A PIONEER CHURCH.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 174, 24 July 1926, Page 11

A PIONEER CHURCH.

ST. PAUL'S, SYMONDS STREET.

EIGHTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY

At St. Paul's Anglican Church, Symonds Street, there will be special services, to-morrow to commemorate the eighty-fifth anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone Of the original church.

The foundation stone was laid on July 28, 1841, by the first Governor of New Zealand, Captain William Hobson, R.N. A site had been chosen at the top of Shortland Street, then known as Shortland Crescent, the principal thoroughfare of the town. The site, which was a commanding one, was midway between Fort Britomart and Government House.

The building of the church proceeded but slowly, rents being high and materials scarce. On St. Patrick's Day, 1843, the church was dedicated by Bishop Selwyn, and even then it was without the spire. For 44 years it stood on this site, before having to give way to port and civic improvements. In 1855 the building was pulled down and a temporary church erected for use until tbe present building was ready.

During the residence of the Imperial troops in Auckland the old church was always the garrison church. When the Maoris threatened Auckland in the course of the Northern Maori War, it was strengthened and barrioaded as a refuge for women and children. The Earl of Glasgow laid the foundation stone of the present St. Paul's on June 11, 1894, the stone being the same one as had been previously laid by Captain Hobson.

All the interesting memorial tablets which were in the firat church are contained in the present church. Perhaps the most valued possession is the handsome solid silver-gilt double set of Communion vessels, which were the personal gift of Queen Victoria to Bishop Selwyn for use in St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral, as the old church was called.

To-morrow morning the preacher will be the Rev. Gordon Bell, and in the evening Dr. Anderson, formerly Bishop of Riverina. The collections will be in aid of the church completion fund.