Historic Inglewood church prepares for its second century with help from NPDC heritage fund

When the people of Inglewood wanted to remember the men of their district who died in the First World War, they built a church and enshrined the names of the 138 fallen on an marble tablet on the wall.

More than a century on, the community is banding together again to preserve St Andrew’s Church on Rata Street, with some help from NPDC’s Built Heritage Protection Fund.

The Anglican church, which was completed in 1923, is a Schedule 1 protected building in NPDC’s Part Operative District Plan and is in need of a new roof and earthquake-strengthening to see it through another century.

The Taranaki Anglican Trust Board (TATB) is set to start the $4.2 million project with funding from residents and other donors, including $100,000 from the NPDC fund.

Graeme Sykes, Chair of the St Andrew’s Property and Admin Committee, said the church was still seeking about $1m for the work and pledges could be made at standrewsinglewood.org.nz.

“This is an important piece of our town’s history, both as a memorial and as a distinctive architectural landmark.  The parishioners at the time contributed to the construction of this church as a lasting memorial to those who gave their lives in the war, and now it’s fallen to us to carry on this work and preserve it as a reminder of the tragic cost of war,” said Mr Sykes.

“We’re very grateful to all the donors, including NPDC and the Lottery Environment and Heritage Fund, which has given $300,000.   NPDC’s Built Heritage Protection Fund made a signifciant commitment and shows our district is serious about preserving our history.”

The Built Heritage Protection Fund helps private property owners look after and preserve heritage buildings by funding work such as earthquake strengthening, repair or replacement of verandas or roofs, repiling, exterior cleaning and painting or specialist work like stonework.

“Heritage buildings are an important part of our historic legacy and they’re part of the identity of our communities. By funding their preservation we also support local jobs and businesses who do the work, helping to keep our district thriving and resilient and a place where people want to live, work and raise their families,” said NPDC District Planning Supervisor Lauren O’Byrne.

“As well as being symbolically significant, St Andrew’s was exceptionally well designed and constructed with high-quality building materials and a number of distinctive features such as its bell tower, and the round arch windows and mouldings. The Italian marble war memorial dedication stone adds to its value for present and future generations.“

Building owners can apply here for funding from the Built Heritage Protection Fund until 21 August.

AT A GLANCE

• In the past five years, grants over $20,000 have been given to these buildings: 
• White Hart Hotel, New Plymouth, $25,000;
• St Aubyn Chambers, New Plymouth, $50,000;
• ANZ Bank, New Plymouth, $25,000;
• King’s Building, New Plymouth $25,000;
• St Mary’s Vicarage, Urenui, $75,000;
• Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Inglewood, $25,000;
• Devonport Apartments, New Plymouth, $30,000;
• Fern Lodge, Inglewood. $30,000;
• Taranaki Cathedral of St Mary, New Plymouth, $150,000;
• Railway Hotel, Inglewood, $40,000.