“Fancy a tale of Auckland’s oldest church community?” That’s what I say as we approach Saint Paul’s. Saint Paul’s Church stands as a beacon of history. It is nestled in the bustling heart of Auckland.
Saint Paul’s is an iconic Anglican church. Its storied past and vibrant community offer visitors a glimpse into Auckland’s rich heritage. Saint Paul’s foundation stone was laid by Governor William Hobson on 28 July 1841. The first service was held on 7 May 1843.
Saint Paul’s also served as Auckland’s Cathedral for over 40 years. The third and current building was formally consecrated by Bishop William Cowie on 1 November 1895. It is now registered as a Category I Historic Place by Heritage New Zealand.
Saint Paul’s is known as the Mother Church of Auckland. It was founded within a year of the city’s foundation. The first Saint Paul’s was built in Emily Place in 1841. A plaque still marks the site of the beginning of the Christian church in Auckland.
Old Saint Paul’s was in the center of the young colonial city. It was on a prominent ridge-top site on Point Britomart. It was close to the imperial garrison stationed at Fort Britomart. Saint Paul’s was the seat of the Bishop of New Zealand. Auckland’s wealthiest settlers worshipped there. The Anglican faith was closely linked to colonial power. Many of Saint Paul’s artefacts are connected to this time when Auckland was New Zealand’s capital.
Reverend John Churton was the first minister of Saint Paul’s. He occupied that role for 12 years. The Churton Memorial was built to his memory close to the site of the original church building. In 1863 the original building received extensive enlargements. These enlargements doubled the seating capacity.
During the height of the New Zealand Wars in the 1860s Saint Paul’s was used as a safe haven. It sheltered women children and the elderly. After the war moved south Auckland expanded geographically. The congregation dwindled as attendees moved to new suburbs.
On 20 March 1840 paramount chief Apihai Te Kawau signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Ngāti Whātua sought British protection from Ngāpuhi. Soon after Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei made a tuku of 3500 acres of land to Governor Hobson. All three Saint Paul’s buildings would be built on this land.
When Saint Paul’s was founded hundreds attended. This included Ngāti Whātua chiefs Apihai Te Kawau Te Keene and a young Pāora Tūhaere. They were accompanied by over one hundred Māori warriors.
In 1895 Saint Paul’s opened its third building on Symonds Street. Saint Paul’s continues to be a place of light for the local community. Saint Paul’s exists to serve the needs of those in its parish and beyond. Slowly Saint Paul’s is being restored and completed.
In July 2021 Saint Paul’s turned 180 years old. Saint Paul’s celebrated by lighting up the building and sharing its stories. Once completed the spire of Saint Paul’s was the highest structure in Auckland City. The church stood as a light on the hill visible for miles around.
So next time you pass Saint Paul’s remember its rich history. Think about its role as a sanctuary. Consider its ongoing mission in Auckland.