Port Molyneux : the story of Maori and pakeha in South Otago : a centennial history : commemorating the landing of George Willsher and his companions at Willsher Bay, June 28, 1840 : with a programme for the unveiling of the centennial cairn, erected by the Clutha County Council, June 28, 1940
A Commemorative Tablet
A Commemorative Tablet.
At the conclusion of this 1940 service the congregation moved about half a mile to the site of the first church. Here on the hillside amidst the kowhais and other remnants of native bush, a stone tablet had been placed to mark the site. The first church, though built so long ago, is still in use as a barn, and a flag hoisted upon it for the occasion fluttered vigorously in the strong breeze.
After prayer by the minister, the tablet was unveiled by two surviving daughters of the first minister, Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Richards. The stone is a simple block bearing this inscription:—
“On this Site was Built the First Church
in South Clutha, 1856.
William Bannerman, Minister.”