St Patrick’s Church, Hawea Flat, New Zealand

My daughter’s friend lived in this charming historic church in Central Otago, which was designed by the renowned George Gilbert Scott. He was the architect of the Christchurch Cathedral which was destroyed by the earthquake of 2011. It was the first church in the area (soon followed by St Ninyans and another near Tarras). It was deconsecrated around 1980 (I think) and has been used as a community centre and now a residence.
It would be wonderful to see it restored sometime, but the current owner seems to be doing a fairly decent job of preserving it.
The light was quite amazing the first day we photographed it, but we went back a second time and got some more, equally interesting shots.

The view from the road as we approached.

The light was just amazing that day – it was very cloudy, but there were breaks to the west, giving the church a very warm, welcoming look.

The cross at the front of the building.     Some little girl’s shoes left in the window a while back…

When the sun disappeared, the church appeared almost Gothic, with brutal detail. This is the rear view – the altar would have been just behind those windows back in the day. It is the kitchen area now. Similar view to the golden light a few images up. Not so welcoming here.

Let me introduce you to two of the residents. Straw men, wearing old prisoner and guard of the local work camp. I don’t recall how they were obtained exactly – but they were sold to the local Moari after the prison system shifted to the much more fashionable day-glo orange.

Last light of day – a bit Wuthering Heights… it doesn’t really get much more romantic than this…

Central Otago Vista

Went exploring in the mountains, looking for the ruins/remains of the old gold mines and gold mining towns – high up in the hills of Central Otago. Vistas that never end, skies that seem unearthly, windswept & woolly and full of ancient magic… Just look at those clouds!!!