Saint John’s Anglican Church

Gazing at Saint John’s Anglican Church, can you hear the echoes of its long history? This isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to faith and community, nestled in the heart of Campbells Bay, Auckland. Saint John’s Anglican Church stands as the oldest surviving Selwyn church on Auckland’s North Shore. Its story begins long before cars or even reliable roads. Picture this: the year is 1860. Pioneer parishioners arrive by boat from Little Shoal Bay, eager to worship in their newly dedicated church. Bishop Selwyn himself, the first Bishop of New Zealand, consecrated Saint John’s Anglican Church on June 24th, the feast day of John the Baptist. The original structure was a simple, rectangular nave with a chancel and porch, a typical rural design of the time. Over the years, Saint John’s Anglican Church evolved alongside its community. Photos from the turn of the last century reveal higher transepts added to the original nave. By 1913, the roofline was raised, aisles were added, and the distinctive belfry emerged, creating more space but altering the original “Selwyn” character. In 1990, the church underwent a significant transformation, linking it with the hall and creating new spaces. The architect skillfully blended the historic “Selwyn” style with contemporary elements. Finally, in 2012, the Lychgate was completed, offering a magnificent view of the Waitemata Harbour. Imagine sitting there, taking in the same vista enjoyed by parishioners for over a century and a half. Saint John’s Anglican Church isn’t just a historical landmark. It’s a vibrant hub of faith, community, and enduring spirit.