Historic building given new life Historic building given new life
The former Kakanui Presbyterian church, a modest Carpenter Gothic building designed by renowned Scottish-born Dunedin architect Robert Arthur Lawson, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Once the spiritual heart of Kakanui, the timber church had weathered decades of change before its final service in November 2019.
Designed to seat 100 worshippers, the church was constructed in just three months during a period of ambitious development. Hopes were high that the newly built port would turn the coastal settlement into a major export hub. While those dreams faded, the church remained a part of the community's life for nearly 150 years.
When Michael Simpson and Anna Miles first saw the church listed for sale, it was the building's historical and architectural significance that drew them in.
"We like that it's Robert Lawson's smallest, most modest surviving building," Mr Simpson said.
Mr Simpson, a carpenter with heritage expertise, and Ms Miles, equally hands-on, saw the church as more than just a building.
"We never had a particular plan except to restore it. There was no timeframe, no budget — and that's why it's been such a pleasure," Mr Simpson said.
Since buying the property in 2019, the couple have steadily restored the structure, replacing sub-floor bearing joists, corner studs and weatherboards, improving drainage, restoring windows and repainting the interior. Their restoration has extended to the church's outbuildings — including the bible class hall added in 1933, two small buildings acquired in 1955 for the growing Sunday School and even a Brownies den.
Ms Miles said the emotional connections uncovered during the restoration had made the project even more meaningful.
"The more we've got to know the building, the more we've realised it's a special space that means a lot to a lot of other people.
"We see ourselves as stewards of the building."
Keeping the church's doors open has become part of the couple's philosophy. Visitors frequently drop in to share stories and memories or simply admire the restored space.
Since 2019, the church has hosted weddings, musical performances, art exhibitions and carol services.
Mr Simpson said it did not need to be a commercial space.
"But we've realised it should have a life of its own and a reason to exist. We get quite emotional seeing all the life in the building."
Now a listed category 1 historic place with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, the church has received official recognition of its architectural and social significance.
— APL
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