Old New Zealand History.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 16 March 1910, Page 3

Old New Zealand History.

An Auckland correspondent states that great interest is being taken in the Bay of Plenty district in a project for the rebuildir of St. Stephen's Church, Opotiki, otherwise known as " Vollcner's Church," built in 1802 by the Rev. Carl Sylvius Yolkner. of the Church Missionary Society. It was an important centre of missionary -activity. Mr Yolkner 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 18Co, in consequence of the Maori war troubles, Mr Yolkner took the precaution of taking his wife to Auckland, but returned immediately to bis post, hopin- that his influence might bring about a condition of quietude in the-settle-ment. When he reached Opotiki, however, it was to find the place in the possession of Kereopa, the notorious rebel, who had arrived from Taranaki with a large following. Mr Yolkner was powerless to stem the tide of rebellion in the district, and was seized, and by Kereopa's orders put to death, the details of his martyrdom causing a thrill of horror through the country. After hanging him on a tree, the body was taken clown 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 tho body were secured bv friendly Natives, and were buried in the churchyurd at the east of the building. On the arrival of the expedition under the conm;:-)) 1 (f Major Brassey, st'it by the Government to avenge the murder of Mr Yolkner. the church was taken and garrisoned, a redoubt w.'.s buil.. and tin 1 church was loopholed for guns. During Te Ivooti's raids it was the place of refuge for the isolated families through the district. When peace was again established, and as the country became more populated the Government handed over the church to the settlers for divine worship. It was then consecrated hv Bishop W. Williams, first Rishop of Waiapn, and called the Church of St. Stephen the Martyr. The building has 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 he snared demolition. Expert opinion has he:<i obtained and a satisfactory report given. The timber for the most part is excellently preserved, and the matter of restoration is finite possible. It has been decided, therefore, to proceed with the work, and to add to the present building a chancel to the memory of the Rev. C. S. Yolkner. missionary and martyr. This chancel will .enclose the- grave, the position of which will then be immediately before the altar, and a memorial tablet will be inserted over the spot where the martyr's remains aro interred.