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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
The Turakina Presbyterian Church
The Turakina Presbyterian Church is situated on the North Western Road right in the centre of the township. It is a wooden building with a small turret and spire, the former containing a bell. It was built about the year 1864. The accommodation is for about 140. The Presbyterians are the strongest body in Turakina, and number 400 to 500 adherents in the entire district. They have a neat little church at Bonny Glen a few miles away in the direction of Marton, which has recently been built, succeeding the oldest established church in the provincial district. The foundation stone of the Bonny Glen Church was laid by the Reverend William Ross, of Cowcaddens, Glasgow, brother to the present minister. It was opened free of debt in May, 1893, and will accommodate 100 persons. The local Sunday school at Turakina numbers about fifty scholars, the superintendent being Mr. James Bruce, of Glen Cairn. There are altogether in connection with the Presbyterian cause in the district four Sunday schools, the total number of scholars being altogether 100. The land occupied by the Presbyterian Church and Manse at Turakina consists of five acres, the gift of Mr. Wilson, of Ann Bank. The son of this gentleman still takes an active part in church matters in the district. The Manse is a large and substantial building, and has been built during the present minister's term of office, the first portion having been erected about eighteen years ago. It has been considerably enlarged and added to by Mr. Ross.