VOLKNER'S CHURCH.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 766, 15 March 1910, Page 6

VOLKNER'S CHURCH.

—> — ■ A NEW ZEALAND MARTYR AND MISSION AEY. 1 ." (By Telegraph.—Special Corresponded.* Auckland, March 12. ■■ Great'interest is being takem in the Bay of Plenty district in a project for tho rebuilding of St. Stephen's Church, Opotiki, otherwise known. as "Volkner's Church," built in 1802 by the Rev. Carl Sylvius .Volkner, of. the; Church Missionary Society. It was an important centre of missionary activity. Mr. Volkner personally ( worked at the' erection of the building, aided by his Natives, the timber having been pit-sawn in the adjacent bush. At the beginning of 1865, in consequence of the Maori war troubles, Mr. Volkner took the precaution: of taking his wife to Auckland, but returned immediately to his post, hoping thai his influence might bring about a oondition of quietude in the settlement. When he reached Opotiki, however, it was to find the place m the possession of Kereopa, the notorious rebel, who : had arrived from Taranaki with a large following. Mr. Volkner was' powerless to stem the tide of rebellion in the district, and was seized, and by Kereopa's orders put to deajth, the details of his martyrdom causing a thrill of horror through the country., After hanging ' him on a tree, the body was taken down by the fanatical mob to the church, where it was horribly mutilated. The blood-stains are still plainly visible after, fifty years. Subsequently the fragments of the: body were secured by friendly 'Natives, and were buried in the, churchyard at; the' east of ..the building. On the arrival of the ■ expedition under the command of Major Brassey, sent by the 'Government to avenge the murder of Mr. Volkner, the church was takem and gaiTisoned, a redoubt was built, the church was loopholed for guns. During Te Kooti's raids it was the place of range for the isolated families through 'the district. When peace. was again established, and as tho country became more populated, the Government handed over the church to the settlers for divine worehip. It was then consecrated by Bishop W. Williams, first Bishop of Waiapu, and. called the Church of' St. Stephen the Martyr. The building lias now fallen into a condition of disrepair, but on all sides the wish is expressed that if restoration be. at all possible this historic building with its valuable associations should be spared demolition. Expert opinion has been obtained and a satisfactory report given. The timber for the most .part is excellently preserved, and the matter of 'restoration is quite possible. It has been decided, therefore, to proceed with the work, and to, lidd 'to the present building a chancel to the memory of -the R-ev. C. S. Volkner, missionary and martyr. This chancel will enclose the grave, the position of which mil then be immediately before the altar, and a memorial tablet -will be inserted over the spot where the martyr's remains are interred.