“Sacred to the memory…” Imagine those words etched in stone. They mark the Churton Memorial. It stands as a tribute to Reverend John Frederick Churton. Let’s step back in time to understand its significance.
The Churton Memorial honors a man who profoundly impacted early Auckland. John Frederick Churton was not just any minister. He was the first minister of St Paul’s Church Auckland. This was back in the early colonial days.
Reverend Churton served St Paul’s for twelve years. The 1853 St Paul’s register confirms this. He was also Colonial Chaplain and Garrison Chaplain. The memorial marks his death in 1853. He was only 53 years old. His age had been incorrectly recorded as 56.
The Churton Memorial is more than a simple marker. It connects us to the origins of Auckland itself. A metal tablet above the inscription commemorates the laying of St Paul’s foundation. This happened on July 28, 1841. Governor William Hobson, the first governor of New Zealand, officiated.
St Paul’s played a crucial role in Auckland’s early bicultural history. Ngāti Whātua gifted land to Governor Hobson. This was to establish Auckland as the new capital. All three of St Paul’s buildings were built on this land.
Initially, Reverend Churton didn’t prioritize ministry to the native inhabitants. Bishop Selwyn had issued him a curacy license. It required him to learn the language of the native inhabitants. He had to minister to them without distinction. Churton, however, was mainly concerned with European settlers.
Despite this initial reluctance, St Paul’s held services in both Māori and English. Bishop Selwyn noted the enthusiasm of the Māori congregation. Some paddled twelve miles by sea to attend the opening service.
The original St Paul’s served as a safe haven during the New Zealand Wars. Women, children, and the elderly sought refuge within its walls. This highlights the church’s central role in the community.
The original Emily Place church was demolished in 1885. Point Britomart was being quarried away. A temporary wooden church was built. It stood on the corner of Short Street and Eden Crescent. The current site on Symonds Street was chosen for its central location.
Today, the Churton Memorial stands in a quieter part of the city. It’s a leafy reserve near Princes Street and Shortland Street. Pohutukawa trees surround it. Multi-story apartment blocks now obscure the Waitemata Harbour view.
Yet, this monument invites reflection. It prompts us to remember the people who shaped Auckland. John Frederick Churton was one of them. His dedication to St Paul’s laid a foundation for religious and community life.
So, as you stand before the Churton Memorial, consider its layered history. It speaks of faith, colonialism, and the evolving identity of Auckland. The words “he be dead yet he speaketh” remind us of his lasting influence. The Churton Memorial connects us to Auckland’s past. It encourages us to understand our present and future better.