The small rural Holy Trinity Church in Ohariu Valley has been given Historic Places Trust recognition.

Built in 1870 the church retains its 143-year-old rural character via a small flock of ship which keeps the surrounding lawns trimmed.  

It has been registered as a Category 2 Historic Place by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.Archdeacon Octavius Hadfield (1814-1904) opened the church on Trinity Sunday, 12 June 1870.

Historic Places Trust researcher Vivienne Morrell said the little church was set in an idyllic rural setting  and had unusual architectural details.

It is built of native timbers, predominantly rimu and totara. 

''Adding to the church's rural charm is the flock of sheep keeping the grass mowed.''

While there is now a small congregation and services are only held monthly, the church is a local landmark and has a lot of community support.

The community has rallied around it through various fundraising efforts to ensure its survival,''Ms Morrell said.

The church is surrounded by a graveyard with the earliest marked grave dating from 1873.

The Ohariu Valley Ladies Guild, formed in 1955, has taken a particular interest in fundraising and caring for the church.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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