Auckland’s oldest surviving Catholic church stands before us Saint John the Baptist Church. It is a testament to faith and history. The church’s story began long before Auckland became the bustling city it is today.
St John the Baptist Church was founded by Bishop Jean Baptiste Francois Pompallier. He was Auckland’s first Bishop. The church was formally established on May 12 1861. This was just a decade after Auckland briefly served as New Zealand’s political capital.
Initially St John’s was a dependency of Auckland’s pro-Cathedral. That was the first St Patrick’s. Rev M O’Hara served as St John’s first priest. He was also a priest of that Cathedral.
Before the church was even built a Catholic primary school existed nearby. It was first staffed by lay people. Later the Sisters of Mercy administered it. The Sisters ran the school for over a century. Sadly they withdrew from Parnell in 1964. The school closed. The Sisters’ numerous services were lost to the parish.
In 1862 St John’s became a parish church. It was entrusted to the Franciscans. These friars were mostly Italian. Bishop Pompallier recruited them from Rome. They served the parish for eleven years. Then they dispersed to other missions overseas.
For the next 107 years St John’s had Diocesan clergy as parish priests. Many were distinguished men. Two rose from Parnell to become bishops. One early 20th-century priest was a builder. He enlarged the old church. He added the wider extension to the rear that you see today. He also built the presbytery and a new convent. The convent is now used for other purposes.
In 1980 the Marist Fathers took over the parish. Under the guidance of Rev J Sloane SM and then Rev T Fitzpatrick SM changes were introduced. These changes were guided by the Second Vatican Council. Lay participation in services increased.
Another change at St John’s was the arrival of young people. Many were students from South East Asia. They came to New Zealand for higher education. Young and old worshipped together happily. With its organ and choir St John’s vibrated with life once more.
In 1989 the Marists left Parnell. The parish returned to diocesan status. Fr Kevin Hackett became the pastoral leader. Under his care St John’s flourished. It became known as a house of prayer.
A complete refurbishment of the Saint John the Baptist Church was completed in 1997. In 2017 the presbytery was also renovated.
Today St John the Baptist Church stands as a Category I Historic Place. It received this designation on March 1 2012. The church has historic social aesthetic archaeological and spiritual significance. Parnell is fortunate to have retained many heritage buildings. These include the Holy Trinity Cathedral and St John the Baptist historic church. These buildings are among the hearts of Parnell. They contribute to the suburb’s unique character.
The church is home to a central city community of faith. It was established in 1861. Mass times are Saturday Vigil 5.00 pm. Sunday 7.00 am and 9.30 am. Weekdays Monday to Friday 12.10 pm. Saturday and Public Holidays 9.00 am. As you leave Saint John the Baptist Church consider its enduring legacy. It has been a spiritual home for generations. It remains a vital part of Auckland’s community.