Towering above us is Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church a historic landmark. Its bluestone walls have watched over Auckland for more than 150 years. Saint Andrews stands as a testament to faith and community.
Saint Andrews’ story began in 1847. A public meeting decided to build a Presbyterian church. They also sought a suitable minister. Construction started in December 1847. Rev. George Panton arrived in January 1849. Services were held in the Court House before his arrival. Methodist clergy assisted during this time.
A design competition was held. Walter Robertson won. Thomas Clark was contracted to build Saint Andrews. Disputes and problems caused delays. By May 1848 work stopped. New tenders were called. Robert Tudehope got the masonry contract. He had been the foreman. William Hay was awarded the joinery contract. Saint Andrews was finally completed in April 1850. It opened for worship then.
Cost overruns meant the tower and portico were cut. The original plans had included them. Saint Andrews was a plain rectangular building. People compared it to a barn. In 1882 the tower and portico were added. Matthew Henderson was the architect. The gallery was added around this time too.
Rev. Panton’s ministry was short. He returned to Scotland after 21 months. Rev. David Bruce arrived in 1853. He helped the congregation. He extended the church’s influence. In 1860 the church was named Saint Andrews.
Rev. Bruce ministered for 23 years. This was a prosperous time for Saint Andrews. After his departure in 1877 the church was refurbished. A new Church Hall was built in 1904. A new organ was installed in 1907.
Like other city churches Saint Andrews faced challenges. People moved to the suburbs. This caused a decline in membership. Member numbers improved significantly in the late 1930s.
By 1947 Saint Andrews celebrated its centennial. Rev. David Pryor was the minister then. There were special services and a social evening. Elders from “daughter” churches assisted. They served communion.
In 1957 the church interior needed work. The sanctuary was remodelled. The pulpit was retained. The organ console was moved. A vestry was constructed. The alterations were done for Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother’s visit. She visited Saint Andrews in February 1958.
Rev. John Cumming was the minister during the Queen Mother’s visit. He ministered for 23 years. Saint Andrews became part of city life again. Saint Andrews has welcomed new settlers. In the mid 1980s they hosted an Indonesian worship group. The group grew quickly. Rev. Jusak Susabda became associate minister. He served the Indonesian congregation.
Saint Andrews celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1997. A special service was held on May 4th. Celebrations concluded on St. Andrew’s Day. A new Church Hall opened in 1997. It replaced the old hall.
By the mid 1990s the church interior showed wear. The ceiling was a concern. In 1997 they planned a full restoration. Work began in April 2001. Worship was held in the Church Hall during restoration.
Louvres were removed from the windows. Stained glass “hopper” openings replaced them. The stained glass featured emblems. They honored former ministers.
Saint Andrews received funding from the ASB Charities Trust. Auckland Council also provided a grant. This supported conservation works. The church tower was repainted. Remedial work was done on the steps.
Today Saint Andrews is restored. It has a modern Church Hall. It has a prominent location. Saint Andrews ministers to the inner city. It stands as the oldest surviving church in Auckland. Its history is carved in stone. It is a Category I heritage building. Saint Andrews has been worshipping here every Sunday since 7th April 1850. Saint Andrews comprises of English and Indonesian speaking components with separate language services available for each group.