Dignataries at the opening.
A new central asset – Te Awamutu Presbyterian Centre on Mutu St – is ready for the community to use.
The $3.3 million building is debt-free. Photo: Supplied
Ministry leader and community worker Jamie Budd said the opening ceremony late last month was a huge success.
After 12 years in the pipeline, the debt-free $3.3 million project was completed in March.
The project was funded by gifts and pledges from parishioners, insurance money from the Ngāhinapōuri church fire, the sale of the parish manse and community donations including grants.
The opening ceremony at the centre was well attended by the community. Photo: Supplied
Once occupied by St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, the land now holds a new building to house the church congregation, meetings, seminars, events and counselling services.
“The heart of the project has always been to serve the community,” Budd said.
The event had plenty of community backing including the likes of National MP Barbara Kuriger and Waipā district mayor Susan O’Regan.
About 140 people were at the opening ceremony.
“Some came from all over the country because the Kaimai presbytery office sent their representatives. Some of our funders and construction team attended and other local church leaders who were involved came too,” Budd said.
“It’s a centre for the community. It’s open and available for the community to utilise with multiple spaces available. They can hire either the whole complex or parts of it.
“We’ve already had a couple of funerals and there are groups that use the conference room on a regular basis. We’ve already had a lot of people come in and enquire about the complex and get quotes on hiring.
“We’ve also had a first birthday celebration in here, a baby dedication and Reverend Ron Bennett’s farewell.”
The Te Awamutu Presbyterian Centre is central to town. Photo: Supplied
Budd said they’re excited to have a state-of-the-art facility for community use.
“We’re also trying to make sure that everybody has access to it. If you’re a family that wants something and you don’t have the means and the capacity, then we may be able to help you.,” he said.
“It’s been 10 years since the old building was demolished. This complex is the realisation of the dreams and visions coming to life. It has been phenomenal, with a lot of tears, a lot of excitement and a lot of joy. A few people who had been on the journey with us are now sadly, no longer here because they have passed away.
“But there’s just an air of excitement and the amount of people that have come in just for a look from off the streets has been great.”
Although it’s the realisation of our dream, there’s now work to do.
Budd said the facility is for multiple generations. From the beginning of life to the end.
“We want the warmth of the welcome, that space where people feel welcomed to be here. You can have a nice building, but it can feel cold. It’s all about bringing people together. A gathering place,” he said.
“We don’t want to see anybody overlooked. If you have a need or you want to use a space or you want community, that’s what we’re here for. It’s the heart of what we do.
“It’s not just about the fancy building, but it’s what it can provide and what it can do for the community.”
Reverend Ron Bennett (from left), Waipā district mayor Susan O’Regan, ministry leader and community worker Jamie Budd, National MP Barbara Kuriger and project convenor Ray Miller at the Te Awamutu Presbyterian Centre opening. Photo: Supplied
