Old St Paul's
Wellington
Old St Paul's, located in the heart of Wellington, New Zealand, is a remarkable example of 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture adapted to colonial conditions using native timbers. Originally serving as both the parish church of Thorndon and the pro-cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Wellington from 1866 to 1964, it was designed by Reverend Frederick Thatcher and constructed with the craftsmanship of John McLaggan and his team. The church features stunning stained-glass windows and an interior likened to the upturned hull of an Elizabethan galleon, with exposed curving rimu trusses and kauri roof sarking. Over the years, the building was expanded and reinforced with additions by architects such as Christian Julius Toxward and Frederick de Jersey Clere to address structural needs and accommodate growth. After the diocese moved to a new cathedral in 1964, Old St Paul's was saved from demolition through a public campaign and purchased by the New Zealand Government in 1967. Today, it is a Category 1 Historic Place managed by Heritage New Zealand, serving as a consecrated venue for weddings, funerals, and other ceremonies, while retaining strong ties to the New Zealand Defence Force. The church also honors war veterans with memorial plaques and displays military ensigns, reflecting its historical significance and community role.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check opening hours before visiting, as Old St Paul's is also used for events and services. The best time to visit is during weekdays to avoid crowds. While entry is free, donations are appreciated to support ongoing preservation. Booking ahead is recommended for weddings and special events. The church underwent seismic strengthening recently, ensuring visitor safety.
Interesting facts
- •Old St Paul's interior resembles the upturned hull of an Elizabethan galleon, showcasing exposed native timber trusses.
- •The church displays flags of the Royal Navy, New Zealand Merchant Navy, and the U.S. Marine Corps, reflecting its WWII connections.
- •Memorial plaques inside honor those who fought in World War I and notable historian John Beaglehole.
- •The building was saved from demolition in the 1960s through a significant public preservation effort.
History
The site for Old St Paul's was partly purchased by Bishop George Selwyn in 1845, with additional land added by Governor George Grey in 1853.
Construction began after agreement in 1861, with the foundation stone laid in 1865 and consecration in 1866.
Early structural challenges led to additions such as transepts and extensions throughout the late 19th century.
The original wooden shingle roof was replaced first by corrugated iron, then Welsh slates.
The church served as Wellington's pro-cathedral until 1964, when the diocese relocated.
After a public campaign, the government acquired and restored the building, preserving it as a historic landmark.
Place Guide
Nave and Timber Trusses1866
The nave features exposed curving rimu trusses and kauri roof sarking, creating an interior likened to an upturned ship's hull, a distinctive architectural highlight.
Stained Glass WindowsLate 19th century
The church contains beautiful stained-glass windows that illuminate the interior and depict religious themes, adding to its spiritual atmosphere.
South and North Transepts1868 and 1874
Added in 1868 and 1874 respectively by architect Christian Julius Toxward, these transepts reinforced the church's structure and expanded its capacity.
Baptistry Extension1891
Designed by Frederick de Jersey Clere in 1891, the baptistry was extended to accommodate growing congregation needs.
Contact
Phone: 04 473 6722