The final push is on to complete the restoration of Glenmark’s historic St Paul’s Anglican Church.

It now stands proud after a huge programme, over many years, following the 2010 Canterbury earthquake which left it battered, bruised and red stickered.

But there are still features needing attention and funding.

The Friends of the Glenmark Church, which has led the more than $2 million restoration with passion and commitment, is reaching out for support to reach its completion goal.

It is holding a fundraising dinner and auction, at the Omihi Community Hall, on Saturday, October 17.

It is its main fundraiser for the year, and Friends Chair Andy Munro is urging people to come along to the catered dinner, for an evening of fellowship, to learn the district’s history from guest speaker George Gould, and help reach the goal of completing the rebuild of the church, which is a special part of the local heritage.

“At $125 per person, your ticket isn't just a great night out — it is a chance to help preserve a remarkable piece of our local history for ourselves and future generations to use and enjoy. Come along and help us finish the job,” Mr Munro says.

Mr Munro says a new carpet replicating the carpet from years gone by is on its way, with the project being funded by a very generous anonymous donor.

Other work includes curtains, which are in the sewing room, more kneelers, which are being embroidered, while the roof and Oamaru stone have yet to be sprayed and cleaned before sealing.

“We are working on repairing and reinstating the tubular bells.

“These are quite rare in New Zealand and again we are very lucky that Annie Townend installed the very best materials and chattels into this building as a memorial for her father George Henry Moore and her late husband Dr Joseph Townend.”

Mr Munro says guest speaker, Mr Gould, and his wife Susie, have been generous supporters of Glenmark’s heritage, and restoration of the church, including paying for the repair, and restoration of the church’s stained-glass windows.

Beautiful windows . . . Stained glass windows, repaired by Stewart Stained Glass, Loburn. Photo: File

Mr and Mrs Gould started farming at Glenmark in 2003 and built their house soon after.

Since then they have quietly grown their sheep and dairy operation, with manager Darrel Robertson shouldering the day-to-day load.

“We’ve been lucky enough to gather teams around us to keep things as tidy as possible, and hopefully in good shape for future generations,” Mr Gould says.

 Derrick (DWJ) Gould was the first to farm in the property in 1935  followed by David. Today George and Susie Gould farm what’s now a 900 hectare block on Glenmark Drive that includes the site of the original Glenmark homestead and stables.

Although those buildings were designed by Samuel Farr and commissioned by George Henry Moore in the 1880s, it’s largely fallen on George and Susie Gould  to keep repairs and maintenance up to date where possible.

“In so doing we’ve relied heavily on many local tradesmen and contractors not least Amberley builder James Drewery. But there have been many other outstanding individuals who’ve put their shoulder to the wheel.”

  • Doors open at 5.30pm for the catered dinner (provided by Bloom Catering — Zoe Topp) and auction evening at the Omihi Community Hall on Saturday, October 17. Tickets $125 per person.

  • John McKone will attend the evening and conduct the auction. There will be raffles throughout the evening.

  • Tickets available from J Brand, A Munro, D Harris, I Whyte, G McLean, J McGuckin, A Fox, G Henderson. For info go to friendsofglenmarkchurch.org.nz/ or phone 021 2618454 or 021 2148800.