This church was erected in 1857.

It is situated on the outskirts of Brightwater on the main road.

Of the churches in the Diocese it was the 6th one built, but all bar St. Paul's and St. John's in Wakefield have been replaced.

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).

The plaque on the front porch.

In the church grounds is an interesting pioneer graveyard.

Among the graves is that of Mary Hobhouse, wife of the first Bishop of Nelson. 

The church porch was built as a memorial to her. 

Also to be found are the graves of the pioneering grandparents of Lord Earnest Rutherford, George and Barbara Rutherford.

The church has been stripped of it's pews and is no longer being used for worship but the alter area is intact.  The congregation now use a larger nearby building on the site.

The church has a Grade C Historic Places rating.

This page was last updated: November 14, 2006