The Church - Restoration and Purpose
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Lynn Lawton and Linda Blincko of Devonport, believe in and have a track record of creating spaces and initiatives that nurture and support the creative arts, and firmly believe in the capacity of the arts to invigorate us all, as individuals and communities. When the church came on the market in 2017 they really wanted to make sure that it stayed with the community, and thought that it would be a beautiful building for an artist’s residency. "Our plans for restoration and ongoing use have considered the importance and value of its history for the community and protecting the spirit of the many hundreds of worshippers it has welcomed over its long history. In discussing Māori heritage values our most vivid impression of the church is that it is immersed in wairua; as a whare karakia, attended by a congregation of Māori and Pākehā with services delivered in both te reo Māori and English, it embodies and symbolises a respectful co-existence throughout its history."
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The church has been restored to as-close-to-original as possible, while the annex, which was added in 1922 has been converted into a modest artist’s residence, with a mezzanine floor for a sleeping area and a small bathroom and kitchen added on the ground floor. “We didn’t want to compromise the integrity of the church itself, which has been maintained as it originally was,” says Linda. It is envisioned that resident artists will use the original church area as a studio, exhibition space, or possibly a performance space.
It has been an honour to support the community of Rawene by giving a new and productive life to this valued historic building. The church on the crest of the hill as you enter the township, is now an admirable iconic gateway to Rawene. |
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