2/22/15

St James Union Church, Thames

This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. The following text is the original citation considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration.
Built in early 1897 this impressive church is an excellent example of the use of Kauri as both a structural and decorative element. Designed in the Gothic manner it has a fine tower seen to advantage on the corner site. The interior is noteworthy for the splendid use of Kauri panelling and also the rare form of stained glass in the lancet windows.
St James' Church makes a valuable contribution to the streetscape of Thames being sited in the main street in the busy commercial area. Historically it is important for its links with the town's gold mining industry. http://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/131

16 comments:

Tom said...

I always love gothic churches and this one is wonderful. Tom The Backroads traveller

Jim said...

What a wonderful design.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

i am curious about the star in the window. is that similar to a Jewish star? i am in love with this beauty. the spires are awesome!! very cool. ( :

Anonymous said...

What a lovely church.

Aimz said...

very nice! love old historical buidlings...

doodles n daydreams said...

A great spot for it, easy to find if you are a visitor.

Diana
http://adifferentlenslens365.blogspot.co.nz/2015/02/mosgiel-presbyterian.html

Ela said...

Just beautiful ! I love old buildings !
Greetings

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

A very appealing building. Interesting how every detail of Gothic architecture has been recreated in wood, including the buttresses which can surely have no structural purpose. The tower looks to be built on a smaller scale than the body of the church, but this problem has been solved by placing it at the front rather than on the end of the chancel.

The Travelling Lindfields said...

We have just come back from New Zealand where we spent three nights in Thames. It is a lovely little town and a great place to stay if you want to drive the Coromandel Peninsula. Your pictures of the church are beautiful.

Mari said...

Old building are always impressive. This one's a great contribution.

John said...

You got nice colors in that

Irma said...

What a lovely church.
I love old historical buidlings.
Best regards, Irma

Aimeecakes said...

A very lovely church indeed!

This N That said...

Beautiful church..Wonderful spires..

Marisol@TravelingSolemates said...

What a unique design - a Gothic built out of wood. Beautiful

Judy said...

Absolutely beautiful!!