Whispers from the past echo within the walls of Saint Georges Anglican Church. Saint Georges Anglican Church stands as a testament to faith and community in Thames. The church’s story is intertwined with the bustling Goldfields era of the Coromandel Peninsula. Back then Thames was bigger than Auckland. It even supplied the Auckland province with food.
Imagine this: around 30000 people lived and worked in Thames. Saint Georges Anglican Church became a central point for ministry and worship. For almost 150 years Saint Georges has been a warm gathering. People come to know and hear God better.
The original Saint Georges church was built on Rolleston Street in 1865. Chief Taipari gifted the land. But that first church quickly became too small for the growing community. Within seven years plans emerged for a new Saint Georges.
The new Saint Georges church opened in 1872. Its architecture was based on the Gothic stone churches of Europe. Architect Edward Mahoney designed the new church in 1871. At that time, Thames was a busy gold-mining area. Its population exceeded Auckland. The growing population needed three services for 500 people each Sunday.
Hotoreni Taipari a Ngāti Maru chief generously gifted the land for the church. The spire of Saint Georges rises above the CBD. It is visible for miles around by land and sea. This architectural feature makes the church a central part of the town.
The first Saint Georges church was designed by Auckland Architect John Currie. It was built in 1868. But the first framing blew down in a storm. Construction of the new Saint Georges began in September 1871. It opened on February 28 1872. The cost was 1250 pounds. The Auckland Choral Society even sang Handel’s Messiah in the uncompleted building the previous December.
Saint Georges Anglican Church is possibly the best wooden gothic church still in regular use as a parish church in New Zealand. It is housed in a 19th-century wooden gothic building.
Today Saint Georges continues to serve its community. The Saint Georges Heritage Trust ensures that the historic churches continue to be their important part of Thames cultural heritage. The Trust was formed in 2010. It manages invested funds to maintain the historic churches.
In the 21st century, Thames is a provincial town with a stable population of around 8000. The town is largely a retirement center. The locals created the Saint Georges Heritage Trust to help maintain the two historic buildings.
Services are held each Sunday morning at 9:30 am. They are followed by morning tea. A mid-week Eucharist Service is held each Thursday at 10 am. It takes place in the Church Naive followed by morning tea.
The Independent Charitable Trust manages the church’s long-term development. The Auckland Diocese retains the title of the buildings. The local Vestry controls the day-to-day life and work of the church and hall.
Even prompted by the Covid Years, St George’s now offers live streaming of services to its community.
So next time you pass by Saint Georges Anglican Church remember its rich history. Think about the gold miners the generous chiefs and the enduring faith of the community. Saint Georges stands as a beacon of hope and heritage in the heart of Thames.