This is the second oldest surviving church in New Zealand and the oldest in the South Island. 

The church was erected on a site granted by the NZ Company.

A suitable plan was supplied by the wife of the Rev. C.L. Reay and is believed to be the work of Mr. Charles Heaphy.

It was built in 1846 with the use of voluntary labour under the supervision of Mr. Edward Baigent, a sawmiller from Surrey, England.

The money cost was 111 pounds,

5 shillings and 9 pence.

It was solidly built with ornamental structure and well buttressed wth heavy solid totara.

The main part was 27 ft. 9 in. long, 18 ft. wide and 11 ft. high. 

Added to this was the chancel of 9 feet long, 12 ft. 6in. wide and 9 ft. high.

The exterior was of painted rusticating board and the interior lined with white pine.

The roof was shingled and there was a bell tower surmounted by a Cross along with another Cross at the other end of the building.

Backless seats were provided for the congregation!!

The only significant alteration has been the extension of the nave by 5.5 m. in 1865.

Apparently there are foot marks of a cat on the origional roof boards to be seen at the East end of the Chancel.

The church is well situated on the rise above the Village of Wakefield and is surrounded by an interesting pioneer graveyard.

It has a Grade A Historic Places rating.

This page was last updated: November 14, 2006