Creating a sustainable future for Wellington’s Old St. Paul’s.
Wellington’s Old St Paul’s.
As a cacophony of construction workers shouting, cranes pivoting and hammers banging reverberates down Mulgrave Street, the heavy wooden doors to Old St Paul’s offer an opportunity to discover pieces of our city’s textured story, enveloped in absolute calm.
Designed by English-trained architect, Revd Frederick Thatcher, what was known then as St Paul’s was opened in June 1866 to serve as both the Parish Church of Thorndon and as Wellington’s Anglican Cathedral. Built in distinct Gothic Revival style, the traditional materials of oak and stone were traded for native timbers; rimu, totara, kauri, and matai, forming a dark, cocooning interior with a unique, New Zealand sensibility.
Every interaction with the space offers a glimpse of the generations that have come before - of iwi who inhabited Pipitea Pa before the foundation stone was laid, of children who fidgeted through evensong, leaving their names engraved on the pew, former Prime Ministers farewelled in state funerals and the thousands of visitors, who have remarked on the architecture, or reflected in silence, or taken in the acoustics.
From the rafters hangs an American flag; a reminder of of U.S. marines stationed here during WWII wall plaques play tribute to members of the clergy and congregation who held the Church near, and dear, and brass memorials commemorate those who died in the land wars and the First World War.
A fight to preserve Old St Paul’s
For almost 100-years, St Paul’s remained as the parish church of Thorndon and the cathedral of Wellington. Throughout this period, the city grew up around it, the harbour that was once visible slipped into the shadows of new office blocks, Wellington became the capital city, generations of new immigrants settled, and our cultural landscape developed to what it is today.
As the city’s population increased, discussions commenced about building a new, larger Cathedral a few hundred metres away on Molesworth Street. When the congregration eventually moved over in May 1964, the future use of the church was unclear, with calls for demolition resulting in vast public outcry, a significant support campaign to maintain the site and the establishment of the Friends of Old St Paul’s a year later.
The campaign was successful and, recognising the significant space the Church plays in Wellington and Aotearoa New Zealand’s history, the government purchased the building to ensure its preservation for the nation. It was originally managed and restored by the Ministry of Works, led by architect Peter Shepherd, during which time the Church became multi-faceted in its utility and purpose. Old St Paul’s is now run and managed by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.
Since 1965, the Friends have played a significant role in raising the profile of the church, enhancing the visitor experience, running events and supporting Heritage New Zealand’s role of restoring, maintaining and preserving the building. “It has always been the mission of the Friends of Old St Paul’s to be the guardians of the Church,” says Friends committee member, Elizabeth Kay.
The Friends’ past projects include installing a new organ and bells, upgrading lighting and sound systems, commissioning sound and light shows, and creating a small museum space to educate visitors on the Church’s rich history. When the building sustained serious damage in the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, the Friends launched a ‘Save Old St Paul’s’ fundraising campaign; matching Heritage New Zealand’s funding to complete seismic strengthening.
A powerful next chapter
In 2015, Wellingtonians celebrated two important anniversaries - 150-years since we became the nation’s capital, and since Governor Sir George Grey laid Old St Paul’s foundation stone. In honour of these milestones, the Friends took a chance to reflect on the important role that the Church has played in the historic, social and cultural fabric of our city. They thought about what Old St Paul’s meant to them and the next chapter of their support. As a result, The Friends of Old St Paul’s Endowment Fund was established with Nikau Foundation to create something in perpetuity, honouring the Church’s history while also creating something for the future.
“We have had the pleasure of supporting Heritage New Zealand to restore, maintain and preserve Old St Paul’s for a number of years,” says Elizabeth. “By establishing the Friends of Old St Paul’s Endowment Fund, we were futureproofing and growing that support to make sure that Old St Paul’s can continue to be here long into the future.”
Donations given to the fund are responsibly invested and grown to maximise the Friends’ fundraising efforts and used to enhance the experience of visitors and promote the usability of the venue. Through this reliable source of funding, the Friends are making sure that, even in 100 or 200 years, the site will remain at the heart of Wellington.
Since 1866, Old St Paul’s has remained a steadfast feature of our city. As a building, it has gained architectural acclaim locally and worldwide. As a musical venue, it has drawn admiration for its brilliant acoustics. As a space, it provides precious opportunities for silence and introspection. And, as a historical site, it continues to safeguard the many stories of current and former Wellingtonians.
Through the establishment of the Friends of Old St Paul’s Endowment Fund, the Friends are ensuring the Church’s iconic position is defended and can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Give today, to support the work of the Friends for generations to come.
To be part of the next chapter of Old St Paul’s, you can donate to the Friends of Old St Paul’s Endowmentr Fund via internet banking, donating online or leave a gift in your will. Please click on the icons below to find out more.
Internet Banking:
Westpac - Lambton Quay - 03 0502 0163248 001
Once you have donated with ‘OSP’ in the reference field, please let the Nikau Foundation team know by emailing accounts@nikaufoundation.nz with your name, address and noting that you would like to support the Friends of Old St Paul’s Endowment Fund.
