Help us save these iconic buildings for the Cheviot community

Over the last 2 to 3 years the shrinking elderly congregation of the Cheviot Presbyterian Church have been discussing its future. On 19th May 2017 the Presbytery agreed to dispose of the land and buildings, that is the Church and hall. The local community has a strong desire to see the Knox land and buildings kept in public ownership. Our forebears some 65 years ago believed they had built this beautiful facility thinking the Cheviot community would have ownership and usage for future generations.

As the local community is the preferred purchaser, the Cheviot Knox Community Trust has been formed from local volunteers who have reached an agreement with the Presbytery Property Convenor to purchase the property at a favourable rate with settlement date of 1st September 2018 subject to the money being able to be raised.

We see it as essential for the community wellbeing to have a central space for the people to congregate in a neutral environment. Given the stressful environment of the last three years of severe drought followed by the 7.8 earthquake which destroyed many of our homes and farm infrastructure with the additional hardship being experienced in the local economy due to road closures and the diversion of State Highway 1. Whilst the community is extremely resilient the costs of these events has not only taken a significant financial toll, it has been emotionally very difficult.

It is the goal of the Trust to ensure community ownership to perpetuity while not being a burden to the rate payer nor reliant on volunteers. To retain the character and integrity of this iconic land mark building while preserving the amenity valve as viewed from State highway one and the main street of Cheviot. To revitalise the complex to reflect the needs of the current community and its sustainability. The loss of this amenity would be a disaster to the community and the thought of the iconic church falling into private ownership does not bear thinking about.