A century’s worth of hymns echoes from within these walls. Welcome to Three Kings Congregational Church. Right here on Mt Albert Road stands a testament to faith resilience and community. Established in 1907 Three Kings Congregational Church wasn’t always known by this name. Initially it began as a Sunday School with just 56 students and two teachers under the guidance of Reverend W Day. Its humble beginnings grew into a thriving congregation. This humble Sunday School became its own building in October 1907.
The church’s growth was remarkable. A church fellowship formed in 1912 with only 11 members. It grew even more. By 1913 the church was officially recognized by the Congregational Union of New Zealand. Further expansion followed with three classrooms added. The Sunday School flourished with 94 scholars and 8 teachers.
The church’s name shifted in 1946. It changed from Mt Roskill to Three Kings reflecting a change in the district’s name. This reflects the area’s changing identity and the church’s adaptability to its surroundings. Their 50th Jubilee in 1957 brought further expansion to the Mt Albert Road side of the building.
The church faced challenges. Finding a suitable minister was difficult at times. In 1978 the congregation cleverly approached the Bible College of New Zealand. This led to the arrival of Ian Hooker a second-year student who later served as pastor for an impressive 34 years. This is a testament to his dedication and the church’s enduring spirit. The church’s centenary in 2007 brought together visitors from all over New Zealand even China. These were people whose lives had been touched by Three Kings Congregational Church.
Despite challenges Three Kings Congregational Church persevered. A new building was constructed in 2010 on the site of an old house. The house had served well but was dilapidated. Its demolition made way for a modern general-purpose building. After Reverend Hooker’s retirement in 2012 Paul Allen-Baines took over as pastor. This continued the tradition of strong leadership within the church.
Today Three Kings Congregational Church stands as a vibrant multicultural hub. It continues to adapt to the changing neighbourhood. It serves as a spiritual home to many residents old and new. Its journey from a small Sunday school to a thriving church is remarkable. It stands as a testament to the power of faith community and perseverance. This is a church which continues its mission. It’s a place where the spirit of community is alive. Three Kings Congregational Church a place of faith and fellowship welcomes you.