The signature on this work suggests it was completed some years after the church was built. The mural utilises the same hexagonal tiles as Martin Roestenburg’s large altar piece. Here, however, the composition is executed in a more naturalistic style. The technique of using individual tiles of contrasting colour is continued in the sky and landscape, but never in the rendering of the figures. The words “GO TO JOSEPH” fly in a banner at the bottom of the mural.

Roestenburg was commissioned to create three works for St Mary’s in Taihape: this work, the crucifix mosaic above the altar in the main body of the church, and the figure of the Crucified Christ in the wheel window on the front of the church.

The Church is open for visitors everyday, 9:30am - 4pm between October and March. Church services are held at 8am on Sunday mornings..

See also:

• ‘A Centennial Story: St Mary’s Parish Taihape: 1899-1999’, [Taihape, N.Z. : St. Mary's Parish Centennial Committee, 1999]