Kaikorai Presbyterian Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kaikorai Presbyterian Church |
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Kaikorai Presbyterian Church in 2008
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| Location | 127 Taieri Road (cnr Nairn Street) Dunedin |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Denomination | Presbyterian |
| Website | www.kaikoraichurch.co.nz |
| History | |
| Founded | 1868 |
Kaikorai Presbyterian Church is a historic church in Kaikorai, a suburb of Dunedin, New Zealand. It belongs to the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. This church has been a special place at the corner of Taieri Road and Nairn Street since 1868.
Even before the church building existed, pioneer families met for prayer. From 1852, they walked through bush and muddy roads. These meetings first happened in Hood Hall, then at Wakari School. A minister from Knox Church would visit weekly to lead services at the school.
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Building the First Church
The community soon realized they needed their own church building. The Wakari School Committee asked for a church to be built in the area. People worked hard and raised £477. This money helped build a simple wooden church with a shingle roof. The land for the church was a gift from Miss Helen Hood.
This first church was originally called 'Wakari Church'. However, because of its location, the name Kaikorai became more fitting. The very first service in this new building was held in 1866. At that time, it was still connected to Knox Church.
Becoming an Independent Church
The church community grew quickly. By 1868, they became an independent congregation. This meant they could choose their own minister. Many ministers served the church and the local community over the years.
The first church building soon became too small for everyone. So, the community decided to expand it. With new additions, a second church building was ready in 1880.
The Third and Current Church
As the church community grew, so did the surrounding area. New businesses like the Roslyn Mills opened. The Roslyn and Kaikorai cable cars also started running.
In 1906, the church decided to build an even bigger, new church. They accepted a building offer of £2750. The Mayor of Roslyn helped by laying the foundation stone. Underneath this stone, they placed a special time capsule!
The third church held its first service in 1907. This is the same brick church that stands today. It was built on the spot where the old wooden church used to be. The old wooden church was moved to the back of the property. It was then used as a hall for meetings and events. Later, this original wooden church was taken down to make way for the current church hall. This hall is still used a lot by both the church and the community.
Inside the brick church, four beautiful stained glass windows were added. These windows honor the people who helped start the church.
Changes and Community Connections
By 1918, there were twelve different places of worship in the area. This led to discussions about joining together. Much later, when the church celebrated its 100th birthday, it became part of the West Dunedin Union. This union served the areas of Wakari, Halfway Bush, Brockville, and Kaikorai. These were the same areas where the first settlers came from to worship. It also included Waitati.
The church also joined with the Roslyn Methodist Church and the local Congregational and Church of Christ churches. Today, the church is again known as Kaikorai Presbyterian Church.
Over the years, the church has seen many changes in the world. It has adapted to new times. The church has always been a place that supports its community.
