All Saints’ Church Celebrates 160 Years with Restoration Plans

All Saints’ Church, a historic landmark in North Dunedin, is celebrating its 160-year legacy while embarking on significant restoration efforts. Established in 1865, the church has served as the chapel for Selwyn College and the parish church for the local community. It is also known for its All Saints’ Fruit & Veges scheme and for hosting numerous cultural and musical events.

Canon Dr Michael Wallace, the vicar of All Saints’, expressed pride in the church’s rich history and its architectural significance as a rare example of Gothic revival architecture. The church holds a Heritage New Zealand Category 1 status, recognizing its importance to the nation’s heritage. “When All Saints’ marked its 160th anniversary last year, we implemented various initiatives to commemorate this milestone,” Canon Wallace stated.

Among the initiatives were the commissioning of a musical piece by local composer Prof Anthony Ritchie and limited edition woodcuts created by artist Manu Berry. These woodcuts were sold to support the ongoing restoration work. Additionally, the church established the George R. West prize, awarded annually to individuals who contribute significantly to music at All Saints’.

Rather than opting for demolition, parishioners decided to stabilize the structure. Restoration efforts included removing the slate roof, replacing Oamaru stone pillars with concrete, and installing structural ties for reinforcement. Canon Wallace highlighted the foresight of the community in preserving the church’s historical significance. “It remains vital to both the church and the wider community today,” he noted.

All Saints’ is a hub for local and visiting groups, hosting musicians for performances, choirs for rehearsals, and organists who play the church’s 1877 Bevington & Sons pipe organ. The church’s hall is a versatile space, accommodating events ranging from rangers’ meetings to laughter yoga sessions.

The church also boasts a notable collection of stained glass windows, including a recent commission from local artists Jenna Park and Peter Mackenzie, dedicated to Arnold Spencer Smith, an Antarctic explorer and photographer for Sir Ernest Shackleton’s trans-Antarctic expedition.

Currently, All Saints’ Church, alongside the Dunedin North Parish, is working on a comprehensive restoration plan, supported by Heritage New Zealand and the Dunedin City Council. Essential areas identified for restoration include the roof, which is slated for replacement with original slate, as well as repairs to spouting, drains, walls, and wiring. The projected cost of these restorations is expected to be in the hundreds of thousands.

“A lot of the work required is part of the ongoing maintenance and restoration typical of any historic building — it is an unavoidable necessity,” Canon Wallace explained. “Overall, the building is in good condition; it just needs attention in certain areas.”

The commitment to preserving All Saints’ Church reflects the community’s deep-rooted connection to its heritage, ensuring that this historic site continues to serve future generations.