More than 50 history enthusiasts have been walked down Wakefield’s memory lane as part of a tour of the area’s historic churches.
The tour, organised by the Waimea South Historical Society, showcased the area’s rich heritage as one of New Zealand’s earliest settled regions, featuring the nation’s oldest church and school.
It took participants to five different sites, such as Pitfure House, a charming settler’s home built in 1876. Margaret Clark from the Waimea South Historical Society emphasises the day’s theme of understanding the historical value of the buildings and their ongoing contribution to the community.
“It was a great day, all about recognising the importance these structures have played in our past, especially with half of them still functioning today,” she notes.
Participants engaged in informative talks at each location and a connection between the past and present was felt at Pitfure House with its large, old, quaint garden overlooking what was once farmland before the establishment of the township. The tour also sparked discussions about a recently-demolished Brethren church, underscoring the importance of preserving such historic sites.
“When we see buildings that have been restored and modernised, we understand what is possible,” Margaret explains. “We can learn so much from the past and apply those principles to the future, therefore we must look after these buildings and make them work in today’s society while preserving our heritage.”
One of the Waimea South Historical Society’s aims was to gather stories and insights from attendees to be researched alongside historic documents to compile factual stories into a book.
“So, the truth can be preserved and written down so not lost for the future,” Margaret adds.
The society hopes that the tour inspires attendees to further explore Wakefield’s churches and graveyards in the coming weeks.
