Westmere Presbyterian church, on the north-western outskirts of Whanganui, is a rare example of a Presbyterian war memorial church. The foundation stone, laid on 30 August 1924, records that the church was dedicated to the glory of God and in loving memory of the men of the parish who fell in the Great War.
The First World War roll of honour inside lists the names of six men who fell in battle and of 23 men from the Brunswick, Nukumaru and Maxwell (Pākaraka), Kai-iwi, Rapanui and Westmere congregations who also served. The Second World War roll of honour lists three men who fell in battle and 29 men and one woman who also served.
The church has recently been enlarged and earthquake-proofed.
Information and images: Bruce Ringer, Auckland Libraries, 2015