Alastair Aidan Kay, 71, appeared in the Blenheim District Court on Monday after pleading guilty at an earlier appearance.

Judge Bruce Davidson told the court his decision was a close call.

"In my view, the offence in itself is of lowish-level seriousness. By the narrowest of margins, I am prepared to exercise my discretion," he said. Read more

After singing, a reading, and a prayer at the site, the congregation took the church's altar and sign and processed to St Peter's Anglican church nearby, where the sign would be installed and the rest of the service held.

The Catholics and Anglicans in Ward would have a close relationship, as do the Catholics and Presbyterians in nearby Seddon.

There, the Catholic church is shared with Presbyterians, whose St Andrew's church is to be demolished shortly. It was decommissioned last weekend.

Ward priest Fr Aidan Kay said that after the decommissioning, it was planned that everyone would go to the East Coast Tavern for refreshments.

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