Shore’s oldest church nears 150

Photo: BEN WATSON

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE: Vicar Cate Thorn with a picture of St John baptising Jesus. St John the Baptist Anglican Church in Northcote is the Shore’s oldest church.

Photo: BEN WATSON

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE: Vicar Cate Thorn with a picture of St John baptising Jesus. St John the Baptist Anglican Church in Northcote is the Shore’s oldest church.

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North Shore's oldest church is celebrating its 150th year.

St John the Baptist Anglican Church in Northcote was dedicated on June 24 in 1860 by New Zealand’s first Bishop Dr G A Selwyn.

The original pillars are still intact though the building has been extended and modified over the years, Vicar Cate Thorn says.

"It’s the oldest church and the oldest building on the Shore."

Many think Devonport’s Holy Trinity Church has been around longer, but St John’s church building was the first.

She says St John was gifted an acre of land but parts of it
have since been sold.

Stokes Pt, as Northcote was then known, was the main landing for ferries, she says.

The church was well frequented along with a pub, believed to now be the Northcote Tavern, which was built about the same time.

"The two watering holes were built at the same time, the spiritual watering hole and the physical watering hole.

"As well as morning services the church hall hosted dances and a netball team. It was fair to say the church was the centre of social activity," Mrs Thorn says.

Today the church hosts garage sales, Onewa Parents Centre, playgroups and other community activities.

Among additions to the church building are beautiful stained glass windows dedicated to those who fought in World War One.

No memorial has been left to parish members who fought in World War Two because they all returned safely after congregation members prayed for them every day, Mrs Thorn says.

She says St John the Baptist Church is celebrating 150 years of life in the Northcote community. "It’s amazing how many people have lived here their whole lives."

A themed floral festival will be held on March 27 and 28 from 10am to 4pm in the church hall which the public is welcome to attend for a gold coin donation. After-
noon tea will be provided.

- © Fairfax NZ News