Dedicated to the Martyrs of Melanesia, The Melanesian Martyrs’ Memorial Church of Saint Andrews stands as a beacon of faith. For over 140 years, The Melanesian Martyrs’ Memorial Church of Saint Andrews has served the spiritual needs of the Mission Bay Kohimarama area. Originally, it was part of the Mission Station at Mission Bay. Since 1927, it has been on its present site.
In 1859, St Andrew’s was a college with a chapel. It formed part of the Mission Station. It was rebuilt in stone by Reverend John Coleridge Patteson. Patteson was later consecrated Bishop of Melanesia in 1861. The area was known as Kohimarama then. It became known as Mission Bay later. The next bay to the east became known as Kohimarama. Interestingly, Kohimarama was chosen for the site of Bishop Patteson Theological College on Guadalcanal.
Bishop Patteson was killed on Nukapu Island on September 20 1871. His killing was revenge. Youths had been taken from the island by Blackbirders. Reverend Joseph Atkin tried to recover the Bishop’s body. He was wounded and died from tetanus six days later.
In 1925, Joseph Atkin’s sister, Mary, donated the land. She followed the wishes of her late father William Atkin. The land became the site for The Melanesian Martyrs’ Memorial Church of Saint Andrews. It would be a memorial church to the Martyrs of Melanesia.
The Melanesian Martyrs’ Memorial Church of Saint Andrews has seen many changes. Canon Frank Truman was the vicar from 1963 to 1966. He was a godly and loveable man. The parish continued to progress.
Archdeacon John Brokenshire was vicar from 1966 to 1979. His period was marked by spiritual growth. The Charismatic Movement swept through the church. The Melanesian Martyrs’ Memorial Church of Saint Andrews became the centre of charismatic services in the eastern suburbs. Speaking in tongues and prophecies were sometimes heard. One of the curates during Brokenshire’s years was Reverend Willie Pwaisiho. He later became Bishop of Malaita.
During Canon Bindon’s time, the church centre was completed. The church became clear of debt. On March 11 1984, the church was consecrated. Kohimarama became a parish. St James Orakei was established as an independent Mission District.
In 1991, the vicarage to the east of the church was sold. The present vicarage was built on previously unused Parish land.
The Melanesian Martyrs’ Memorial Church of Saint Andrews has been the centre for Mother’s Union in the eastern suburbs for many years. In 2002, Margaret Wilson was re-elected as national president for a second term.
Reverend Stephen Baxter was appointed as Vicar in 2003. The Melanesian Martyrs’ Memorial Church of Saint Andrews is the spiritual home for Melanesians throughout Auckland. This is especially true for students and their families at St Johns Theological College. Melanesian artefacts are displayed in the church and hall. They are on loan from the Auckland War Memorial Museum. They came originally from the Mission House at Mission Bay.
Today, The Melanesian Martyrs’ Memorial Church of Saint Andrews continues to thrive. It is a place of worship, fellowship, and community. It preserves the Anglican tradition. It makes worship relevant to the present. It faces the challenges of the future. The church seeks to be a spiritually alive and caring parish. It aims to connect more people to God and to each other.