Rebuilding a Sacred Space for Community and Growth
After years of dreaming, planning, and building, a joyful congregation gathered last weekend in Wairarapa to witness the consecration of a new worship and community space for St John’s church in Featherston.
The new church centre marks a fresh chapter in the life of a rural faith community determined to grow, serve, and flourish.
The new church, replacing an ageing and earthquake-prone 1960s building, was consecrated by Bishop Justin Duckworth of Wellington in a joyful service attended by 135 people. For the local community, the moment was far more than a building project milestone; it was the culmination of a long journey of faith, resilience, and a shared vision for a sacred space that welcomes all.
“This is a place where worship and community meet,” said Bishop Justin. “It’s not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about building a sanctuary for hope, healing, and the flourishing of God’s people, now and into the future.”
From Earthquake Risk to New Vision
The former church building, constructed in the early 1960s, was found to have major structural issues and was deemed earthquake-prone. After careful discernment, the parish made the difficult decision to demolish the building in 2018. Repair costs were too high, and the layout no longer reflected the needs or identity of a growing and outward-facing church community.
In the meantime, services and children’s ministry continued in the adjacent church hall, a modest 75-square-metre space that became increasingly cramped as the congregation grew to include 30 adults and 30 children each week. It was a tight squeeze that reflected the and it was clear that a new, fit-for-purpose space was needed.
“The challenge wasn’t just about replacing an old building,” said project lead Nick Young. “It was about imagining what kind of church we needed for the future, a place that holds the sacred but also opens itself up to the wider community.”
Built for Worship and Wider Purpose
Construction on the new church began in March of last year, using a Kiwi Span Wairarapa structure more commonly seen in rural barns and agricultural settings. For the team, this rustic and practical design offered both affordability and symbolism.
“If it was good enough for Jesus to be born in a rural barn, it’s good enough for us to worship in one,” Nick said with a smile.
Maple Build’s Zac Prestige, a local parishioner, helped with construction alongside a host of local tradespeople, plumbers, electricians, site workers, and drainlayers, all contributing to a space that now stands proudly as a centre of spiritual and communal life.
The design is contemporary and multi-purpose: a warm, dry, easy-to-maintain building that holds sacred space while serving wider needs such as weddings, funerals, community events, and more.
Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future
One of the most moving elements of the rebuild was the thoughtful incorporation of taonga from the old church into the new space. The altar, lectern, and baptistry have all been lovingly restored and repurposed. Salvaged stained glass windows from the former building are set to be integrated into the new space as a future project that blends heritage with renewal.
Even the old hall has found new life; it’s now a residential dwelling, providing much-needed accommodation in the region.
“To be involved in creating a sacred space for our community—a place of worship, prayer, and transformation—is an incredible privilege,” says Nick.
Along the way, the project was supported by enthusiastic working bees, generous fundraising, and a community of faith that rallied around a shared dream. Much of the funding came from historic parish investments, alongside parish and community fundraising and the careful stewardship of tagged funds by the Diocesan Board.
The design team and contractors regularly went the extra mile, reworking plans and materials to get the best possible outcome within a tight budget. The result? A building that not only functions beautifully but feels alive with purpose and presence.
A Space That Belongs to All
Bishop Justin described the consecration service as “joy-filled and deeply significant.”
“We’re not just opening a building,” he said. “We’re opening a door, to welcome the neighbourhood, to embody the Gospel, and to invite people into a community of love, service, and transformation.”
The new church will host a community open day next week, inviting locals to explore the space, learn about its journey, and consider how it might be used by the wider region.
From a small church hall bursting at the seams to a new sanctuary built by and for the community, this rural parish has embodied the very heart of the Church: a people called together to worship, serve, and be present in the neighbourhood.
Priest in Charge, Reverend Pete Hull, and Priest Assistant Reverend Philippa Young said, “We built this for the glory of God and the good of our people. And now, we get to grow into it.”
