Future of St. Andrews

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 393, 29 June 1928, Page 16

Future of St. Andrews

WILL NOT BE CLOSED JiSTORY DATES FROM 1847 The rumoured closing of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church was denied at a farewell social last evening to the Rev. J. Lamb Harvey. "The impression has got abroad that we are going to close the church. We have no thought of doing that,” said Mr. F. W. Matthews, senior elder. In a letter, the Rev. W. J. Comrie, general treasurer of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, said: “It is not easy to make any practical suggestion as to the future of St. Andrew’s. I have heard the suggestion somewhat lightly made to close the church and sell the property. I can hardly conceive anyone making that suggestion seriously, and I cannot even tolerate it at present.” Mr. Comrie hoped no rash action would be taken. "DOWN-TOWN” SITUATION “Situated ‘down-town’ as it is, the church is bound to have difficulties,” said Mr. Harvey, “but I am certain the church will have a future rivalling the glories of the past. Because of its early history, the church has a unique standing.” The church history dates from 1547, when steps for its formation were taken. In Sir George Grey’s first Governorship the site at the corner of Symonds Street and Alten Road was granted. Building cost was £3,500, additions in 1882, including the tower, costing £3,000. The Rev. A. G. Panton arrived from Scotland in January, 1849, and the opening services were held on April 7, 1850. Among the congregation, which had been worshipping in the courthouse, were Sir George Grey, Colonel Wynyard, 58th Regiment officers and the Rev. A. Reid, Wesley College principal. Following trouble with his congregation, Mr. Panton returned to Scotland in 1850. The pulpit was filled by Messrs. Lawry and Buddie, until the Rev. David Bruce arrived in 1853, remaining in charge until 1877. Mr. Lamb Harvey’s ministry has been of about seven years’ duration.