St Catherine Church’s History
St Catherine, 143 Settlers Way, Okaihau 0475
People have been worshiping Jesus Christ at St Catherine since 1875.
Missionaries came to Okaihau over 200 years ago and they wanted to worship God here so they built the church called St Catherine.
Many descendants of these families still worship here today.
In early 1874 Captain Burleigh applied to the Anglican Church authorities in England and the Church Missionary Society in England provide funds to build the first Church in Okaihau. The land was donated by the owner of the general store, totara timbers were milled, pit sawed, the shingles donated. The building was consecrated in 1875.
The first services were led by priests from Waimate North. Money was then raised for the first organ. As there was no other church in Okaihau for many years, the church was sometimes shared.
Sunday services comprising of a sermon, music, prayers and readings are still held every 3rd Sunday of the month.
In early 1874 Captain Burleigh applied to the Anglican Church authorities in England and the Church Missionary Society in England provide funds to build the first Church in Okaihau. The land was donated by the owner of the general store, totara timbers were milled, pit sawed, the shingles donated. The building was consecrated in 1875.
The first services were led by priests from Waimate North. Money was then raised for the first organ. As there was no other church in Okaihau for many years, the church was sometimes shared.
Sunday services comprising of a sermon, music, prayers and readings are still held every 3rd Sunday of the month.
Soldier’s Memorial
In 1845 there was battle at the pa at Puketutu, Hone Heke’s pa. A number of people were killed on both sides, with the 11 British soldiers being buried in a trench at the pa later they were exhumed in the late 1880’s and transferred to the St Catherine Anglican Church yard. Along with some other soldiers remains with stone cross being put in place in 1891.
Friends of St Catherine
The current group “Friends of St Catherine” is a proactive group aimed at maintaining and the church as a source or pride for the Okaihau area. Any interested people are welcome to join.
Soldier’s Memorial
In 1845 there was battle at the pa at Puketutu, Hone Heke’s pa. A number of people were killed on both sides, with the 11 British soldiers being buried in a trench at the pa later they were exhumed in the late 1880’s and transferred to the St Catherine Anglican Church yard. Along with some other soldiers remains with stone cross being put in place in 1891.
Friends of St Catherine
The current group “Friends of St Catherine” is a proactive group aimed at maintaining and the church as a source or pride for the Okaihau area. Any interested people are welcome to join.
Our Sunday Services
Our services are designed as a creative whole, where the sermon, music, prayers and readings are all designed to reinforce one central idea.
We appreciate the musical heritage of the past and use older songs and hymns, we also choose to use more modern music and songs that reflect in fresher ways our heart for God.
We also attempt to bring other creative elements into our services whenever possible. People are encouraged to participate if they want to in readings and prayers. The communion part of the service (Eucharist) is lead by a priest.
Although we do not have a formal Sunday School, children are warmly welcomed at our churches and there is a special area in each of the churches with toys and activities for their enjoyment.
Click the image above for a 360 degree view of the church
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1st Sunday
Pakaraka – Holy Trinity
Service every 1st Sunday of the month
3rd Sunday
Okaihau – St Catherine
Service every 3rd Sunday of the month
4th Sunday
Waimate North –
St John the Baptist
Service every 4th Sunday of the month