As we stand here in front of St Ninian’s Uniting Church, it is hard to imagine that the city of Wellington was once a wilderness of dense forest and wild hills. The first settlers arrived in 1839, drawn by the promise of a new life and a chance to build a future for themselves and their families. Though the first church services were held on Te Aro Flat under the guidance of Wesleyan missionaries, in 1840 the Anglican Church arrived in Wellington with the “Bolton”. It was not long, however, before the first Presbyterian minister, the Reverend John Macfarlane, arrived in 1839 on the “Bengal Merchant”.
St Ninian’s Uniting Church stands as a testament to the enduring faith and traditions of the people of Wellington. It is a unique and beautiful landmark, drawing together Presbyterian and Methodist congregations. The church itself is located on Karori Road and is still in use today as a place of worship and a center for community activities. The church building itself, constructed in 2003, was built from local materials, giving the church a distinct and attractive Wellington character.
The church reflects the history of the region. In the days when people lived in close proximity to their work, the church was a place where people could go not only to pray, but also to socialize, and to build relationships with their neighbors. That tradition continues today. St Ninian’s Uniting Church is more than a place of worship. It is a meeting place for people from all walks of life, where people from different walks of life can come together to celebrate their shared values and beliefs. It is a place of hope, forgiveness and love. I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the history of this place, and the people who have come before you.