“Who knew a stream could have such a story?” I ask. Today, we are not just walking alongside Saint Paul Stream. We are diving into a tale that begins with the very foundations of Auckland.
Saint Paul Stream whispers stories of a city’s birth. It tells of cultural exchanges and the evolving landscape. This waterway has witnessed Auckland’s transformation.
In 1840, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei gifted 3,500 acres of land to Governor Hobson. This land became the foundation of Auckland. Within a year, in 1841, St Paul’s Church was founded. It became the first church in Auckland. All three of St Paul’s Church buildings would be built on this gifted land.
The original St Paul’s Church site was on Emily Place. Governor Hobson laid the foundation stone on July 28, 1841. The first service occurred on May 7, 1843. St Paul’s also served as Auckland’s Cathedral for over 40 years.
Ngāti Whātua chiefs like Apihai Te Kawau attended the founding ceremony. Over one hundred Māori warriors accompanied them. Bishop Selwyn, fluent in te reo Māori, licensed Rev Churton to serve Auckland. Selwyn insisted Churton minister to all inhabitants without distinction. However, Churton, focused on European settlers, declined to learn te reo.
Selwyn opened St Paul’s Church with four services on May 7, 1843. He noted Māori attendees paddled twelve miles by sea to attend. They participated fully in the church service. This contrasted with the silent, unkneeling English settlers. St Paul’s held two services in te reo Māori and two in English weekly.
During the 1860s New Zealand Wars, St Paul’s served as a safe haven. Women, children and the elderly sought refuge within its walls. Later, the congregation dwindled. Attendees moved to new suburbs.
The original Emily Place church was demolished in 1885. This happened when Point Britomart was quarried away. A temporary wooden church was built. It stood on the corner of Short Street and Eden Crescent.
The current St Paul’s Church building was dedicated in 1894. It stands on Symonds Street. This location placed it near Karangahape Road. By the 1880s, this was a thriving area for both Māori and Pākehā.
Today, Saint Paul Stream continues its quiet flow. St Paul’s Church stands as a testament to Auckland’s past. It is a beacon for the community. It reminds us of the intertwining stories of land, people and faith. It is a light on the hill.