Catholic church pulls plug on century-old place of worship

For 115 years St Francis de Sales Catholic Church has served the community of Renwick,

Generations of parishioners have walked its aisle and sat in the wooden pews bathed in sunshine or bundled up against the Marlborough winters.

More than a centenary or services, weddings, baptisms, and confirmations mean the church holds a special place in the hearts of the community.

Now a last service is to be held on Sunday June 18 before the church officially closes its doors for the very last time. It is hoped the community will help mark the historic milestone.

Spokesperson for the church’s Renwick management committee Litty Newman says it is a shame to see the church deconsecrated.

“It’s a shame it has come to this for St Francis de Sales Church, but we are intent to make the best out of the situation and want as many people as possible to be a part of it.”

For several years, the committee have battled against the decision to close the church and hope the last mass will be one its best.

“We have fought hard against closure and to maintain our church’s place within the Marlborough Star of the Sea parish and serving our Catholic community in Renwick, but, ultimately, the desire from the greater Catholic Church has won out.

“The fact the beautiful little building will remain in place and become an asset to the wider Renwick community now is some comfort though,” says Litty.

The Wellington Archdiocese of the Catholic church has decided to deconsecrate and close the Renwick Church, with the mass the last formal Catholic gathering.

The building, located on the corner of Clyde and Alma streets, will then be handed over to the community.

It was built in 1907 by James McKinley at the cost of £350, funded by donations from the Catholic families of the district and officially opened and blessed by His Grace Archbishop Francis Redwood SM.

Parish priest Fr Michael McCabe will be joined by Vicar General of the Wellington Archdiocese Monsignor Gerard Burns in leading the farewell Mass in Renwick at 10am.

A special lunch will then be held at the Woodbourne Tavern in Renwick.

Litty says it would be wonderful to see other Renwick families join regular parishioners at the last mass.

“We are expecting a good crowd of regular Blenheim parishioners to make their way out to Renwick for the occasion.

“We would also really like to see some of the many families who have worshiped at St Francis de Sales through the years to come and join in the occasion – even if it’s been a good number of years since they graced the pews.

“It’s going to be a special occasion and the more the merrier,” she says.

“The Woodbourne Tavern will then provide a full roast lunch for only $35 a head for adults, so we heartily invite all who wish to join in and reminisce about the Church to do so.”

To attend the lunch, RSVP via email to [email protected]