St. Peter's Church, Riccarton. The parish of Riccarton is identified with the early history of Canterbury. While the Plains were yet absolutely uninhabited, saving for periodical visits of the Maoris from the nearest pas, for the purpose of fishing, the late Mr. John Deans and his brother obtained grants of land from the natives and settled close to a patch of bush growing near the Avon. To this they gave the name of Riccarton, from their native place in Ayrshire, Scotland, and on the settlement of the Province in 1850 the name was given to the whole district. For some eighteen months in 1852–1853 services were held fortnightly at Mr. Deans' house by the late Rev. M. Puckle, but after that there do not seem to have been any regular ministrations of the church until 1857, although the district was constituted a parish in 1854. In 1857 the Rev. Croasdaile Bowen, afterwards Archdeacon, was ordained and placed in charge of the parish. Mr. Bowen at once went about the work of erecting a church, which was consecrated by the late Bishop Harper in 1858, and for thirtythree years he lived and worked in the parish until his death in 1890. The rapid growth of the parish rendered it necessary to enlarge the church in 1859 by lengthening the nave and south aisle, and adding the north transept, and a chancel. The tower was built in 1871. In 1876 a new chancel was built of stone, and placed at the end of the old chancel, which then formed part of the nave. Owing to the decay of parts of the old wooden building it became again necessary to make further alterations and improvements, and in the year 1900–1 a sum of nearly £1500 was raised, and the present north and south transepts, with two bays of the nave, were built and consecrated in Easter week, 1901. The church is now a handsome imposing structure of stone with white Oamaru stone facings. The interior is ornamented with many stained glass memorial windows of the richest colouring and artistic design. There is a pipe organ of superior tone, and a well-trained surpliced choir. Three Sunday services are held, in addition to the ordinary weekly services. The glebe land was generously given by Archdeacon Mathias, who for many years took great interest in the affairs of the parish. The cemetery adjoining the church is beautifully planted with ornamental trees, and many of the pioneers of Canterbury lie buried amid his sacred seclusion. The vicarage grounds adjoining owe their great beauty entirely to the late Archdeacon Bowen, who laid out and planted the whole, and made the vicarage one of the most beautiful in Canterbury. A chapel-of-ease is situated at Yaldhurst, where Sunday afternoon services are held and occasional morning services.