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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
The Kent Terrace Presbyterian Church
The Kent Terrace Presbyterian Church, which occupies a fine section at the corner of Pirie Street and Kent Terrace, was built in 1886. The Rev. J. Kennedy Elliott, B.A., was requisitioned in the early part of that year to continue to conduct services in the city. He had just resigned the charge of St. James' Church, Newtown, and, complying with the request, engaged the Lyceum, then in the hands of the Freethinkers, and commenced services on the 9th of May, 1886, establishing a Sunday school in Mount Cook Infants' Schoolroom. The allotment, on which the plain, commodious hall, built of wood, now used for the purposes of the congregation, stands, was purchased at a cost of £750. The plans were prepared by Mr. A. McDougall, an office-bearer, Mr. Douglas being the contractor. The building was dedicated and opened for divine worship on the 27th of September, 1886, and on the 5th of October, 1886, the induction took place. The cause continued to grow, and success crowned the energetic labours of the pastor. On the 21st of August, 1888, the Presbytery of Wellington made its triennial visitation, and expressed great satisfaction at the progress made. Before the end of the year 1892 the entire cost of land and building had been met. It is understood that the hall now used is only to be regarded as a temporary structure. The committee have a sum of nearly £1000 in hand for the purposes of the new church, and it is confidently expected that this will be erected before long.