ST. MARY’S CHURCH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 236, 5 October 1935, Page 13

ST. MARY’S CHURCH.

ANNIVERSARY SERVICES. SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS. The seventy-fifth anniversary of the dedication of St. Mary’s, Parnell, will be observed to-morrow. The first building used for divine worship was St. Stephen’s Chapel, a stone building dating from 1844. and the first church built by Bishop Selwyn in Auckland. The stone building was blown down in a hurricane in 1855 and was replaced by the present wooden structure in St. Stephen’s cemetery.

In 1849 St. Barnabas’ Church was built for the Maoris on Mechanics Point. The pakehas of Parnell went to this church for worship and the late Mr. David Hay used to tell how he remembered being taken there as a small boy. In 1800 Bishop Selwyn caused the first St. Mary's to be built on the site of the present cathedral church. He consecrated it on October 14. assisted by the Venerable Archdeacon Kirsling. the Rev. B. V. Ashwell and the Rev. F. (afterwards Canon) Gould.

On Sunday morning Archbishop Averill will hold a confirmation service at 11 a.m. In the evening, the Rev. Canon Strong, warden of St. John’s College, will be the preacher. The day will be observed as Golden Offering Sunday.