Historic Significance

Historical Significance or Value The first settlers in Puhoi, arrived in 1863. They were all of Bohemian origin (part of present-day Czechoslovakia) and Catholic. From the outset the settlers wanted a church in their community. In 1865 a visiting priest, Father D'Acherman, began bi-monthly visits and in 1880, the first resident priest, Father Adelaar was appointed. Services were held in the government school. In this same year Father Adelaar suggested a church be erected. This suggestion was accepted with enthusiasm by the entire community which contributed the time, labour and finance. The church was completed in a few months at a cost of £267 and the first service held on 19 July 1881. The new church was reported to be spacious, well-lit and ventilated. The name of the church had originated from the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul. The settlers had landed in Puhoi on this day in 1863. The church was used to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the founding of Puhoi in 1923 and in 1963 it was used to commemorate one hundred years of settlement. At both jubilees alterations and improvements were made to the church. The major contribution of the settlers was the provision of coloured glass windows, each window bearing the name of the first families. For this each family paid five pounds. The church is now visited by a priest from Warkworth and the Puhoi presbytery is no longer occupied.

Physical Significance

Architectural Significance: The church is simple in both style and construction. This may have been deliberate as not only were the funds donated to build the church, but the timber and labour was provided by the parishioners. This church does not have the exposed timber wall framing and the vertical board and battening characteristic of the Selwyn churches. Particularly significant is the unusual and attractive arrangement of lancet windows on the front elevation. This gives the Church of Saints Peter and Paul a simple but pleasing symmetry. Townscape/Landmark Significance: The church is clearly visible from the road approach and is a prominent central feature of the community. It nestles below the surrounding farmland which encircles the village and is part of a precinct.