1890. The first “Open Brethren” assembly in the district was formed by a number of Christians residing at Muhunoa East and Ohau and met for worship etc. in the home of Mr. R.B. Martin, just over the river above the bridge which now spans the river and where the Kirkaldie homestead now stands.
Those who first met thus were Mr. & Mrs. R.B. Martin, Mr. & Mrs. J. Bassett, Mr. & Mrs. H. Rickard, Mr. & Mrs. C. Rickard, Mrs. Rickard Senr., Mr. & Mrs. R. Stevenson, Mr. A. Whiley, Messrs. Fred and Arthur Martin and Mr. Humphries.
These 15 constituted the first open Brethren assembly in Southern Manawatu.
Others were added later including my parents.
The assembly met here until December, 1894, when the meeting place was moved to the Ohau Township and occupied one of the sawmill cottages which was altered for the purpose, the mill having ceased and been moved to the Kuku.
Later when the Ohau Hall had been built about 1900, the assembly moved the Sunday evening services into it and continued there until 1939.
In 1902, the Brethren built a small hall on the east side of Muhunoa East Bridge [shown in drawing on the left]. It was built mostly by free labour, the total cost outlay for the building amounted to £100. This building served the needs of the assembly in Sunday School work, prayer and Bible reading meetings and singing practices. The latter led by Mr. William Read. Sunday services were also held there.
In 1917, a large number of the members having moved away, the Hall fell into disuse and was later sold for £50. It was later shifted further up the road and now stands in front of Mr. Kirkaldie’s cow-bail and used for a shed. [Shown on right in 1968.]
The Salvation Army. Soon after the sawmill began operations by the Railway Station in 1901,[date queried] Mr. Whiley Senior has a cottage of 2 rooms built for the convenience of the Salvation Army.
This cottage was occupied by 2 Salvation Army lassies who were officers of the band, and constituted the headquarters for the whole district including Levin.
By 1894, the mill had ceased operations there and the Salvation Army barracks had been built in Bath Street, Levin, and became their headquarters.
The cottage at Ohau became vacant, and the Brethren took it over, and removing the centre partition made it into a suitable hall for their services.
The Army has held Sunday School in the Ohau Public Hall for many years.
Roman Catholic Church. In February, 1891, St. Stevens Roman Catholic Church which had just been built, was opened by His Grace Archbishop Redwood.
Originally it was intended for Maoris only as they at that time predominated, but later was used by both Maori and Pakeha.
St. John’s Anglican Church. The year 1902, saw the building of St. John’s Anglican Church next to, and on the Western side of the public school. It was consecrated by the Bishop of the diocese and has been in use over the years.
In the early part of the century the Anglicans and Methodists held alternate services in the Muhunoa East School after it was built.
This is the end of Mr Rolston's book on the History of Muhunoa East.
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