Standing tall on the Petone foreshore, the Iona Memorial Cross is a silent sentinel, its weathered stone telling a story of faith and resilience. The cross commemorates the first Presbyterian service held in New Zealand, a momentous occasion that marked the arrival of the New Zealand Company immigrants in 1840.
John MacFarlane, a minister of the Church of Scotland, led that very first service on Petone beach. He had arrived in Wellington Harbour just two days prior aboard the “Bengal Merchant,” a ship carrying dreams and hopes for a new life in this distant land. The Iona Memorial Cross pays tribute to this historical event, and to the enduring spirit of the Presbyterian Church in New Zealand.
Carved from Coromandel Tonalite, a light grey plutonic rock, the cross stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of H. Glover, a monumental mason in Wellington. The cross was commissioned by the Presbyterian Centennial Committee, a group dedicated to celebrating the church’s centennial in 1940. The cross is not an exact replica of the MacLean Cross on the island of Iona, Scotland, but it bears a subtle resemblance, with its Celtic design and intricate carvings.
As you stand before this silent witness to history, take a moment to imagine the scene that unfolded here over 180 years ago. Picture John MacFarlane, his voice echoing across the beach as he leads the first Presbyterian service in this new land. Feel the sense of hope and anticipation that must have filled the hearts of those early settlers. The Iona Memorial Cross serves as a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the unwavering spirit of those who dared to venture into the unknown. It is a place of reflection and remembrance, a testament to the rich history that shaped New Zealand.