Knowing
+
Sharing Christ's
Aroha
+
Sharing Christ's
Aroha
All information given here should not be treated as verified historical facts and your own research should be conducted. If errors are found we would appreciate corrections with sources - Editor.
A History of St. Mark's Anglican Church
St. Mark's history is a story of dedication and determination by earlier settlers to ensure a spiritual dimension to their lives at a place where they could gather. The following links will guide you through the history of St. Mark's and includes past vicars of this parish.
St Mark's naming is recorded in the Te Aroha News,Volume IV, Issue 160, 28 August 1886. It was announced by Bishop Cowie as he lead the services morning and evening on 22 August 1886. A brief history is available here for St. Mark's, Te Aroha and here for the old St. Mark's Church at Waihou. On October 23 2016, St. Mark's celebrated 90 years since the dedication of the new Peace Memorial Church in 1926. |
The following is recorded in The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]
St. Mark's Church, Te Aroha, is situated in Kenrick Street. It was built about 1886, and the adjoining vicarage in 1898. The church is of wood, and has accommodation for 140 worshippers. Services are held morning and evening each Sunday, and at the Sunday school in the afternoon, seventy-five children are frequently in attendance. The district to which the local vicar ministers includes Morrinsville. |
In June 2020, due to earthquake risks, the church was closed for public worship and services moved to the adjacent church hall.
The following was provided to the parish regarding the closure. "Since the Christchurch earthquakes, all parishes in the Diocese of Waikato and Taranaki have been required to have a Detailed Seismic Assessment (DSA) of their places of worship. The Diocese engaged a structural engineering firm who specialises in this work. The results of this indicated St Mark's parish church earthquake rating to be 10% NBS (New Building Standard) and is therefore a Grade E. Grade E buildings represent a very high risk to occupants and is the lowest rateable grade - St Mark's is an earthquake prone building. Therefore, Vestry has no choice but to declare that for the foreseeable future, St Mark's can no longer be used for public worship or any other activities. The building has to remain closed." |
Beginnings of St. Mark's Te Aroha.
You will find the booklet produced in 2001 for St. Mark's 75th Jubilee below or as a pdf download to print. If you use any material from this booklet please respect copyrights and acknowledge your source.
(c) 2001 St. Mark's Anglican Church, Te Aroha. |
stmarkshistoryv2.pdf |
A treasure hidden in Te Aroha
This documentary was produced by Revelation 18 Media telling the story of the historic organ housed in St Mark's since 1927. A true treasure indeed!