.LynEve

gallery

Travelling the coast road, off the beaten track on my way home from a short break yesterday I noticed a sign - St Barnabas Church. I stopped to investigate, although nothing was visible. Through a small lychgate, I followed the path to this secluded country church. There was complete silence apart from the lazy buzz of bees feasting on nectar from the lilac coloured rhododendron on the way in.Glimpses of the Pacific Ocean could be seen from the grounds. The old graveyard kept me occupied for some time, and then to my delight I discovered the church door unlocked. Further delight on entering and realizing the simplicity of the exterior hid such beauty inside. Stained glass windows at each end and everything perfectly polished and well cared for. If you care to take a peek, my other post today is St Barnabas Interior , and tomorrow I will upload a small detail of the magnificent rear window. Old by New Zealand standards, this building is over 125 years old, and the first Anglican bishop of New Zealand, Archbishop Nevill, is buried in the churchyard. Services are still held every Sunday. ~~ Kodak V550