Help to Restore St Peter's Anglican Church
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Help to restore St Peter’s Anglican Church Parish of Upper Riccarton / Yaldhurst www.stpeterschurch.nz The church was consecrated in 1858 and was It is with pleasure that I write in support of the the mother parish for the West-Christchurch St Peter’s restoration appeal. area. The oldest stone church in the city, St St Peter’s is a symbol of love for the community. Peter’s is approaching 160 years of engaging St Peters is an inclusive community where all are with and supporting the community. Many of welcome regardless of age, class, gender or race. the founding members of early Christchurch St Peter’s is the hub of a community of caring, came to rest in the graveyard at St Peter’s. including Petersgate counselling centre, one This beautiful heritage church also houses a of the largest and most affordable counselling stunning array of exquisitely crafted stained centres in the South Island. glass windows. St Peter’s Church is a symbol of hope for the community. A lasting sign that there is more to life. The building and cemetery together provide a tangible reminder of the hope we have in Who we are eternal life. 4262 funerals have been held in the church with approximately 2000 interments. St Peter’s Anglican Church plays a significant role These graves include many community leaders, in the community of Upper Riccarton - Yaldhurst; for example Nurse Maude. It’s often the case that we don’t really It is therefore a singular pleasure knowing that appreciate things until they are taken away this church will continue to stand on this site, it is the physical and spiritual heart of Church Corner. St Peter’s Church is a symbol of joy, a from us. Such is the case for those of us living albeit with some important modifications. For place where the community can come for in Christchurch and Canterbury, faced with while its associations have been important in celebrations. There have been 1000’s of the absence of so much that has been familiar. my life journey such is the case for countless St Peter’s Church is a warm, caring, inclusive, weddings in St Peter’s, and 3704 baptisms. How many have remarked, “I’m not sure of others too. Thus in gratitude for its past diverse and forward-thinking church supported The restoration of the Church will open it to the where I’m going these days, so many of the we commit ourselves now to the task of by a committed congregation. As part of community as a place of celebration and free old familiar landmarks no longer stand where restoration. the worldwide community of Christians, the hall for even more community events, e.g. they once did.” And now of course we are faced But this is no mere exercise in nostalgia for we it welcomes people at any point in their St John cadet training, pre-school Mainly Music with the prospect of many new structures by are also involved in a vision for the future. For faith journey and from any background, and the Riccarton Horticultural society. which we might navigate our journeys. For here we shall gather, to provide for everyone denomination or belief. some this stimulates an excitement as they St Peter’s Church is a place of peace. Set on an in our community, a place that proclaims the contemplate a fresh landscape, but for others Despite the church being severely damaged island of tranquility amidst the busy city, the gospel of love and peace, forgiveness and it brings a sadness that the former things have during the 2011 earthquakes, the congregation church on the corner provides a place of quiet. hope. A place that is inclusive and welcoming. has shown great resilience and optimism A house of prayer where, for over 160 years, passed away. For many of us it’s a bit of both. I appeal to all who read this document, please by continuing worship services and other renewal and refreshment can be found. But while our buildings can be viewed from an consider joining us in your generous support activities for the wider community in the Parish architectural, historical or utilitarian perspective, I look forward to the day we can return and once of this project. Be a part of the vision as we Hall since then. St Peter’s is connected with a perhaps even more importantly are the again fill the Church with prayer and praise, and look back with gratitude, look around with multitude of community groups including its associations that they carry for us personally. provide peace, joy, determination and commitment to a worthy own outreach programmes such as counselling Our own story may be inextricably linked hope and love for task, and look forward with joy to re-entering and community support programmes, with certain places, and that is the case for my our community. this unique and special place. In anticipation of and providing the home for many other family and St. Peter’s. Here we have celebrated your support I sincerely thank you. independent groups. Rev’d Nick the joys of baptism and marriage, here we Mountfort St Peter’s Anglican Church is much more than have commended into God’s presence those David Winfield Vicar just a place of worship. It is a church rooted in we loved and lost, and here I have presided in Fundraising Committee Convenor tradition, but confidently facing the future. worship over a number of years, ministering to others in their special moments of life. 2 | | 3 History & heritage For over 150 years St Peter’s Anglican Church has stood in the heart of Church Corner, at the junction of three main roads heading south, east and west in and out of Christchurch. 25 January, 1860 Rev. Geo Carpenter on path, 1867 Post earthquake, 2016 Pre-earthquake circa 1990 1852 In 1852 the Rev. Octavius Mathias 1858 On top of the spire was a large wooden 1875 In 1875 the vestry made the decision that 1928 In 1928 the foundation stone was laid for 2010 & 2011 St Peter’s was severely damaged purchased Rural Section 160 from the cock, the symbol of the patronal saint, Peter. the enlargement be a portion of the new church, the last additions to transform the church from in the Canterbury Earthquakes. In 2016, 158 Canterbury Association. It consisted of 200 The church was consecrated on Easter Sunday, a new stone chancel. The tender of Samuel wood to stone. The designs were by Cecil Wood. years after it was consecrated by Bishop acres and cost £600. Twenty acres were given 6th of April 1858 by Bishop Harper with over 100 Hurst Seager was accepted and the work began The larger stone church was built over the old Harper, fundraising begins in earnest to save to the parish of St Peter to be used for a church, people present. St Peter’s was the second church immediately. church, with the congregation worshipping this wonderful part of Christchurch’s physical, vicarage, Sunday school and cemetery. The in Christchurch to be consecrated. inside for most of the process. spiritual and social history. remainder of the land was to become ‘glebe 1900 In 1900 it was decided to rebuild the old land’, land that was farmed by the vicar of the 1860 Almost immediately it was realised wooden part of the church in stone using the 1976 In 1976 Don Donnithorne was the day to provide him with income. that the wooden church was too small for the original plans designed by the late Benjamin architect for the reordering of the church. The growing population in the area. In 1860 the Mountfort. This was overseen by his son Cyril. effect of this was to bring the nave altar, and as 1858 Mathias began a fund for the building nave was lengthened and a north transept was The foundation stone was laid on 31st of a result the service of communion, closer to the of the church, and a canvass of the district added. Mountfort and Luck were again the October 1900 by Mrs Croasdaile Bowen, the congregation. increased the funds. Isaac Luck and Benjamin architects, and in 1874 Mountfort was instructed widow of the first vicar. Mountfort prepared plans, and in 1858 the first to prepare plans for a large stone church. church, built by James Maskrey from Akaroa timber, was completed at a cost of £315. Caption Title | Year 4 | | 5 Sibylla Emily Maude “Nurse Maude” is Archbishop West-Watson was the third remembered for major achievements in Bishop of Christchurch, being appointed in the development of health care for New 1926. His work fostering genuine relationships Zealanders and for her compassion, courage between Māori and Pākehā resulted in the and vision. Along with setting up the District establishment of the Bishopric of Aotearoa and Nursing Programme in New Zealand, she the appointment of the first Māori Bishop. was instrumental in treating tuberculosis and Shands Track, Shand Crescent and Shands influenza. She also made great efforts in trying Emporium all take their name from John to improve conditions for those affected by the Shand. As a trainer and breeder of horses, he Depression by setting up soup kitchens and was connected with the Canterbury Jockey Club. GRAVEYARD providing clothing and food. Her legacy lives He also served as a member of the Provincial on in the very active organisation that bears her Council, the Riccarton Road Board and the The graveyard at St Peter’s is name. the final resting place for many Canterbury Agricultural & Pastoral Association John Ballantyne moved to New Zealand in Committee.