Takaka church restoration project progressing well

The steel strengthening work is now complete, and most of the interior scaffolding has been removed, giving a much clearer view of the church interior. The block sacristy addition has been demolished, revealing the original exterior church stone that had been hidden for many years.

The next stages of the restoration work include electrical wiring, new lighting and heating, interior painting, new carpets and restoration of the altar area and statues.

Fundraising has also reached the $50,000 mark. The goal is to raise $200,000.

As soon as engineers give the sign-off, an open day will be held, giving supporters and members of the community an opportunity to see the restoration work for themselves.

A special fundraising music recital is planned for Saturday, October 24 at 2pm, featuring Nelson’s Rōnaki Quartet.

The Sacred Heart Takaka Trust is organising seismic strengthening of the building and further works to make it usable. The trust will be responsible for ongoing management of the marble church and it use. As well as church services, it is envisaged that the church will be available at times for appropriate use by the local community.  

The church was consecrated on September 15, 1918 by Archbishop Thomas O’Shea, assisted by Frs Tymons and Kimbell.

It is built of Tākaka Valley marble. Tākaka’s Catholic community spent years raising funds before opening the church in 1918, exactly 50 years after the district’s first Catholic church welcomed worshippers.

FULL STORY

Sacred Heart Takaka restoration update (Archdiocese of Wellington/Facebook)

Church of the Sacred Heart Tākaka (Tasman Heritage)

History: Sacred Heart’s journey from fundraising to faith (Top South Now)

Facebook (Sacred Heart Marble Church Takaka)