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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

St. Matthew's Church

St. Matthew's Church. This old-established Anglican church ranks next to St. Paul's in order of seniority. The building, which is of wood, is situated in Hobson Street, near the junction of Wellesley Street. The Rev. F. Thatcher was the first incumbent of St. Matthew's. This clergyman resigned in 1857, and was succeeded by the Rev. David Jones, who held the cure for many years, but died suddenly in 1873. The Rev. R. S. Hassard, now labouring in the North of London, was the next vicar. After his resignation, in 1878, there was a long interregnum. Ultimately the Rev. W. Tebbs was appointed to the parish in 1880, and he continued in charge till his death, in 1891. The Rev. L. H. Outram succeeded, but was compelled to retire, owing to ill-health, in 1893. The Rev. Lyttelton Fitzgerald, who followed, held charge for nearly six years, and resigned in December, 1899. The present vicar, the Rev. W. E. Gillam, succeeded to the charge on the 4th of February, 1900. The new St. Matthew's Church, which is being erected at the corner of Wellesley and Hobson Streets, adjoining the old building, will be one of the finest and largest ecclesiastical structures in the city. It will be of stone, with a slated roof. There will be a gallery at the west end, with a vaulted baptistery, which, in addition to the usual font, will contain another sunk in the floor for baptism by immersion. The tower will be surmounted by a steeple, of a total altitude of 204 feet, and the height of the roof will be about 85 feet. On the frontage to Wellesley Street there will be twenty-four arched windows, in addition to those in the tower. The design is almost a replica of that of Truro Cathedral, Cornwall, on a small scale, and is furnished by the same architect. It will cost about £28,000, including architect's fees, etc., to complete the church. The fund for its erection was commenced as far back as 1852. About £200 was collected in Auckland, and the Rev. F. Thatcher, while on a visit to England, in 1859, collected £300 among his personal friends. The trustees invested the £500 in town and country properties, and this amount, by shrewd and economical management, has grown to £30,000 at the present time (January, 1901).