RIPIA MARAE AND CHURCH

Church and Urupas (burial sites)

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Peterehema (Bethlehem) Anglican Maori Church

The Church at Ripia was named Peterehema (Bethlehem) Anglican Maori Church and was opened by the Reverend Wiki Te Paa, the Minister of Waimamaku, Hokianga on the 22 April 1890. There were 217 people that attended the opening and 71 of them took communion."taken from the "Centennial Celebration of Bethlehem" booklet written by Wiki Te Paa (Jnr) written 23.4.1990."

Reverend Wiki Te Paa 1846-1919

Wiki Te Paa was born in Te Aupouri in 1846. He married Ramari Te Huhu on 25th September 1865 at Te Kao. He was ordained Deacon on 18th January 1880. One year later he was ordained a Priest. He spread the gospel through Hauraki, Waikato, Rotorua, Ngatiporou, King Country and his longest mission was one month through Taranaki beginning with Te Whiti at Parihaka. Reverend Wiki Te Paa died in Ripia aged 74 years on the 17th December 1919 and is buried there.

Kipi Haimona Rewa 1893-1974

"Kipi Haimona Rewa passed away this month (15th July 1974). He was the last of the Maori families that established the little church at Ripia. Born 2nd June 1893 at Ripia, the son of Mr and Mrs Ratahi Rewa, he attended the Tatarariki and Aratapu schools. He was a relative of Princess Te Puea and as a boy went to the Waikato and stayed with the family for some time. In his youth he was a keen tennis player and helped build the Tatarariki Courts. He worked at the Tatarariki saw mill and spent 30 years on the Hobson County Council. On July 24th 1930 he married Miss Sarah Howard and lived at Ripia. They had two daughers - Aroha (Mrs. Ray Christie Te Kopuru) and Heather (Mrs. Rob Sarich Auckland) and seven grandchildren. This kindly gentleman kept the little church at Ripia in apple-pie order and from time to time took services there. Many remember his love for music and his fine voice. He had been in failing health for the last three years. Loved and respected by all - one of natures gentlemen." taken from Vicar John Wilsons Newletter to the Parish. July 1974"

20th January 1903. Queen Victoria died. That same year the census of Ripia was 64 adults.

12 August 1907. The church organ was purchased by The Ripia Maori Women's committee.

24 May 1907. The seashell at the font was donated by Archdeacon Hawkins.

Urupa - burial sites

There are two Urupa (burial sites - cemetery). One is around the church and the other is a short distance up from the church. The picture to the left is taken from inside the Urupa (cemetery) and the entrance is along the white painted fenceline on the left. This Urupa is often referred to as the "top cemetery". Deaths resulting from the 1918 Flu Epidemic-- Waru Rewa -- Wikitoria Te Paa -- Tana Aperahama -- Matahua Tahu -- Timi Waewae -- Emere Herewini -- Piri Paora -- Mere Waru -- Wi Paora -- Hare Apene -- Matuhuia Tahu -- Meeti Powhitu Tumu -- Are Tuoi Rewa --
"taken from Reverend Wiki Te Paa's Diary and recorded in the Peterehema Centennial booklet."
There are several unmarked burial sites at the "top cemetery" which were mainly deaths caused by the flu epidemic. A memorial garden has been planned and landscaped (April - May 2005) in memory of those who died during the flu epidemic.

Š2005 Website designed and created by Kipi Sarich. Email: kipisarich@hotmail.com