It's an old testimonial ­ some 143 years old – but it was found in a very modern plastic box at the Bay of Plenty's oldest European heritage site.

How it got there has The Elms' collections convenors Dr Willie Turner and Kevin Hamm scratching their heads.

Holy Trinity's Rev Dr Dale Williamson and Rev Paul Williamson with the testimonial received from collections convenors Kevin Hamm and Dr Willie Turner. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Dated the 18th day of July, 1872, it's a testimonial written by four ministers of Ireland's County Kerry, praising the qualities of Reverend Canon Charles Jordan.

They note that 'while serving he behaved himself soberly, piously, and with ability and conformably in the doctrine and discipline of the Church of Ireland”. A character reference of its time?

'It's a glowing testament,” says Willie. 'It was very commonplace in those days.”

Charles was the first vicar of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Tauranga, so Willie and Kevin are giving it back to the church. They handed the testament to Reverend Paul Williamson of Holy Trinity Church this morning.

'We thought it was more important to give to him,” says Willie. 'They have a glass case in the vestry of Holy Trinity with other documents relating to Canon Jordan.”

Written in copperplate, the testament was discovered at The Elms' Hunter House, hiding among old books, photos, love letters, recipes and early prints of the original house that Reverend Alfred Nesbit Brown lived in.

So how did this old testimonial find its way to The Elms? Willie and Kevin don't know for sure, but have a few theories.

'It was posted from Ireland,” says Willie, examining six folded creases. 'It was probably posted to Reverend Brown because he was probably the only minister here.”

Charles was born in County Kerry, Ireland, and served as a pastor before being appointed to the new parish of Tauranga, to serve the developing settlement.

Willie says Charles had applied for a job here, so the testament was possibly his ticket out of Ireland.

'It was important that he had this glowing testament to come here.”

A praising testament to his name, Charles got the job. But he and Brown soon butted heads.

'Clearly a different character to Brown, he was feisty and strong-willed,” says Willie. 'A fighter, but a survivor. Everywhere he went there were arguments.”

Willie says Charles had what can only be described as a stormy career.

'He showed exceptional leadership qualities for the young community by being mayor on nine occasions, chairman of the school committee, borough councillor, and most of the time in disputes with some of the congregation and citizens.

'He was accused of spending too much time on civic duties at the expense of spiritual ones.”

Yet, a monument stands in his memory at Tauranga's Wharepai Domain.

'Despite being a controversial figure, he clearly had much support in the community throughout his life as a pastor and civic leader,” says Willie.