Beneath the towering steeple of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a story unfolds. This isn’t just any church. It’s a testament to Auckland’s rich history, a beacon of faith known affectionately as “Holy Sep” or “St Sepulchre’s”. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre stands proudly on Khyber Pass Road in Grafton. Its story began not here, but on Symonds Street in 1865, with a small Anglican chapel nestled within the Symonds Street Cemetery. This original St Sepulchre’s, opened by Bishop Selwyn, served a burgeoning community. By 1870, it became a parish church under Reverend Benjamin Dudley, its nave expanding in 1874 to accommodate over 400 souls. However, Auckland’s growth demanded a grander space. The bustle and noise of Symonds Street led to a new location being chosen: Khyber Pass Road, a ridge overlooking the parish. In 1880, Bishop William Cowie, Auckland’s first bishop, laid the foundation stone for the new Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Designed by Edward Mahoney and Son, known for their Gothic Revival style in wood, the church boasted Auckland’s tallest steeple. An interesting addition to the site came in 1898. A timber hall, originally a temporary space for St Paul’s Church, was moved here. It became a Sunday school, buzzing with 325 children. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre continued to evolve. A Lady Chapel was added in the 1930s. By 1963, the parish closed. However, new life was breathed into the church when it became the Auckland Anglican Māori Mission in 1969. This marked a significant shift, reflecting the Māori migration to urban centers. The church became known as Te Mīhana Māori o Tāmaki Makaurau. In the early 2000s, a significant restoration, costing $480,000, revitalized the church, including a new copper cladding for the steeple. The church even served as a filming location for “The Maori Merchant of Venice” in 2001. In 2009, the timber hall was reborn as Tātai Hono marae, adorned with Māori artwork. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre continues to serve its community, a vibrant blend of history, faith, and culture.
Church of the Holy Sepulchure
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