The first church on this site was built in 1853 and apparently had backless seats. 

It was first used on the 19th of August, 1854.

It was o long low building and had a long path leading up to it from the road that was lined with trees.

Also it had roons attached for the clergyman to live in and was used for worship for 18 years.

 

A Mr. W. O. Cautley donated the land for the church and the street alongside it is named after him.

On December 15th, 1855 the church became the second parish of Nelson in the NZ Diocese, the Cathedral being the first.

The present building had it's foundation stone laid on

the 9th of October, 1871 by the Bishop of Nelson and by July 31st the next year it was consecrated. 

The architect of this church was initially William Beatson, but as he died in 1871 it was the modified design of his son, Charles that was finally used. 

There is a stain glass window in the church to commemorate him.

It was built at a cost of 530 pounds and this didn't include the cost of the chancel which wasn't added until 1885.

In 1984 the extensions were added to accommodate a growing population.

This previously known "Church on the Hill"  has a Grade C Historic Places rating.

This page was last updated: November 14, 2006