Swannanoah Church, NZ

The Swannanoa Wesleyan Church building, Swannanoa, Canterbury, New Zealand has stood since 1873, when it was erected by the local settlers and runholders as a place of worship and a community centre. In 2005 it was and still is largely unused, except for an annual Christmas Eve service, although a monthly ecumenical service is planned to start in the future.
Buiding works began in 1872, two tenders were submitted to the local church committee.
1. Barker: £258 with a spire, £250 without a spire.
2. Revell: £301 with a spire, £285 without.
The Barker tender of £250 without a spire was accepted.
At one of the early sermons it was noted;
“The preacher announced, as his subject, “The evils of strong drink”. A member of the congregation announced that he “would not be staying to listen”. He was however prevented from making his exit by another member of the congregation keeping the door firmly shut.”
A piece of local history that I hope you agree should be preserved.