St Mary's Church, Timaru facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary's Church |
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St Mary's Church with its distinctive tower
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| 44°23′47″S 171°15′04″E / 44.3965°S 171.2511°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| History | |
| Status | Church |
| Founded | 9 September 1880 |
| Founder(s) |
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| Consecrated | 26 August 1886 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) |
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| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Years built | 1880, 1886, and 1909 |
| Construction cost | NZ£10,000 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Bluestone |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Timaru |
| Diocese | Christchurch |
| Province | Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia |
St Mary's Church is an important Anglican church located in Timaru, a town in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It is a famous building in Timaru. The church you see today was built in three main parts, starting in 1880. It was officially opened and dedicated in 1886, and its tall, unique tower was added in 1910.
Contents
Building History of St Mary's Church
Early Days and First Steps
The land where St Mary's Church stands was sold to the local Anglican church group by three brothers: William Barnard Rhodes, Robert Heaton Rhodes, and George Rhodes. In 1861, Bishop Henry Harper blessed the church grounds.
On 9 September 1880, the first stone for a new church was laid. This new church was designed by William Armson in a Gothic Revival style. This style looks like the grand old churches built in Europe many centuries ago. Dean Henry Jacobs from Christchurch laid the stone because Bishop Harper was unwell. Bishop Harper's son, Henry William Harper, was an important church leader in Timaru at that time.
Building Challenges and Completion
The first part of the building work was done by Mr McGill. In early 1881, R. B. Sibly took over the second part of the building. However, his work was not good enough, and his contract was cancelled. The search for a new builder was delayed because the architect, William Armson, became very ill.
Later, P. Clayton was hired to finish the second part of the church. Sadly, Armson died in 1883. It took more than three more years for the church to be completed and officially dedicated. Bishop Harper finally dedicated the church on 26 August 1886. The church built in the 1880s cost about NZ£10,000. A nearby school cost NZ£1,950, and the vicarage (the priest's house) cost NZ£2,200.
Adding the Famous Tower
On 9 September 1889, a big storm hit the church. The belfry, which holds the bell, was blown over, and the church bell cracked. The bell had to be melted down and made again.
The architectural company Collins and Harman created a new design for a square tower. By 1901, parts like the chancel (the area around the altar), vestries (rooms for clergy), the tower, and bells still needed to be added. Plans to finish the church were shown to the public in 1906 to help raise money.
To make space for the new additions, the original church building from the 1860s had to be removed. The first stone for the final part of the church was laid on 14 July 1907 by Archdeacon Harper. Samuel McBride was the builder for this work. Walter Panton from Timaru helped supervise the building for Collins and Harman.
A Timaru Landmark
The tall, unique tower makes St Mary's Church a very recognizable building in Timaru. It stands out and helps people know where they are.
On 4 April 1985, St Mary's Church was recognized as a very important historical building by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. It was given a Category I listing, which means it has "special or outstanding historical or cultural heritage significance or value." Its registration number is 328.
St Mary's Church is located at the corner of Church Street and Sophia Street in Timaru.
