“Gathering” is what “Kāhui” means in Te Reo Māori. It also pays tribute to the Scottish heritage of Saint David’s Presbyterian.
Saint David’s Presbyterian stands as a testament to faith. It also stands as a memorial to sacrifice. We call it Kāhui St David’s now. It is more than just a building. It is a living memorial. It’s a community hub.
In 1920, plans began for a new church. The decision was made that it would memorialize soldiers. These soldiers fought and died in World War I. Daniel Boys Patterson designed Saint David’s Presbyterian. He used the Gothic revival style. The foundation stone was laid on Anzac Day in 1927. Duncan Macpherson laid it. He was a senior elder. The inscription honored Saint David’s men. They gave their lives in the Great War.
The church opened on October 13, 1927. Its square Gothic tower is built of red Kamo brick. Oamaru stone was also used. The interior features brick with rimu wood panelling. You will also see a jarrah floor and oak pulpit. George Croft built the organ. He was a New Zealand organ builder.
Two memorials were unveiled in 1920. They honored Saint David’s parishioners. They served in World War I. One was a wooden roll of honor. It was for men and nurses. The other was a marble tablet. It listed those who died. More plaques and tablets were added after World War II. Names of those who died in World War II were added.
Two notable soldiers had links to Saint David’s. Cyril Bassett was married here in 1926. Samuel Forsyth also has links.
In 2014, the church did not meet earthquake codes. There was a possibility of demolition. Paul Baragwanath set up the Friends of Saint David’s Trust. He developed a plan to save the church. Property developer Ted Manson was the Trust’s founding patron.
The Auckland City Council gave the church Category A heritage status in 2019. The church is in Heritage New Zealand’s Upper Symonds Street Historic Area.
The final service in the church was in 2020. In 2021, the Presbyterian church planned to sell the properties. The Friends of Saint David’s wanted a covenant. This would preserve the church. Ted Manson bought the properties in 2021.
In 2015, Max Gimblett created an art installation. It was called The Art of Remembrance. It featured 7000 brass quatrefoils. They were hung on the outside of the church. The display opened on Anzac Day. Willie Apiata closed it three months later. It was a memorial to New Zealanders. They served in World War 1. It also was a fundraiser. It helped save and restore the church. The Trust raised $1 million from the sale of the quatrefoils and donations.
Jewellery artist Warwick Freeman designed a special brass pin. It coincided with a light show. It was at the church for the 2018 Anzac Day commemorations. The pins were sold to raise funds. These funds helped preserve the church.
Kāhui St David’s music and community centre opened in 2023. An Anzac memorial event for the 28th Māori Battalion was held in 2024.
Today, Kāhui St David’s stands. It is a vital hub. It fosters musicmaking and social connection. It stands as a living memorial. It keeps alive the spirit of those who served. It welcomes all.