In 1927, a church took a rather unusual road trip. This is the story of Selwyn Anglican Church in Mangere East. Selwyn Anglican Church wasn’t born here. It began its life in 1863 as Holy Trinity Church in Otahuhu. The original Holy Trinity, a wooden structure, served its community faithfully. By the 1920s, however, time and growth had taken their toll. A new, larger brick church was needed. The old wooden church was carefully dismantled. It was then transported piece by piece to Mangere East. The journey was rough, jolting the church and even requiring a rebuild of the tower after a mysterious railway incident. Reassembling Selwyn Anglican Church was a feat of ingenuity. Workers re-bolted timbers and roof trusses, re-roofed the structure, and even carved a new cross. Selwyn Anglican Church quickly became a beloved local landmark. By the 1950s, a growing congregation sparked hopes for a new, larger church. Unfortunately, fundraising fell short. The parishioners rallied, renovating and redecorating the interior in 1962. They focused on building a strong, independent parish. This resilience continued. In 1982, storm damage prompted vital repairs to the church walls and foundations. In 2011, buttresses were added to further strengthen the structure. Despite economic hardships and declining church attendance, Selwyn Anglican Church has persevered. The dedicated parishioners have ensured its survival. They have also maintained its community-focused ministry. Today, Selwyn Anglican Church stands as a testament to community spirit and the enduring power of faith. It’s a little church with a big history. A church that, against all odds, refused to lie down and die.
Selwyn Anglican Church
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