A whisper of history. That’s what I feel standing before the Chapel of Saint John the Evangelist. This isn’t just any chapel. It’s Auckland’s oldest surviving church building a testament to faith and resilience.
Imagine 1847. Bishop Selwyn consecrated this very chapel. He envisioned a place of worship a beacon of hope in a burgeoning city. The Chapel of Saint John the Evangelist was built of kauri and totara timber strong and beautiful materials reflecting the spirit of the pioneers. It cost just £330 a surprisingly modest sum for such an enduring structure.
The chapel’s design was the work of Frederick Thatcher. His signature style steeply pitched roofs overhanging eaves and early English fenestration are all here. It’s a stunning example of Selwyn church architecture. But the story goes beyond bricks and mortar. The bell for instance is made from metal salvaged from York Minster. It’s a connection to a much larger history a tangible link to a world beyond New Zealand’s shores.
Later additions expanded the chapel’s capacity. A belfry designed by Archdeacon Philip Walsh graced the building in the 1870s. In 1959 architects Patterson Lewis and Sutcliffe extended the west end mirroring the original design. Memorial windows adorn the walls each a poignant reminder of individuals associated with Saint John’s College. The altar a later addition dates from 1934. The altar candlesticks are made from wood from St Botolph’s Church in Boston Lincolnshire.
The Chapel of Saint John the Evangelist hasn’t merely survived. It has thrived. It remains a place of worship for the Anglican Church. It stands as a quiet observer of Auckland’s transformation from a small settlement to a modern metropolis. Each Sunday it echoes with hymns and prayers a continuation of the faith that laid its foundation.
More than just a building. More than a place of worship. The Chapel of Saint John the Evangelist is a living monument a precious link to Auckland’s past a testament to faith perseverance and the enduring power of community. It’s a must-see for anyone who wants to truly understand the heart of Auckland.