HISTORIC CHURCHES

It is helpful for research to understand the historical events that led to the creation of church records in which your ancestors are listed, such as parish registers. Brief historical sketches of the major religious organizations of New Zealand are given here in the order that they became established in the country.

The most notable churches in South Canterbury are St Mary’s in Esk Valley, The Church of the Holy Innocents at Mt. Peel Station, the Church of the Good Shepherd at Tekapo, St David’s behind Cave and the Church of St. Thomas at Woodbury with a contemporary stained glass.