The Church On The Hill

Te Ao Hou, June 1963, Page 21

The Church On The Hill by Sara Metge ‘The faith which raised the Church at Whatuwhiwhi is surely a pledge and promise of still greater things to come. We thank God and take courage.’ So spoke the Primate of New Zealand. At the northern end of Doubtless Bay is the Rangiawhia Peninsula, where some twenty Maori families have lived in a very close-knit community for many generations. Until the last few years very few pakehas visited there, as the peninsula was accessible only by beach road or by sea. Those who did come returned year after year, as friends coming home. But, on one great occasion a truly august company travelled as far as beautiful, lonely Merita Bay, three miles beyond the end of Tokerau Beach. This was May 2, 1946, when all Saints Church was consecrated by the Primate and Archbishop of New Zealand, who was at that date the Most Rev. Campbell West-Watson. With him were the Bishops of Auckland and Aotearoa, the Chancellor, the Archdeacon and numerous other clergy and laymen interested in the church and its people. For weeks beforehand, everyone had been busy with the preparations for the biggest hui ever held there. The grounds round the newly erected building were cleared and fenced, lawns and gardens were carefully laid out. The marquees were in place, the hangis prepared and lavish food stores accumulated. Even the smallest children were involved, working on their concert items, running messages, and getting in or out of someone's way. All was ready for the great day.