George's church

St Thomas’s church in Meeanee has survived earthquakes, floods (including the most recent) and disinterest - but now at 137 years old it’s been sold.
The pretty little church has been on Meeanee Road since George Rymer donated the land in 1886.
The Anglican church was built for £344 after George wanted it “Given upon trust that the same shall be used as a site for a church for the celebration of divine worship according to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England in New Zealand.”
Designed and built by Frederick de Clere - who built many of New Zealand’s most historic churches - it was opened in 1887.
About 150 people attended the opening - more than could easily fit into the little church.
In typical Clere style it has a gothic style with a belfry and a natural timber finish inside.
The belfry dates from 1911, the church got electricity in 1929 just before the earthquake.
The church actually survived well but needed some shoring up.
In 1997 the church was saved from sale when the residents rallied around it, but now the church has been sold.
Rymer, who was a bit of a daredevil and liked to take a chance, would not be happy that his gift to his community was now gone.
Rymer was born in 1844 in Yorkshire. He arrived in New Zealand in 1863 with William Stock and originally was heading for the gold fields. Like so many he found it was not a good way to earn money. Along with Stock he came to Hawke’s Bay and started a stables and early coaching service.
He had settled in Meeanee and ran the service between there and Napier, Ahuriri and Awatoto.
He was the first to run coaches along the newly opened Taradale Road in 1873. He was also paid by the Government to run the mail through to Puketapu.
In 1881 with a road opened between Napier and Kuripapango (up the Napier//Taihape Road) Rymer began a service. Kuripapango was being touted as a resort for its fresh air. He also won the royal mail warrant for the route.
But he had competition from Alexander Macdonald and the two companies’ coaches would race each other for business. It got so intense that people would gather to watch and bets were made. It led to quite a few accidents.
Rymer married Annie Harvey in 1868 and they had five children.
He retired from his business in 1902 selling it to the Hawke’s Bay Motor Company for £10,000 - well over a million now.
He went on to serve on the Hawke’s Bay County Council for three terms.
Rymer died on April 7, 1917 at his Marine Parade home and is buried in the Taradale Cemetery.
Rymer St in Meeanee is named after him.​