Hundreds celebrate Maketū church's 150th anniversary

Hundreds of people celebrated St Thomas' Anglican Church's 150 year anniversary at the weekend. Photo / George Novak

Every pew in St Thomas' Anglican Church was filled, while others congregated under a large marquee, as hundreds celebrated the Maketū church's 150th anniversary.

Reverend Wiremu Anania said Sunday morning's Eucharist to celebrate 150 years since the church was established in 1868 was "a milestone for us Māori and as Christians".

Inside the historic church, 100 people witnessed an ordination ceremony which was broadcast on an audiovisual system for the rest of the congregation to watch outside.

Even the loud call of Maketū's fire siren, which sounded as soon as the ceremony started, did not break the concentration of those who were there to honour the milestone.

Heston Potaka attended the celebration with his three children Tutekaharoa, 9, Waitioriori, 6, and Temanawaputahi, 11.

"It is about honouring our grandparents and role model the same thing for our kids and keep that faith going," he said.

Potaka was born and bred in Maketū and said his grandfather and grandmother had a lot to do with the church.

"As a kid we used to come here every Sunday for Sunday school," he said.

Keeti-Moana Rewi, who grew up in Maketū, said her nan Moana Rewi and great nan Mable Moko (nee Potaka) were both married at the church.

"My nan was always coming to church and her mum was always going to church," she said. "She loved this place."

Ida Thomas said 150 years was a milestone for the church.

"It is the whanau, it's getting at peace with yourself and God," she said.