Magnificent isn’t it? That’s Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception. Right here in Auckland.
This isn’t just any church. Saint Mary’s has a remarkable history. It began life as a much smaller church. That original building was completed way back in 1860. But the congregation grew. They needed more space. So they decided to build a bigger and more magnificent church.
The foundation stone for the current Saint Mary’s was laid in 1886. The architect was Benjamin Mountfort. He was a brilliant architect known for his Gothic Revival style. He designed many impressive buildings in Christchurch. He really outdid himself with Saint Mary’s.
This isn’t just the largest wooden church in Auckland. It’s the largest wooden Gothic church in the entire world. Amazing isn’t it? Think of all the intricate woodwork. All of it made of wood. The original plan was to build it of stone. That would have been much more expensive. Mountfort however went ahead and used wood. He built a church that rivals the great stone cathedrals of Europe.
The church took years to build. The first part was consecrated in 1888. It was finally completed in 1898. It’s a testament to his skill and vision. Mountfort’s final large-scale work.
Look closely at the exterior. Notice the many gables. These are a key feature of Gothic architecture. The gables accentuate the vertical lines. This is particularly noticeable on the altar tribune. The wooden construction is unique. It makes the typical Romanesque curve impossible.
The main entrance is also striking. The gable here is designed to increase the ceiling height. The steeper roof pitch creates a unique effect. It gives the facade an almost whimsical Swiss chalet atmosphere. A truly unusual design feature.
But that’s not the end of Saint Mary’s story. In 1982 the entire church was moved. It was a remarkable feat of engineering. They moved it across Parnell Road. It was turned 90 degrees. Now it stands beside the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
Saint Mary’s wasn’t just moved. It was also registered as a Category I historic building. This was in 1981. A well-deserved honour for this architectural marvel. It’s a testament to the skill and vision of its creator. A magnificent symbol of faith. A true Auckland treasure.