Built in 1914-1916 the Dominion Road Methodist Church stands proudly. It’s a testament to faith and community. This isn’t just any church. It has a rich history deeply woven into the fabric of Mount Eden.
Originally it was a small wooden structure. The Primitive Methodist congregation met there. Services were held in a cottage. It also served as a Sunday school. This humble beginning contrasts sharply with the impressive Gothic Revival style building we see today.
In 1896 a decision was made. The local Primitive Methodist committee decided to build a new church. They scouted locations. Mount Eden proved perfect. Thomas Hanson a generous settler donated the land. The new church was opened in 1897. It measured 35 feet long and 22 feet wide.
The Methodist Union of 1913 changed things. Primitive Methodists united with the Methodist Church. The church on Mount Roskill Road as it was then known was renamed. It became the Dominion Road Methodist Church in 1907. A larger brick church was built. The old wooden church was moved to make way for it. Herbert White designed the new building. The first service in the new church was held on March 24 1916.
The church’s story isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about people. Lance Corporal Percy Watkinson a young man from the congregation died in the First World War. His will left money to build a hall. A young men’s Bible class used this building. It later became the church parlour.
The Dominion Road Methodist Church continued to grow. A new hall was built in 1925. It celebrated the centenary of Methodism in New Zealand. It accommodated a growing Sunday school. The original hall was moved to Waterview. It remained in use until at least 1997.
The church faced challenges. The Second World War caused austerity. The church purchased and renovated a villa for a parsonage. A fire damaged the parlour. Despite difficulties the church thrived. It became a place of worship for various groups. The Tongan Fellowship began using the church in 1976. The Auckland Fellowship a Fijian-Indian group joined in 1988.
The original congregation dwindled. The Tongan congregation however grew significantly. Eventually the English and Fijian-Indian congregations moved to the Mt Eden Methodist Church. The Dominion Road Methodist Church is still used by the Tongan congregation. It requires seismic strengthening. The church’s legacy endures. It reflects the changing face of Auckland. It speaks to the enduring power of faith community and perseverance. This building continues to serve as a spiritual home. It has served generations in the heart of Mount Eden.