They were covered open structures at the churchyard entrance. Usually four or six posts were embedded in the ground to create a square or rectangle, with beams forming a steeply sloping roof of shingles or tiles. Although their original use ceased as roads improved, more bodies were encased in coffins and the need for a rest lessened, the lychgate had become attractive, decorative features. They were popular with 19th century church designers and many Anglican parishes in New Zealand opted to build them as aspects of their home traditions.
St Augustine's Church at Waimate (Category I), designed by Benjamin Mountfort, was built in 1872. The founding settler of the district, Michael Studholme, who had taken up land here in 1854, was a generous supporter of the church, playing the typical role of the largest landowner in the district in assisting the local community to establish a place of worship as a central feature of the developing township.
In 1902 Mrs. Effie Studholme donated funds for the building of the lychgate. She was the widow of Michael Studholme and the lychgate was a memorial to her husband and two of their sons. It was designed by the prominent Arts and Crafts architect Samuel Hurst Seager from Christchurch. He is respected in particular for the fine houses he designed as well as his diverse work in other fields. He had designed a number of churches but this is the only known lychgate.
The plaque on the Lychgate reads:
To the glory of God and in loving remembrance of Michael Studholme and his eldest and youngest sons Michael Cuthbert and Geofrey.
Jesus saith I am the reserection and the light. He that believeth in me though he may die yet shall he live.
John 11 25
This gate is here placed by Effie, devoted wife and mother.
List Entry Information
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 2
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
2043
Date Entered
11th December 2003
Date of Effect
11th December 2003
City/District Council
Waimate District
Region
Canterbury Region
Extent of List Entry
Registration includes lychgate on its site.
Legal description
Pt Sec 118 Town of Waimate (RT CB21/79), Canterbury Land District
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 2
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
2043
Date Entered
11th December 2003
Date of Effect
11th December 2003
City/District Council
Waimate District
Region
Canterbury Region
Extent of List Entry
Registration includes lychgate on its site.
Legal description
Pt Sec 118 Town of Waimate (RT CB21/79), Canterbury Land District
Why is this place significant?
Historic Significance
Historical Significance or Value The lychgate's historical significance relates to its association with the development of the church and the connections with the Studholme family.
Physical Significance
The lychgate at St. Augustine's Church has aesthetic values in its design and Gothic form. It has architectural significance as a work by notable architect Samuel Hurst Seager. This example demonstrates his focus on the Gothic forms of the structure as well as the finely crafted detailing of timber work and metal fastenings.
Why is this place Category 1 / Category 2?
Detail Of Assessed Criteria
The lychgate merits Category II registration because of its special historical and cultural significance summarised as follows: It reflects an aspect of New Zealand history as part of the St. Augustine's Church's development. The building complex here illustrates the English traditions which the original settlers strove to replicate in Canterbury. The memorial is dedicated to members of the pioneering Studholme family, notable early settlers. The lychgate, along with the church complex, has the potential to provide knowledge of the district's past. The grouping is in a prominent position within the town and makes a major contribution to the townscape, appreciated by the community as a whole. The high quality of design in all elements of the church grouping - the church, bell tower and lychgate - give value to them all. Mrs. Studholme felt that the provision of a lychgate in this peaceful church setting was an appropriate means to commemorate her husband and sons.
Why is this place significant?
Historic Significance
Historical Significance or Value The lychgate's historical significance relates to its association with the development of the church and the connections with the Studholme family.
Physical Significance
The lychgate at St. Augustine's Church has aesthetic values in its design and Gothic form. It has architectural significance as a work by notable architect Samuel Hurst Seager. This example demonstrates his focus on the Gothic forms of the structure as well as the finely crafted detailing of timber work and metal fastenings.
Why is this place Category 1 / Category 2?
Detail Of Assessed Criteria
The lychgate merits Category II registration because of its special historical and cultural significance summarised as follows: It reflects an aspect of New Zealand history as part of the St. Augustine's Church's development. The building complex here illustrates the English traditions which the original settlers strove to replicate in Canterbury. The memorial is dedicated to members of the pioneering Studholme family, notable early settlers. The lychgate, along with the church complex, has the potential to provide knowledge of the district's past. The grouping is in a prominent position within the town and makes a major contribution to the townscape, appreciated by the community as a whole. The high quality of design in all elements of the church grouping - the church, bell tower and lychgate - give value to them all. Mrs. Studholme felt that the provision of a lychgate in this peaceful church setting was an appropriate means to commemorate her husband and sons.
