St John’s Anglican Church in Wakefield celebrated its 175th anniversary with a bang – including the Bishop of Nelson firing an antique cannon to mark the occasion. READ MORE:* Car crashes through Wakefield cemetery* The South Island's oldest church, and the woman who calls it her second home* Invercargill church building to become a modern learning centreAs well as being the oldest church built in the South Island, it is also considered to be the oldest parish church in continuous use in New Zealand. Andy MacDonald/Stuff Bishop of Nelson Steve Maina (left) lights a historic cannon as part of the St John’s church 175th anniversary celebrations. In his speech at the official pōwhiri, Bishop Maina said the values of faith, family and fortitude had been the key to the survival and success of the church since the 1840s. Andy MacDonald/Stuff Bishop Steve Maina and Reverend Don Moses arrive at St John's after leading the re-enactment walk from Spring Grove.

Source: Stuff October 09, 2021 22:30 UTC