Built in 1886 Sexton’s House stands proudly within the grounds of Waikumete Cemetery. This kauri clad villa cost just £297 to build. It served as a home for the cemetery’s sexton a vital role in the cemetery’s early days. Sexton’s House wasn’t just a residence. It was the hub of activity.
The sexton’s duties were many and varied. They ranged from the solemn task of receiving bodies to the practical work of digging graves. They also rang the cemetery bell maintained the grounds and even formed paths and roads. Imagine the sexton meeting the funeral train at the station. The deceased would be transferred from the funeral carriage for the service. Often the casket was taken up the steep incline into the cemetery by wheelbarrow. The sexton was responsible for the smooth running of the whole operation.
Over the years Sexton’s House saw many sextons come and go. W E Walker served from 1886 to 1901. Herman Erickson followed him until 1921. The house witnessed countless funerals and quiet moments of reflection. It bore silent witness to the lives of countless Aucklanders.
The original office in Sexton’s House eventually became a fourth bedroom. In 1919 a new office was added. This shows how the role of the sexton evolved. The house adapted to the changing needs of the cemetery. The original structure remains. It stands as a testament to the perseverance and evolution of this key building in Waikumete Cemetery.
Today Sexton’s House remains on the cemetery grounds. It is a reminder of the dedication and hard work of those who served the community. It’s a place where history and memory intertwine. Standing before Sexton’s House allows us to connect with the past. We can feel the echoes of stories whispered through time. This is Sexton’s House a small building with a monumental history.