Old St Paul's: Wellington's first cathedral

Old St Paul's was built on land purchased by Bishop Selwyn in 1845, and augmented by a Crown grant of Maori Reserve land by Governor Grey in 1853. It was designed by the Reverend Frederick Thatcher, an English architect and cleric. The cathedral was consecrated by Bishop Abraham, the first Bishop of Wellington, on 6 June 1866. For 98 years, St Paul's was the parish church of Thorndon and the cathedral church of Wellington.

ld St Paul's thus became the scene of one of New Zealand's greatest heritage battles.

Old St Paul's by night. Photo: Grant Sheehan

Efforts to replace Old St Paul's with a larger church started in the late 19th century, but the new cathedral was not finally built until the 1960s, throwing the future of is predecessor into doubt. In 1964, its ecclesiastical function was transferred to the new St Paul's Cathedral, just one block away.

Old St Paul's thus became the scene of one of New Zealand's greatest heritage battles. As the diocese tried to dismiss the church that had served them for almost 100 years, strong protest from a small group captured significant public support. Eventually, the Government purchased Old St Paul's in 1967 and vested it in the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, which manages it today supported by the Friends of Old St Paul's Society Inc.
Restoration started in 1967 and the church was opened to the public again in 1970.

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Interior

Detail of the Shirtcliffe window Photo: Dan Fransham

The interior decorations and fittings are redolent of Christian symbolism, and tell much of Wellington's early history.

Stained glass windows depict scenes from the bible and commemorate former parishioners. Fixed to walls and pillars are many brasses in remembrance of parishioners, clergy and some who worked on the preservation of the church.

The pulpit commemorates Richard John Seddon Photo: Grant Sheehan

The pulpit of carved English oak commemorates Premier Richard John Seddon whose funeral service was held in Old St Paul's in June 1906. The stone font is one of the original furnishings and was moved to its present position in 1891 when the baptistery was extended. Readings are still delivered from the brass lectern, which is in the form of an eagle, keeping the Bible seated against its outstretched wings.

Both the original organ and peal of bells now reside in the new cathedral. The existing organ was purpose built, and installed in 1977. The present peel of five bells may be viewed through a ceiling panel in the tower.

The flags include the ensigns of the Royal Navy, the New Zealand Merchant Navy, and the flags of the United States of America and division colours carried by the Second Marine Division United States Marine Corps who were stationed in Wellington during World War II.

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Altar - the altar cloth's colour reflects the church's seasons
Photo: Grant Sheehan

Window in remembrance of William H Levin (shows story of the Good Samaritan). Photo: Dan Fransham

The original stone font
Photo: Grant Sheehan