Pause for a moment to appreciate the enduring presence of Saint Peters Anglican Church. This church stands as one of Auckland’s earliest, dating back to 1848. The story of Saint Peters Anglican Church begins with the arrival of the Fencibles. The first church services in Onehunga were held on the first Sunday after their arrival. That was November 21, 1847. There was an Anglican service in the morning. A Catholic service followed in the afternoon.
Saint Peter’s Church was quickly built. The first service was held on Saint Peter’s Day. This was June 29, 1848. The stone wall at the church was built in 1853. A part of it still stands today. In 1857, the tower and spire were moved to the south side of the church.
As attendance grew, the original wooden church was extended in the 1860s and 1870s. This shows the community’s commitment to Saint Peters Anglican Church.
However, time took its toll. In 1931, the wooden chancel, sanctuary, and tower were demolished. They were replaced with a concrete rendered brick chancel and tower. The remaining nave of the church remained in use.
By the early 1970s, the original Selwyn-designed timber nave was in poor condition. The congregation made a bold decision. They decided to build a new church around the 1931 portion. The new church was completed for its opening on Saint Peter’s Day. That was June 28, 1981.
Frederick Thatcher was the architect. He may have been assisted by Arthur Purchas. Further north to the church, the vicarage and a school were constructed later that decade.
The cemetery surrounding Saint Peters Anglican Church holds stories of its own. Graves of victims from the HMS Orpheus and Niger can be found here. Also Elizabeth Yates rests here. In July 2017, Keith Johnson, a homeless man, was found dead on a bench in the cemetery. A surfboard has been permanently attached to the back of the bench in his memory.
Saint Peters Anglican Church has evolved. It has grown and adapted to serve its community. The church stands as a testament to faith and community in Onehunga.