WAIHOLA CHURCH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27221, 26 October 1949, Page 9

WAIHOLA CHURCH

PROBABLY OLDEST IN PROVINCE NINETIETH ANNIVERSARY Situated on the left-hand side of the Main South road a few chains past .the Waihola store, the Waihola Presbyterian Church, which celebrated its ninetieth anniversary last week-end, is said to be the oldest church in Otago and Southland which is still in use as a church. It was built in 1859 of Baltic pine with a slate roof. After 90 years the church is still in good order and is used every wfeek for public worship. The Gospel was first preached in the district by Dr Thomas Burns and Dr Bannerman about 1854. Waihola was formed into a charge in 1858, the area covered being, Otokia, Henley, Taieri Ferry, Taieri Mouth, Taieri Beach, Waihola, Clarendon and Circle Hill.

* The first minister, the Rev. John McNicol, was inducted at Taieri Ferry in August, 1858. The Rev. J. M. Allan, M.A., became the minister in 1864, the Rev. J. G. Paterson in 1875, the Rev. D. Borrie in 1877, the Rev. G. Hall, 8.A., in 1881 and the Rev. J. A. Somerville, M.A., in 1896. In the year 1900 the districts North of the Taieri river were formed into the South Taiefi charge and the Rev. W. H. Howes, 8.A., became minister of Waihola. He was followed in 1907 by the Rev. J. V. Spence, in 1914 by the Rev. R. McCully. 8.A., and in 1920 by the Rev. J. C. Harkness, who died recently. In 1931 Waihola amalgamated with Milburn. Since that time the following ministers and Home Missionaries have served the combined charge of Waihola-Milburn: Mr D. W. Morgan, Mr S. T, Nicholls, 8.A., Mr W. F. Eyans, Mr W. A. Anderson and Mr E. W. Lange (Who is serving at present).