Why did Thames almost overshadow Auckland? Here at Saint George’s Church, a whisper of that bygone era remains. Saint George’s Church isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a living testament to a time when Thames pulsed with the energy of 30,000 gold-seekers. This boomtown even rivaled Auckland in size, supplying the burgeoning city with vital provisions. Imagine Thames, a bustling hub larger than Auckland. Saint George’s Church witnessed this extraordinary period. The original Saint George’s, a gift from Chief Taipari, quickly proved too small for the booming population. By 1872, this magnificent wooden Gothic structure arose. It was modeled after grand European stone churches. The land for this new Saint George’s was also a generous gift from Ngāti Maru chief Hotoreni Taipari. Saint George’s Church is arguably the finest wooden Gothic church still operating in New Zealand. Its spire, a beacon visible for miles, dominates the Thames skyline. Today, Saint George’s Church continues to serve its community, embracing technology with live-streamed services. It stands as a proud reminder of Thames’s golden age, a time when this small town nearly eclipsed the city of sails.
Saint George’s Church
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