Didn’t St Philip’s Anglican start with services in a tent? Today, we stand before St Philip’s Anglican Church in St Heliers. It is more than just a building. It’s a testament to community, faith and time.
In the 1880s, St Heliers was a small seaside settlement. Twenty permanent residents lived here on farmlets and orchards. People travelled to St John’s College chapel to worship. The stone Church of St Thomas had fallen to ruins in 1859.
Reverend P.S. Smallwood saw the need for a place of worship in St Heliers. He arranged services in a private house. Sunday School was held in a tent on a tennis court. Cecil Watson, one of Smallwood’s students, took charge of this mission. In 1897, he collected 60 pounds from the congregation. This money was used to buy land for a church at the corner of St Heliers Bay Road and Paunui Street.
Watson’s designed church was estimated to cost 600 pounds. Instead, a modest wooden structure was built. Two local builders constructed it for 200 pounds. The church had seating for eighty people. Folding doors could close off the chancel. This allowed the church to be used for social events but no dancing was allowed. This modest building opened on 9th October 1898. It was named St Philip’s Anglican Church. Reverend C.A.B. Watson became the first Vicar.
The original church was decorated with arum lilies and ferns. The church had a small organ. Three kerosene lamps hung from the timbered ceiling. Electricity was installed around 1910. This was made possible by a private generator nearby. Forty years later, some lining and a small wood-burning stove were added.
As the parish grew, an adjacent section was purchased. A vicarage was built in 1928. Before this, accommodation for the Vicar was difficult. Servicing the large parish from Orakei to Point England was also a challenge. The Vicar had to travel on horseback, foot or bicycle.
In 1931, a hall was moved onto the site. It had been the Purewa Camp YMCA Recreation Hut. This hall became the social center for the district. Scouts, guides, dances, and farewells for soldiers were all held here.
Plans for a new stone church and hall were underway. C. Towle designed it. It was planned to be an imposing structure seating six hundred. It was even considered as a possible future Cathedral. Plans were completed in 1938. The cost was 66,000 pounds. The church only had 1500 pounds in hand.
After World War II, the area saw rapid residential growth. Churches were built in Orakei and Kohimarama. St Thomas Church was rebuilt in the late 50s. The Parish of St Heliers and Glendowie was formed. It centered on the small wooden church of St Philip. An addition in 1945 provided seating for 112. This was not enough for the active parish.
Glendowie also experienced rapid growth. Sunday services were held in a private home. Sunday School was conducted in a garage. Later, a boatshed was used. Due to frequent flooding, they moved to higher ground. A section was purchased in Colchester Avenue. A hall and classroom block were built. It was used for Sunday School and church services.
A sloping corner section proved difficult for a new design. The Parish bought the site of Bishop Averill’s former home for 10,000 pounds. A new design for a church and hall was prepared. This complex was built in 1959 to 1960 for 60,000 pounds. The new church was dedicated on 19th June 1960.
The original church was moved to Glendowie. It became the Church of St James. It served local parishioners for many years. Declining attendance and financial pressures led to a decision to consolidate the parish at St Philip’s. The original wooden church was gifted to the Parish of Te Atatu. It continues to be loved as the Church of St Paul.
St Philip’s became debt-free and was consecrated on 3rd November 1985. Further improvements were made. A lounge replaced a courtyard garden. The kitchen and front entrance were altered. In 1998, the kitchen was improved. A lift was installed. The church ceiling was replaced and insulated.
Today, St Philip’s Anglican stands as a beacon. It is a testament to faith, community, and the enduring spirit of its parishioners. It serves St Heliers and Glendowie. The church continues to evolve. It embraces its rich history.