Paradise Trust chairman Bill Dolan said it had been an important day for the Glenorchy community to host two major events, held as a joint effort by the Paradise Trust and the Head of the Lake Community Church Trust.
About 150 invited guests, representing the community, the trusts, funding agencies and the regional council, gathered for the celebration at Paradise House at noon on Saturday.
The $900,000 restoration of Paradise House began in December, 2008, and was funded partly by the Central Lakes Trust, the Otago Community Trust and the Lottery Grants Board.
The house was built by New Zealand's first architect, William Mason, in 1883, as a holiday retreat. It was sold to new immigrant Hugh Miller in 1949 and remained in the Miller family until his son, David, died in 1998 and the Paradise Trust was established to run the property.
The ribbon marking the reopening of Paradise House was cut by Marijke Miller, daughter of David Miller, and a Paradise Trust trustee.
After the ceremony in Paradise, most of the guests went back to Glenorchy, where the restoration of the 121-year-old Head of the Lake Community Church was marked by a re-dedication of the church at 4.30pm.
The comprehensive renovation of the church had been carried out since August, 2009 through voluntary work, gifts of supplies and donations to an estimated value of $90,000 to $100,000.
The Rt Rev Dr David Coles, of the Wakatipu Anglican Church, gave the re-dedication prayer and was joined by Catholic and Presbyterian church representatives for a united church service.
The service was followed by a community pot luck dinner in the Glenorchy Hall at 6pm.
"The community came together, and despite the constant rain, everybody had a great day," Mr Dolan said.
