Mitchell, Leonard Cornwall, 1901-1971 :[Rev. Samuel Marsden preaching the first sermon in New Zealand, Christmas Day, 1814. New York, Bible Society, 1964]

Marsden, his eyes closed, a Bible in his left hand, standing slightly left of centre in a makeshift pulpit draped with black cloth, preaching to a congregation of Maori and Pakeha men, women and children at Rangihoua, Bay of Islands. At least two of the congregation are also holding Bibles. Maori dwellings and canoes beyond on the beach, with European rowboats also pulled up on the beach.

The original painting from which the reproductions were taken - a watercolour according to information supplied at the time of the donation, but the reproduction looks more like an oil, and oils were the artist's normal medium - was sent to America, presumably to the Bible Society in New York.

Inscriptions: Recto - bottom right - Leonard C. Mitchell

Commissioned by the Bible Society to mark the 150th anniversary of the occasion depicted and said to be one of only two reproductions made from the original watercolour, the other held by the Bible Society in Wellington.

Quantity: 1 colour photo-mechanical print(s).

Physical Description: Photolithograph, 390 x 481 mm (sight)

Provenance: Mrs Moody was the widow of a former Secretary of the Bible Society in New Zealand.