Revamped church to house artist
"Hopefully, it’ll be a real celebration of the community and the Hokianga."
Linda Blincko
The 145-year-old Methodist church in Rawene will soon be transformed into an artist’s retreat, adding to the creative hub of the Hokianga.
Building owners Linda Blincko and Lynn Lawton, who own Depot Artspace in Devonport and No. 1 Parnell gallery in Rawene, are restoring the historic building in Parnell St.
The couple are keeping the original church building intact, and revamping the attached vestry into a self-contained residence so artists can stay for weeks at a time.
Although the Covid-19 lockdown has stalled work, the couple hope to have it finished by October.
“When we took over the building we didn’t want to change the church because it’s such a beautiful structure,” Blincko said.
“The visual artist, musician, performer or writer will have use of the vestry to sleep and live in and the church area as a big workshop.
“At end of that we hope they’ll be able to display the fruits of their residency.”
Blincko and Lawton bought the Wesleyan Church building in 2017 and have employed local builder JD Builders to undertake the work.
They have also had help from heritage architect Aranne Donald to ensure the integrity of the building is maintained.
“We’ve always wanted to make sure the church stays intact so we’ve had the idea of doing something like residencies where people could still use it,” Blincko said.
“It will augment what’s already going on in the Hokianga and make it very vibrant.
“Hopefully, it’ll be a real celebration of the community and the Hokianga as well.”
The kauri-clad church, which stands a stone’s throw from the town centre, has been a landmark since it was built in 1876 and is listed as a category 2 historic place on the New Zealand Heritage List Rarangi Korero.
During the restoration, decayed wood was replaced by kauri timber sourced from a Northland mill, and features such as the distinctive belfry at the front of the building are also being restored.
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Northland manager Bill Edwards said the restoration will set the building up for another century.
“This is an exciting example of how a historic building which might otherwise be in danger of
falling into disrepair and eventually being demolished is being restored and repurposed while being respectful of its significant heritage values.
“The result is that the Wesleyan Church building will continue to be a part of Rawene’s wonderful heritage streetscape for many years to come.”
The Wesleyan Church building, constructed by notable builder William Cook for a mere £160, has been part of Rawene’s main street for decades.
Edwards said the opening service was conducted in te reo, reflecting the strong connection the Wesleyan Mission had with local Maori.
In the first few years, parishioners brought their own cushions, and fundraising efforts eventually resulted in pews and a harmonium.
Before World War I, the building was the only purpose-built church in Rawene so it was used by all Protestant denominations.
The building was closed in 1974 as a result of the Anglican and Methodist communities combining to form the South Hokianga cooperating parish, and was used as an opportunity shop before being bought by Blincko and Lawton.
The project has received assistance from the National Heritage preservation incentive fund, which is administered by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.
The fund provides financial incentives to encourage the conservation of privately owned heritage places on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero.