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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Alten Road, is the mother church of Auckland Presbyterianism. The first Presbyterian services held in Auckland were commenced in 1843, and were attended by the Scottish pioneer settlers who arrived in the “Duchess of Argyle” and the “Jane Gifford.” Chief Justice Martin granted the use of the Supreme Courthouse in Queen Street for these services. It was found to be rather awkward, however, inasmuch as the ruling elders had to sit in the dock as their bench of honour. Some of Auckland's citizens can remember walking to the courthouse to be christened, and others were married there. The building of St. Andrew's Church was commenced on the 28th of December, 1847, and it was opened for divine service on Sunday, the 7th of April, 1850. The Rev. A. G. Panton, of the Free Church of Scotland, ministered for over twelve months, and during the vacancy which then occurred, the pulpit was intermittently occupied by the Rev. Mr. Hamer. Rev. A. Macdonald, Mr. Buddle, Rev. Mr. Millard, Mr T. S. Forsaith, Rev. Alex, Reed, and the Rev. J. Inglis. The Rev. David Bruce was the next minister, and for twenty-three years he was the beloved pastor of St. Andrew's. His successor, the Rev. A. Carrick, was inducted on the 27th of December, 1877. The Rev. J. Milne, who next followed, was inducted on the 15th of March, 1898, and resigned on the 9th of January, 1900, at the end of which year the Rev. Henry B. Gray arrived from Scotland to take charge of St. Andrew's.

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.