Church celebrates important milestone
St Paul’s Presbyterian Church has celebrated 160 years of life and mission in Napier.
From its first beginnings in 1858 when four men met in Daniel Munn’s Royal Hotel, the people of St Paul’s have been a faithful community of salt and light in central Napier and in the suburbs, says Reverend Sally Carter.
Sally says although the role of the church in the community has changed greatly over the past 160 years, people still turn to the church for all kinds of reasons.
“Celebrating such an anniversary in the city is a reminder of all the connections we have with one another in our community. When people come through the door to make a booking, or arrange a practice on the grand piano, or just to look around, they often share their connections with the parish. I often hear ‘My parents were married here’, ‘I was christened here’, ‘I remember when the church was round the other way’, ‘I was in the choir’, ‘I’m in that photo of the Queen’s visit’.”
Sally believes people are sometimes seeking hope, forgiveness, companionship and peace.
“I think the role of the church is to create a community built on love and care for one another, strengthened through worship and teaching, refreshed through prayer and song. Through all of this we are equipped to seek and work for justice, to discover signs of hope and seek the way of peace in the community around us.”
For more than 30 years, St Paul’s has been partners in this work with the Inner City Churches Covenant, alongside Waiapu Cathedral of St John the Evangelist, Trinity Methodist Church, and the Catholic Parish of Napier at St Patrick’s. Many members of the congregation are second or third generation members with connections to Sunday School, Girls’ or Boys’ Brigades, Bible Class or choirs, Busy Bees or badminton.
Sally says while the pipe organ plays a significant role in worship, people love music in many forms and make good use of the grand piano. “We have a small choir and several talented bagpipe players, but also enjoy making music on whatever instruments are to hand — ukulele, drums, cello and harmonica.”
The first church building was built 150 years ago in 1868, but burned down in 1929 — the new brick church was just about to open when the earthquake struck in 1931. It survived the earthquake, but was destroyed in the subsequent fire which swept through the town. The ‘temporary church’ which was completed just six months after the earthquake remains as part of the present sanctuary, recently strengthened against further shaking. Various additions on several sites in the city and suburbs have been made over the years, reflecting the changing ways in which church life and community life intersect.
The celebration of the 160th anniversary of St Paul’s took place last Sunday.