith, family and community that have been nurtured here.”

According to the parish Facebook page, a final visit through St Mary and St Francis de Sales Church took place on August 30.

“It was a very special opportunity to step inside our much-loved church one final time to remember the celebrations, sacraments, people and countless moments of faith that have taken place within its walls.”

The farewell came at a time when the Catholic Parish of Waimakariri is growing, welcoming new families and converts, while both parish schools continue to grow, including ongoing roll expansion at St Joseph’s School, Rangiora.

Concept designs for a new Catholic church in Rangiora have already been developed and designed by local architect Dominic Hassan. The parish has also begun initial fundraising efforts.

FULL STORY

End of an era for Rangiora landmark (By Robyn Bristow/North Cantebury News/Otago Daily Times)

Facebook (St Peter Chanel Parish Waimakariri)