Chapel

What secrets does this unassuming wooden structure hold? Right here before us stands the Chapel of St. John the Evangelist. It’s not just any chapel. It’s the oldest surviving church building in all of Auckland, a testament to the city’s rich spiritual heritage. The Chapel of St. John the Evangelist isn’t grand or imposing. Yet its simple elegance speaks volumes. Consecrated in November 1847, the Chapel of St. John the Evangelist has witnessed the ebb and flow of Auckland’s history. Designed by Frederick Thatcher, this chapel was built with a modest budget of £330. The materials? Kauri and tōtara timber, local resources that give the chapel a warm, organic feel. The chapel’s design reflects the Selwyn style, known for steeply pitched roofs and overhanging eaves. Imagine Bishop Selwyn himself, consecrating this very space almost two centuries ago. The Chapel of St. John the Evangelist was originally built with apsidal east and west ends. In the early 1870s, a belfry designed by Archdeacon Philip Walsh was added. Much later, in 1959, the chapel underwent an expansion. The western end was extended, seamlessly integrating new kauri and tōtara timber with the original structure. A vestry was also added to the north side. Inside, you’ll find more stories whispered through the details. The altar, from 1934, holds a quiet reverence. The altar candlesticks, crafted from wood taken from St. Botolph’s Church in Boston, Lincolnshire, connect this space to a wider world. Even the bell, forged from metal from York Minster’s bells, carries echoes of distant chimes. The Chapel of St. John the Evangelist is more than just timbers and stones. It is a living link to Auckland’s past. It is a place where countless prayers have been whispered, hymns have been sung, and lives have been touched. It stands as a quiet reminder of the enduring power of faith and community.