The interim enforcement order was issued by Judge Jon Jackson in the Environment Court, following an application by Susie Scott.
It was served on Fr Chamberlain, Naylor Love Construction and Trustees Executors (which administers the estate of Teschemakers' late owner Dr Hirotomo Ochi).
The Dominican Sisters have given the marble altar to the Holy Name Parish in Dunedin.
It had been installed in the Teschemakers Chapel in 1926.
In his decision, Judge Jackson said an attempt to remove the altar would have contravened the Waitaki District Council's district plan.
A resource consent application must be made, or the integrity of the plan would be compromised.
Ms Scott then had 10 working days to lodge and serve an application for an enforcement order, while the respondents might apply at any time to set aside or vary the orders.
Ms Scott has filed an application for an enforcement order, while Fr Chamberlain has filed an application to set aside the interim enforcement order, with affidavits in support.
The documents were with Judge Jackson for his consideration but it was not known how long it would take before a decision was released.
Meanwhile, the Teschemakers Heritage Protection Society is being formed following "overwhelming support" since a public meeting in Oamaru on August 13, and publicity about the issue.
The society had a Facebook page, Ms Scott said.
She was "very disappointed" with Fr Chamberlain's decision to file the application.
"I thought we would have been able to work this one out rather than taking it any further," she said last night.
All involved were going to incur costs because of his decision.
There had been pledges already from people wanting to retain the altar in the Teschemakers Chapel and the formation of a society would give an official avenue for anyone wanting to make a donation, Ms Scott said.
