Originally it was known as St. Paul's Spring Grove until the boundaries changed.
Before the church was built services were held in a tent. It is thought that perhaps this is why the church was so named as the apostle Paul was a tentmaker.
The church was designed by John Barleyman.
Since being built the church has remained substantially unchanged.
It is a little longer than originally built, it has had it's shingled roof replaced and a porch added but it's appearance is pretty much the same as it was when Archdeacon Paul cantered down the road to open it on the 9th August 1857. (There was no Bishop of Nelson at that time).