One of New Zealand’s most photographed churches has reached a remarkable milestone, celebrated in a gathering that brought together locals, visitors, and those whose families helped shape its story.

The Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo has stood for 90 years as both a place of worship and an enduring symbol of the Mackenzie Country’s spirit and beauty.

For Jim Murray, the anniversary on Sunday 3 August 2025 was far more than a community celebration. It was a personal occasion, honouring his family’s role in the church’s beginnings.

Sitting inside the historic stone building, Murray shared how his grandfather, George Murray, came to acquire the land on which the church now proudly stands.

“My grandfather was tipped off by his son-in-law, Lieutenant Commander Richard ‘Dick’ Beauchamp, that there were four sections coming up for sale in Timaru,” Murray said.

“He told him he better get to Timaru and buy them, which he did. He paid twenty five pounds each for the four sections. It annoyed the local fishermen because they wanted to buy them to build baches.” Jim’s father was also on the building committee.

The project’s design began with the artistic vision of Esther Hope, a respected New Zealand watercolourist who lived at Grampians Station in the Mackenzie Basin.

Known for her evocative paintings of the region’s landscapes, Hope created a plasticine model of the proposed church that captured its intended simplicity and harmony with the surrounding environment.

The plans were then developed by Christchurch architect Richard Strachan De Renzy Harman, whose design used locally sourced stone and an altar window framing uninterrupted views of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps.

 

Construction was led by Fred Trott of Tekapo House, assisted by Les Loomes, Doug Rodman, and Christchurch stonemason Jack Miller.

The foundation stone was laid on 15 January 1935 by Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, and the building was dedicated later that year by Bishop Campbell West-Watson.

The first wedding held in the church was between Doug Rodman and Peggy Trott on 14 December 1935.

Current minister Reverend Craig Allan said the anniversary was a moment to honour both the faith and the determination of those who built the church.

“This church was never intended to be a grand building, it was built for the people of the Mackenzie Country, by the people of the Mackenzie Country. It was a place for worship, for gathering, and for marking the important moments in life.

Ninety years later, it still serves that same purpose, while welcoming visitors from all around the world,” the Reverend said.

“I think I have the best job in the world at New Zealand’s most beautiful church. And so many folk here, they experience solace, they experience groundedness centeredness, this is something unique, mysterious, beautiful, that that happens.”

Chris Lynch Media was granted special approval to use a drone to film the church during its 90th anniversary.

Drone use in the area is usually strictly prohibited, not only because of the nearby aerodrome, but also due to the sacred nature of the site and the church’s volunteers’ wish to preserve the special quiet atmosphere of its surroundings.

Church of the Good Shepherd Committee Chairman Andrew Scrase said the future was looked strong, with funds already being raised to strengthen and preserve the building.

To help support the church head to the official website. 

While photography inside is restricted to preserve the atmosphere for worshippers, the building’s silhouette against the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo remains one of the most recognisable scenes in the country.

For Murray, seeing the church reach its 90th year is a point of pride.

“It’s a reminder of what my grandfather did and how the community came together. It’s not just a building, it’s a legacy,” he said.