Film - St Mary of the Angels

Have you ever wondered what is involved in earthquake strengthening an historic building like Rotorua Museum? Join the Friends of Rotorua Museum and experience the rebuild of St Mary of the Angels in this unique documentary.

Look through the eyes of architects, builders and craftsmen as they carry out the work of strengthening the historical Wellington church.

The film will be shown on two dates and will be free for Friends of Rotorua Museum members. A koha is appreciated from non-members who wish to attend.

St Mary of the Angels Church was originally established in 1843. Over 30 years the Church was enlarged several times. In 1873, plans were drawn up for a much larger and more imposing edifice to meet the needs of the growing Parish. Unfortunately fire destroyed the Church on 28 May 1918.

The new French Gothic Church was designed by Frederick de Jersey Clere who had won much respect in recent years for the in excess of 100 churches he designed. The new Church was opened on 26 March 1922 by Archbishop Redwood SM.

Several periods of restoration and strengthening has taken place since the 1950s have seen St Mary of the Angels as the world’s first neo-Gothic church built using reinforced concrete construction. The Church has significant architectural merit, ratified in part by the Category I classification bestowed by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust [NZHPT], the very same classification as the Bath House Building, home to Rotorua Museum.

For further information please contact Julie Parsons, phone 07 351 7823 or email Julie.parsons@rotorualc.nz