Margaret Main was presented the replacement cross by Menz Shed’s Richard Cato.
Pukeatua Memorial Church have had the first glimpse of their replacement cross, made by Menz Shed.
On Monday Margaret Main, chairperson of Pukeatua Memorial Church, visited Menz Shed to inspect the cross.
Main said although she still is sour about the cross being taken in the first place, she is happy with how its replacement has turned out.
“We are not happy we had to replace it… when you go into the church now, its bare because nothing is there.”
Menz Shed came to the rescue after thieves struck at the church.
From a woodworking perspective, the cross, made from recycled rimu, is complete. Main did not take the cross on Monday though, it will be fitted with two plaques before it is collected.
The original brass cross, which was stolen in January, was donated by the parents of private Horace James Jemmett, who died in the battle of Gallipoli on June 9, 1915 at 22 years of age.
“It has to have one in memory of Jemmett,” Main said.
Main asked for another plaque to acknowledge Menz Shed’s efforts.
“Replica of the brass cross, stolen January 2022 – Made by Menz Shed Te Awamutu,” she drafted.
Menz Shed is working through ideas of how they can best fit the two plaques to the cross.
They have a deadline – Pukeatua Memorial Church plan to showcase the cross during an outdoor service on April 24.
