An Omakau church ended its more than 150-year run yesterday, but not before being struck by an ‘‘act of God''.
The final service and deconsecration at St Mary's Church, in Leask St, was performed without lighting or an electric organ after a storm four days earlier blew its electricity supply.
Vicar the Rev Penny Sinnamon said at 11pm on Wednesday, lightning hit the building and fused wires on its mains box which turned the lights on.
‘‘We only found out about it 24 hours later when the neighbour noticed the lights.''
The box blew and had to be turned off.‘‘The insurance company calls it an ‘act of God'.
‘‘We used the old pump organ instead, which I guess was pretty fitting.''
The service was attended by its usual congregation as well as local Catholics and Presbyterians.
‘‘The denominations have become a lot closer over the years. When I was married here in 1962, my husband wasn't allowed a Catholic groomsman.''
She said the church was sold as it cost too much to maintain.‘‘I understand people having a connection to this place because of their memories, but not much will change.''Long-time parishioner Lorainne Armstrong, of Poolburn, attended services at the church for more than 70 years.
‘‘I was baptised here, my mother used to play the organ, I've been coming here my whole life.''
The main change over the years was that the church had ‘‘come to the people'', she said.‘‘In the old days the vicar would stand up there like he was above everyone.''
Anglican Bishop of Dunedin, the Rt Rev Kelvin Wright, who performed the deconsecration, said a lot of old churches in Otago and Southland were closing as their congregations aged.
‘‘A lot of time and energy goes into upkeeping these old buildings, when it could be used for something else.''
The church was sold to a Christchurch family who will turn it into a holiday home.
It was built in Queenstown in 1863 and moved to Omakau in pieces in 1932.
The service, which occurs fortnightly, will now take place in a small hall at Omakau School.
