Historic church gets fresh look

Photo: JASON OXENHAM/Auckland City Harbour News

LIKE NEW: Shirin Caldwell says the church hadn???t been modified since it was built in 1901.

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After remaining untouched for more than a century, the Auckland Unitarian Church has finally received a well-deserved makeover.

The building on Ponsonby Rd was built in 1901 and has never been modified or restored until now.

Congregation member and services committee chairwoman Shirin Caldwell says the old floor was full of borer and has been completely replaced with tasmanian oak.

The walls and ceiling of kauri have been cleaned and the old carpet removed and replaced with bright new runners.

Ms Caldwell says the whole congregation is delighted with the upgrade.

The cost of the refurbishment – more than $100,000 – was raised by church members.

"It’s a strong fellowship that keeps the church running," she says.

Ms Caldwell says the church is "most unusual" because it hasn’t been modified.

"The architectural integrity of the building has been maintained."

The church’s heritage qualities have also been recognised by the Historic Places Trust which has declared it a category one building, meaning it is a place of special or outstanding historical or cultural significance.

Historic Places Trust spokesman John O’Hare says the Unitarian church enjoys a high public regard and is an important part of the Ponsonby Rd heritage streetscape.

A special service this Sunday will celebrate the completion of the repairs and Ms Caldwell says all those interested in viewing the church restoration are welcome.

- © Fairfax NZ News