Look closely at the stones of Saint James Anglican Church. They hold stories. Saint James Anglican Church stands in Māngere Bridge. It is more than just a building. It’s a testament to faith and community.
Saint James Anglican Church is a Category II heritage-listed church. It is the only remaining stone Selwyn church in Auckland. Built in the 1850s, its history is deeply intertwined with the local Māori.
In 1849, Governor George Grey granted land for settlement. This was for Māori from the Waikato. Rev Arthur Purchas and Tāmati Ngāpora managed the project. Bishop Selwyn and local Māori co-funded it. Māori resettled here built and funded the church. Bishop Selwyn donated £10. Reverend Robert Burrows oversaw the construction.
The stones of Saint James Anglican Church came from Māngere Mountain. This scoria rock tells a story of collaboration. It highlights the joining of two cultures.
Over the years, people have worked to preserve Saint James Anglican Church. Renovations occurred in 1917. The roof was repaired in 1928 and again in 1974. In 1924, female members formed a guild. They raised funds to maintain the church. Further preservation pleas arose in 1938. This led to renovating memorials. These memorials honored Māori chiefs Ēpiha Pūtini and Kati Takiwaru. They were significant to the area.
The land grant was rescinded during the Waikato invasion. It was restored after the war. Then the church became governed by a board of trustees. Initially, it was exclusively Māori. Around 1965, the trust became bi-cultural. This followed a change in rules.
The original floor was replaced in 1988. The original windows still remain. On April 4, 1983, Saint James Church was registered. The New Zealand Historic Places Trust recognized it. It became a Category II historic place.
Bishop Selwyn designed Saint James Anglican Church. He attempted several stone churches in Auckland. Saint James is the only survivor. Stone construction proved difficult. The chancel arch and door arches are brick.
The church features a rectangular nave. It measures 40 ft by 24 ft. There is a chancel at the east. A vestibule is at the west. Walls are up to 18 inches thick. Buttresses every 12 ft support the roof.
Saint James stands as a reminder. It highlights bi-cultural partnership. The church is surrounded by an urupā. This is a sacred resting place for tangata whenua. Waikato-Tainui oversees it.
Today, Saint James Anglican Church welcomes all. It offers regular services. Holy Communion with Kids church happens at 9:30 am. The final Sunday of each month features an all-ages service. Creative bilingual worship occurs on the fourth Sunday at 6:30 pm. Reverend Mark Barnard is the Presiding Priest.
Saint James is more than stone and history. It is a living church. It is a place of worship and community. It embodies the spirit of Māngere Bridge. It represents partnership and faith. Take a moment to appreciate its legacy.