Hope Whangarei

While I was briefly in Whangarei last weekend I explored a few streets here and there, this church was one of the first things I saw. One of the city's oldest churches, St Andrews marked it's 160th birthday this year. It originally had wooden planks for pews inside because it's budget did not allow for lining, seats or a pulpit. Since then it has undergone many changes with the current building opening in 1908 but was then swung around to it's present location in the 1960s. 

The first Presbyterian church was first established in 1859 by a group of Scottish settlers including some well known Whangarei pioneers; Robert Reyburn Senior, Mr Fraser, John McDonald, A. Meldrum, Mr Rust and David Bruce.

The first church was built on land donated by Francis Hunt and opened in 1861. The first minister was Rev John Gorrie who rode his horse through swamps, tides and unformed roads to meet with congregation members and hold services around the district.

Information taken from the church website.

Join us on Facebook at the Northland Heritage Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1109709272401824/