Imagine a feat of engineering. St Mary’s-in-Holy Trinity was transported across Parnell Road. It was rotated 90 degrees to its current location. Welcome to St Mary’s-in-Holy Trinity. It is an Anglican gem in Auckland’s Parnell suburb.
St Mary’s-in-Holy Trinity offers architectural beauty and a serene atmosphere. This church has a rich history evident in its intricate design. It tells the story of the community.
Originally known as St Mary’s Church, it served as the cathedral church. It was the principal Anglican church of the Diocese of Auckland. That was until 1973. Then the chancel of Holy Trinity Cathedral came into use. Its foundation stone had been laid in 1957.
Benjamin Mountfort designed this wooden Gothic Revival church. He completed it in 1897. St Mary’s replaced the earlier Old St Mary’s Church. The New Zealand Historic Places Trust registered the church as a Category I building in 1981.
Old St Mary’s was built in 1860. The foundation stone for the current St Mary’s-in-Holy Trinity was laid in 1886. It is the largest wooden Gothic church in the world. It stretches over 50 metres. Mountfort was one of New Zealand’s most eminent architects. He was responsible for many Gothic Revival buildings in Christchurch. Many regard St Mary’s as the most impressive of his wooden church designs.
The original plan was to build the church in stone. However, it was rejected as too expensive. Mountfort built a vast church worthy of stone. He seemed to ignore the limitations of wood. St Mary’s-in-Holy Trinity covers an area of 840 square metres. It has architectural features of great medieval cathedrals.
Bishop William Cowie decided to make St Mary’s the cathedral church in 1887. The first part was consecrated in 1888. It consisted of the chancel and three bays of the nave.
The church reached its present state in 1898. This happened with the addition of four final bays. It was Mountfort’s final large-scale work.
The numerous gables are the most noticeable external features. They accentuate the Gothic motifs. This is evident on the exterior of the altar tribune. Three tall windows rise into the gables. The wooden construction made the Romanesque curve impossible.
The principal entrance displays the full height of the building. It features one large gable. This gable slopes at two angles. The architect did this to increase the gable’s height at the facade’s centre. This increased the ceiling height to the central aisle. The resulting effect gives the facade a whimsical Swiss chalet atmosphere.
Today, St Mary’s-in-Holy Trinity stands as a testament to Auckland’s heritage.
Before you leave, take a peaceful stroll. Admire the serene gardens surrounding the church. If you have time, check the church’s events calendar online. You might catch a concert. Consider bringing your camera to capture the stunning architecture and interiors. The stained glass windows are especially beautiful. Whether you seek spiritual solace or architectural beauty, St Mary’s-in-Holy Trinity offers an enriching experience.