A LINK WITH THE PAST.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXII, Issue 65, 18 March 1910, Page 6

A LINK WITH THE PAST.

THE REV. C. VOLKNER'S MARTYRDOM. | . The restoration of "Volkuer's Church" at Opotiki promises to be a work of national interest, owing to the old building's exceptional historical associations. Built ins 1862, by the Rev. C. S. Volkner, it was afterwards the scene of tragical and stirring scenes. Mir Volkner was powerfessTto stem the tide of rebellion in the' district, and was seized, and by Kereopa's orders put to death. The details of his martyrdom caused a thrill of horror through the country. After hanging Mr Volkner on a tree, his body was taken by the fanatical rabble to the church, where it was horribly mutilated. The blood was drunk from the Communion chalice, the eyes were gouged out by Kereopa and swallowed by him, and the severed head placed on the pulpit and treated with derision. The bloodstains are still plainly visible after fifty years. Subsequently the fragments of the. body were secured by friendly natives, and were buried in the ohurchyaoxl at the east end of the building. On tlirc arrival of the expedition under t?ne command of Major Brassey, sent by the Government to avenge the murder of Mr Volkner, the church was taken and garrisoned. A redoubt was built, and the church 'was loopholed for guns. During Te Kooti's raids it was a haven of refuge for the isolated families thirougliout the district. When peace was again, established, and as the country became more populated, the meat haaided over the church to the settlers for Divine worship. It was . then consecrated by Bishop W. Williams, first Bishop of Waiapu, and called' the Church of St'. Stephen the Martyr. The building has now falem into a condition of disrepair, but it has been decided to add a. •chancel to the memory of the Rev. C. Volkner, missionary and martyr. This chancel will enclose the grave, the position of which will then he immediately before the altar, amd a memorial tablet will be inserted over the spot where the martyr's remains lie buried.