Construction Professional
Name
Seager, Samuel Hurst
Type
Architect
Biography
Seager (1855-1933) studied at Canterbury College between 1880-82. He trained in Christchurch in the offices of Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort (1825-1898) and Alfred William Simpson before completing his qualifications in London in 1884. In 1885, shortly after his return to Christchurch, he won a competition for the design of the new Municipal Chambers, and this launched his career. Seager achieved renown for his domestic architecture. He was one of the earliest New Zealand architects to move away from historical styles and seek design with a New Zealand character. The Sign of the Kiwi, Christchurch (1917) illustrates this aspect of his work. He is also known for his larger Arts and Crafts style houses such as Daresbury, Christchurch (1899). Between 1893 and 1903 Seager taught architecture and design at the Canterbury University College School of Art. He was a pioneer in town planning, having a particular interest in the "garden city" concept. Some of these ideas were expressed in a group of houses designed as a unified and landscaped precinct on Sumner Spur (1902-14). He became an authority on the lighting of art galleries. After World War I he was appointed by the Imperial War Graves Commission to design war memorials in Gallipoli, Belgium and France. In New Zealand he designed the Massey Memorial, Point Halswell, Wellington (1925).
Construction Materials
Timber, shingled roof.
Construction Professional
Name
Seager, Samuel Hurst
Type
Architect
Biography
Seager (1855-1933) studied at Canterbury College between 1880-82. He trained in Christchurch in the offices of Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort (1825-1898) and Alfred William Simpson before completing his qualifications in London in 1884. In 1885, shortly after his return to Christchurch, he won a competition for the design of the new Municipal Chambers, and this launched his career. Seager achieved renown for his domestic architecture. He was one of the earliest New Zealand architects to move away from historical styles and seek design with a New Zealand character. The Sign of the Kiwi, Christchurch (1917) illustrates this aspect of his work. He is also known for his larger Arts and Crafts style houses such as Daresbury, Christchurch (1899). Between 1893 and 1903 Seager taught architecture and design at the Canterbury University College School of Art. He was a pioneer in town planning, having a particular interest in the "garden city" concept. Some of these ideas were expressed in a group of houses designed as a unified and landscaped precinct on Sumner Spur (1902-14). He became an authority on the lighting of art galleries. After World War I he was appointed by the Imperial War Graves Commission to design war memorials in Gallipoli, Belgium and France. In New Zealand he designed the Massey Memorial, Point Halswell, Wellington (1925).
Construction Materials
Timber, shingled roof.
An Oamaru limestone base supports the timber side structure of open lancets. It has timber rafters and collar ties, diagonal herringbone sarked roof with timber shingles. A cross motif in timber decorates the apex of the gable ends and the steeply pitched roof is topped by a timber ridge cresting with diamond patterned piercing. Seat benches are built into the stone base at each side. A pair of low timber gates feature the original forged hardware and latch.
An Oamaru limestone base supports the timber side structure of open lancets. It has timber rafters and collar ties, diagonal herringbone sarked roof with timber shingles. A cross motif in timber decorates the apex of the gable ends and the steeply pitched roof is topped by a timber ridge cresting with diamond patterned piercing. Seat benches are built into the stone base at each side. A pair of low timber gates feature the original forged hardware and latch.
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Completion Date
6th September 2004
Report Written By
Pam Wilson
Other Information
A fully referenced version of this report is available from the NZHPT Southern Region Office. Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions.
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Completion Date
6th September 2004
Report Written By
Pam Wilson
Other Information
A fully referenced version of this report is available from the NZHPT Southern Region Office. Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions.
Current Usages
Uses: Religion
Specific Usage: Lych Gate
Former Usages
General Usage: Religion
Specific Usage: Lych Gate
Current Usages
Uses: Religion
Specific Usage: Lych Gate
Former Usages
General Usage: Religion
Specific Usage: Lych Gate
Location
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