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One of New Zealand’s greatest heritage places, Old St Paul’s was built by the Anglican Church between 1865 and 1866 on what was originally the site of Pipitea Pā, a Māori settlement on Wellington’s waterfront.
Constructed from fine native timbers, the church is a handsome sight from the outside. Inside, it is simply breathtaking. Soaring arches lend the appearance of an upturned galleon, a shapely form enhanced by transepts and other additions which were seamlessly incorporated as the congregation grew. Spectacular lighting gives the interior a rosy glow, enriching the appearance of brass fittings, stained glass windows and exquisitely embroidered furnishings. It is a glorious riot of colour and light, with splendid acoustics a memorable accompaniment.
As well as being one of the best examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the world, the former cathedral is a repository of many interesting stories, including that of its own survival. Having served the Anglican community up to the 1960s, it was threatened with demolition after the new St Paul’s was built one block away. Saved, restored and reopened to the public, today Old St Paul’s stands not only as a place of spiritual significance and a venue for special events (including weddings and concerts) but also as a reminder of one of New Zealand's great heritage battles. Old St Paul's is registered as a Category 1 Historic Place by Heritage NZ.
Old St Paul's was designed by Frederick Thatcher, an English ecclesiastical architect and also the vicar of the first St Paul's church from 1861-64. Old St Paul's was his first major architectural work in NZ. There was a senior builder (Mr John McLaggan 1803-1886) and 7 carpenters, the best craftsmen who constructed the church from a selection of the finest NZ timbers. They left their names on a secret panel that was located during the restoration of 1964, after almost 100 years of services, including 2 Clarke (Clark) brothers John and Isaac, who came to New Zealand on the SS OLiver Lang in 1858. Isaac Clark was married in the Old St Pauls church on 3 Feb 1877 to Maria Wootton. The inscription on the secret panel reads: Builders Names, John McLaggan, Carpenter, W Good, Isaac Clark, W Aitken, O Chappell, MacFunn, John Clark, Mitchell. There is also a secret head carved into the wood. Several explanations are given about the representation of the secret head. Some will claim it is an image of Mr William Hort Levin (7 August 1845 – 15 September 1893) was a 19th-century merchant (wool), philanthropist good Samaritan and politician who lived in Wellington, New Zealand and became a partner in his fathers business), others claim it is the image of one of the carpenters determined to leave his mark in the building.
As you enter the foyer you will see the ropes used by the bell ringers since 1867.
The baptismal font was gifted in 1866, it was made in England from white stone with a carved oak canopy. The Baptistry was added in 1891.
The consecration plaque reads that Old St Paul's was consecrated on 6 June 1866 by Bishop Abraham, first Bishop of Wellington.
On the left as you face the alter are the flags of the NZ Merchant Navy (red) and the Royal Navy.
Small holders on the reading desks of the pews were used to mark seats reserved for those who had paid an annual subscription.
Originally almost all the windows were plain frosted glass. The beautiful stained glass windows were added one by one as memorials to prominent members of the Wellington community.
Within a couple of minutes’ stroll of Parliament Buildings and the National Library gallery, Old St Paul’s is also within easy walking distance of the Lambton Quay shopping district and the capital’s fantastic waterfront. It is also close to Katherine Mansfield House & Garden, a fascinating, colonial heritage site with links to the literary world.
www.oldstpauls.co.nz