Did you know that this unassuming spot marks the Site of the first St Paul’s Church? It’s easy to walk past the Site of the first St Paul’s Church Plaque without realizing its significance. But beneath your feet lies a story of early settlers and their determination to establish their faith in a new land.
Back in 1844 the first St Paul’s Church was built here. This was the first Anglican church in Wellington. Governor Fitzroy permitted its construction within the Government Reserve. This location choice caused some discontent among other churches in the city.
The first St Paul’s Church was a simple gabled building. It could accommodate around 230 people. Later it was extended to provide more space. However not everyone appreciated its architectural merits. Bishop Selywn the first Bishop of New Zealand reportedly disliked the building. Margaret Harring a visitor in 1861 described it as about as ugly a Church as you can imagine.
Despite its aesthetic shortcomings the first St Paul’s Church served its purpose for over two decades. By 1861 however Bishop Abraham felt it was no longer adequate. He declared that they could not be content with the fabric called St Paul’s Thorndon. The church population needed a larger and better church. Besides the existing St Paul’s was in a very ruinous condition.
In 1866 the second St Paul’s Church replaced the first. The congregation moved to a new building affectionately known as Old St Paul’s. This timber-built church still stands nearby in Mulgrave Street. Old St Paul’s served as Wellington’s Anglican Cathedral for many years.
The plaque commemorates the original site of the first St Paul’s Church. It reminds us of the humble beginnings of the Anglican Church in Wellington. It symbolizes the faith and resilience of the early settlers. They established their spiritual home in this new city.
So next time you pass this spot take a moment to reflect on the history beneath your feet. Imagine the simple gabled church. Think about the early settlers who gathered here to worship. The Site of the first St Paul’s Church Plaque is a reminder of Wellington’s past. It shows the enduring power of faith and community.