coastal church steeped in history
From 1927 to 2016 Saint Oswald’s Memorial Church offered an unconditional haven for locals and travellers to come together for worship, rest, and reflection. Tragically, the Kaikoura earthquake of 2016 damaged the church substantially leaving it inaccessible.
The Saint Oswald's Memorial Trust aims to raise funds to complete repairs to this important historic building on the East Coast of South Island, New Zealand.
Built 86 years ago first and foremost to honour a beloved son, St Oswald’s has provided a place of remembrance for Anglican worship. During its lifetime, the building was also a well-used community facility for rural families and locals to unite and celebrate special occasions.
This little stone church sits as a landmark on State Highway 1, near Wharanui in the Marlborough District. Located centrally 60 kilometres to the south of Blenheim and 70 kilometers to the north of Kaikoura, it’s a natural stopping point for travellers.
In 1927 Charles and Jessie Murray built the stone church in memory of their son, Charles Hector Heaton Murray (known as Hector) who tragically died three years earlier aged 19. The name ‘Oswald’ was chosen after the King of Northumbria, considered a saintly king, was killed as a young man in the Battle of Maserfield in the mid-600s AD. Here lies the connection to Hector who also died young.
Nearly 100 years on, heartbreak has returned to the Murray family. In 2022 Leicester and Laura Murray, descendants of the church’s benefactor, tragically lost their much-adored son, Wilson aged 21. Once repaired and restored to its former glory, Saint Oswald Memorial Church will honour Charles and Wilson, by providing a final resting place for two adored sons aged 19 and 21 respectfully.
The Saint Oswald's Memorial Trust was formed in 2017 by Leicester Murray, Bruce Murray and Marty Westenra as the great grandchildren of Charles and Jessie Murray. Late in 2023, the Anglican Diocese of Nelson passed ownership of the building and grounds to the trust, allowing the trustees to fundraise to complete extensive building strengthening and repair works and to enhance grounds and facilities for future generations and travellers to the Marlborough District to enjoy.
The Saint Oswald's Memorial Trust aims to raise funds to complete repairs to this important historic building on the East Coast of South Island, New Zealand.
Built 86 years ago first and foremost to honour a beloved son, St Oswald’s has provided a place of remembrance for Anglican worship. During its lifetime, the building was also a well-used community facility for rural families and locals to unite and celebrate special occasions.
This little stone church sits as a landmark on State Highway 1, near Wharanui in the Marlborough District. Located centrally 60 kilometres to the south of Blenheim and 70 kilometers to the north of Kaikoura, it’s a natural stopping point for travellers.
In 1927 Charles and Jessie Murray built the stone church in memory of their son, Charles Hector Heaton Murray (known as Hector) who tragically died three years earlier aged 19. The name ‘Oswald’ was chosen after the King of Northumbria, considered a saintly king, was killed as a young man in the Battle of Maserfield in the mid-600s AD. Here lies the connection to Hector who also died young.
Nearly 100 years on, heartbreak has returned to the Murray family. In 2022 Leicester and Laura Murray, descendants of the church’s benefactor, tragically lost their much-adored son, Wilson aged 21. Once repaired and restored to its former glory, Saint Oswald Memorial Church will honour Charles and Wilson, by providing a final resting place for two adored sons aged 19 and 21 respectfully.
The Saint Oswald's Memorial Trust was formed in 2017 by Leicester Murray, Bruce Murray and Marty Westenra as the great grandchildren of Charles and Jessie Murray. Late in 2023, the Anglican Diocese of Nelson passed ownership of the building and grounds to the trust, allowing the trustees to fundraise to complete extensive building strengthening and repair works and to enhance grounds and facilities for future generations and travellers to the Marlborough District to enjoy.
we need your help TO RAISE further FUNDS
Artist impression
All funds raised will be used to repair the church to its former glory.