Former church marching to new beat
An old church has been resurrected thanks to a little help from a group of local musicians.
St Christopher’s church and Seatoun Village Hall have been transformed into a vibrant community hub by young musicians, dancers, craft and exercise groups.
The Presbytery’s attempt to buy the buildings for their own use was met with much opposition from locals, and at the last moment patrons Sir Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh came to the rescue.
The couple paid $1.06 million in a move that saved the church and neighbouring hall from potential demolition.
One of the many groups now benefiting from their generosity is the young musicians from Wellington who get to work with professional musician Andreas Lepper.
Children at all levels of musicianship can attend afterschool jam sessions and are also encouraged to bring their own instruments to the improvised ‘‘get-togethers’’.
Lepper says his young clientele are ‘‘switched on’’ when it comes to music.
‘‘It is a very good concept at the end of week for anyone, whether they’re experienced, keen or courageous,’’ he says.
‘‘We have a whole room full of instruments: piano, organ, guitar, bass, trumpet and trombone – everything.
‘‘People think something good is going on in here – better than if was turned into a block of flats.’’
Lepper has worked with ‘‘a lot of special needs people, kids and adults, people with mental health issues, people with corporate issues’’.
Lepper, who immigrated to New Zealand from Germany 34 years ago, says St Christopher’s is ‘‘magical’’, and the community has welcomed the ‘‘much more open’’ use of the space, which has endless possibilities.
‘‘Peter and Fran’s intention was and is to preserve the building for future use as a communal centre for performance, music, art whatever can trigger some form of cohesion so to speak. People who live in Seatoun are proud of living there, doing things which create community rather than everyone living in separate bubbles.
‘‘Things are happening which put people into a communal realm – and we’re a part of that.’’
The details: Thursdays from 4.30-5.20 and 5.30-6.30 (for older kids and parents) at St Christopher’s, 27 Ventnor St, Seatoun. Admission by koha.