“Imagine the echoes of hymns and scholarly discussions filling the air here at Trinity Methodist Church.” This place has seen a transformation over the decades. The Trinity Methodist Church began as a Methodist Theological College. It played a vital role in shaping religious leaders.
Let’s step back in time. In 1844, Governor Fitzroy granted land for a Wesleyan Native Institution. This institution aimed to train Maori teachers and ministers. It marked the early seeds of what would become Trinity Methodist Church. By 1866, the first Grafton Road Methodist Church was erected on this very site.
The dream of a new Methodist theological college took shape in the 1920s. The location near Auckland University was a key factor. It was important to enhance the church’s theological educational base.
A national competition in 1925 sought designs for the new college. The winners were architects James Hodge White and Leslie Douglas Coombes. They envisioned a Collegiate Gothic style. Think of the University of Otago and Otago Museum. That gives you a sense of their inspiration.
Charles Walter Ravenhall, a Remuera resident, was the builder. He constructed many notable Auckland buildings. These include St Davids Church and Wesley Methodist Church. In 1929, Lucy Caughey officially opened the new Trinity College. Her late husband, Andrew Clarke Caughey, was a significant benefactor.
Picture the red brick and white Oamaru stone. Imagine inner cloisters and a quadrangle. Envision a dining hall, common room, and library. These were enhanced by rimu wood panelling and oak shelving. The building evoked the spirit of Oxford and Cambridge universities.
Trinity College thrived as a Methodist education centre until 1972. Then the college joined with St John’s in Meadowbank. Later, the Auckland Technical Institute and Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design occupied the site.
In 2007, the Church of Scientology purchased the property for $10 million. They invested a further $6 million in restoration. The building became their new headquarters, opening in 2017.
The transformation included extensive stonework repairs. The library was restored to its original function. Heritage New Zealand provided conservation advice. DPA Architects even won an award for their restoration work.
Today, the building stands as a testament to its rich history. It is listed on Auckland Council’s Historic Heritage Schedule. It is also on the New Zealand Heritage List. Trinity Methodist Church has evolved. It continues to be a landmark with a fascinating past.