My dad is ill and I’m off to Whanganui to visit him tomorrow.
My journey will take me past this beautiful church in Raetihi. It’s a journey I make regularly, but I’ve only once managed to stop and photograph it.
Its slightly unusual design is characteristic of churches built for worshipers of the Rātana faith. The Rātana church was founded in 1925 by Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana, a Maori spiritual leader who also campaigned for social justice and racial equality.
The church, and the movement it forged, continue to play important political, social role and religious roles in New Zealand life. Annual celebrations of Rātana’s birth attract thousands of people (including the country’s politicians) to his home marae at Rātana Pā, just outside Whanganui.
I posted this photo originally to the Daily Post Photo Challenge |On the Way, on 31 May 2015. It seems fitting to post it again for this final challenge | favourites.
Best wishes Su as you travel to your father. I hope all is well.
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Thank you Joanne. He’s had a kidney infection and is in hospital. 🙂
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oh dear. I hope that clears up soon. From what I understand, that can be quite serious especially in the elderly.
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He’s better today, and back home ruling the roost. I’m taking this as a good sign 😀
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Love the church and what an interesting mini history lesson. Thanks, Su. 🙂
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Thanks Amanda. I love Ratana church architecture (in truth, I love all church architecture). The Raetihi church is particularly lovely and built on a hill with no other builldings in the line of sight — so naturally it’s a photographer’s dream 🙂
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How awful of me! Of course, I hope your father also feels better soon. 🙂
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Thanks 🙂
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Thanks for the short history lesson of NZ, Su! I have never heard of the Ratana Church and its founder. Best wishes for your dad’s recovery!
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Thanks so much Peter. I suspect there are lots of people here in NZ who don’t know about Ratana, and wouldn’t recognise the church as of that faith. I wish we taught history in schools more.
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That looks like a painting, Su. I do hope your father is okay. Safe travels.
Leslie
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Thanks Leslie. He’s quite elderly, so every illness or accident is scary for us. 🙂
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That’s a beauty, Su. Sorry about your dad. Praying that he recovers quickly and completely and for safe travels for you. If you get a chance, I’d love to see photos of the inside of the church.
janet
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Thank you so much Janet. 🙂
Unfortunately, I don’t think I’d be allowed inside the church to take photos. I’ve only ever seen one (grainy) image of a church interior, and that was on their website.
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Safe travels I hope you Dad gets better
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Thanks Julz. 🙂
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A magnificent photo, Su. All the best for you and your father.
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Thank you so much. I always enjoy both the trip to, and being in, Whanganui. I just wish it was under slightly better circumstances this time.
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the blue sky behind the church and the church itself with warm colors blends well in this image. Wishing your father a speedy recovery
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Thanks so much 🙏
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Sad and worrying days for you, Su. Take care and drive safely.
Thank you for sharing your photo of the church. To my eye, it looks like a very beautiful painting.
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Thanks Tracy; it’s a long drive, so I have a good excuse for multiple coffee stops 😀
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Best wishes to you Su – hopefully all will be well 🙂
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Thank you so much 🙏
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A stunning photo. Best wishes for your dad’s recovery.
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Thanks Tish. I spoke to him earlier; he was cross about having to stay in the hospital for a few more days. Grumpy is a good sign 😀
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Ah yes. Fatherly grumpiness. Good news then 🙂
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That’s a beautiful photo. Safe travels to you and have a nice visit with your Father. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to him.
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Thank you 🙏
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A long drive Su, hope your Dad makes a quick recovery. Very interesting piece of NZ history
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Thanks Pauline. Out of interest, did you know about Ratana from your time here?
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No I hadn’t come across that bit of history
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Wonderful shot of a magnificent church, Su! Those red roofs against the blue sky are quite something. Wishing you safe travels and all the best for your father!!! xxxxxxxxxxx
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Thank you my dear friend. It is my favourite Ratana church precisely because of those wonderful red roofs. My dad is home now and feeling better, thank you. xx.
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Hope soon he’ll be better,dear Su.Take care,my friend 🙂 xxxx
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Thank you so much my dear Doda. My dad is feeling better and I am enjoying my journey to visit him.
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Great news dear Su!I tweeted a photo for him,for a speedy recovery …
Enjoy your journey ,my friend 🙂 xxx
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I hope your father is doing better. My thoughts are with you.
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Thanks so much Amy. He’s back home and bossing me around — an excellent sign. 😀
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Good to hear!
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Safe travels Su. And I wish your dad a speedy recovery. Being in hospital is always stressful for the patient and the relatives! But his health is paramount. Lovely photo btw. Perfectly captured. Has a vaguely Icelandic look to it. And no, I haven’t heard of the Ratana faith either.
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Thanks Jude. Dad was allowed home today, and is feeling much happier. I’m a bit knackered after the drive down , but nothing a glass of wine and an early night can’t fix 😀
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Long drives can take it out of you, especially when the drive isn’t for pleasure. He’ll need to take it easy for a few days, as will you!
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I hope your Dad is on the mend, Su.
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Thanks Lesley. He seems much better today.
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Travel safe and best wishes to your father. XO
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Thanks Luanne. It’s a journey I love making. And all the more because Dad’s been allowed home today.
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Fabulous! So glad to hear that!
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Hope your dad is out of hospital and healing at home very soon.
Safe journey. xx
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Thanks so much. It was a long (but very picturesque) trip, and now Dad’s back home and feeling better. 😀
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Wonderful news!
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I’m sorry to hear your dad is ill. I hope he’s better soon. Sending my love to you both.
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Thank you so much. He is feeling better and has been allowed home from hospital.
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This is a marvelous post 😀
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What a beautiful building! Wishing your father a quick & full recovery so you can enjoy the drive back home….and past this church again!
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Thanks so much Linda. He’ got home today and is feeling better (and happier).
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Sorry to hear about your dad, Sue. But reading the comments above, it seems like he is better and I hope he gets even better soon. You got to be there for the ones you love ❤
Beautiful image and lovely to read a bit about the history of the Rātana church. It sounds like it came from a place of good intent for the world, an intent for fairness and respect for all.
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