St Matthew’s Church Celebrates 150 Years with Exciting Events

The Anglican St Matthew’s Church in Dunedin is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a series of events scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday. The jubilee marks a significant milestone, coinciding with the church’s first service held in 1874, following the laying of the foundation stone the previous year. The church, located at the corner of Hope and Stafford Streets, is classified as a Category 1 Heritage NZ building, designed by the architectural firm Mason and Wales, featuring an adapted Gothic style with bluestone and Port Chalmers breccia facings.

The festivities will kick off on Friday evening with registration, followed by a recital on the church’s historic organ performed by Sherry Shelton from Invercargill. This organ, a 3-manual Bevington instrument installed in October 1880, is recognized as an instrument of historical importance. Kay Masters, chairwoman of the jubilee committee, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, noting, “Members of the Otago and Southland Organ Association use our church organ regularly for practice, so it is lovely to have a recital as part of our celebrations.” She also expressed hope for sunny weather, allowing attendees to appreciate the church’s stunning stained glass windows.

Thanksgiving Service and Community Celebration

The anniversary celebrations will continue on Saturday with a Service of Thanksgiving at 11:00 AM, led by the Rt Rev Dr Peter Carrell, the Anglican Bishop of Christchurch. Dr Carrell has personal ties to St Matthew’s; his father, the Rt Rev Brian Carrell, served as vicar from 1965 to 1971 before becoming the Assistant Bishop of Wellington. Following the service, attendees will enjoy a lunch, participate in a cake-cutting ceremony, share memories, and take official photographs.

St Matthew’s Church has a rich history, having been a gathering place for various notable figures, including Brigadier-General Harry Townsend Fulton CMG DSO and renowned painter Colin McCahon, who was married there. The church also played a significant role between the World Wars, as a charitable Dorcas Society was established to support local residents facing hardship. From the 1980s until the 2000s, St Matthew’s was particularly active in ministering to students in the city.

While the congregation has seen a decline in recent years, its members remain engaged and committed to the church’s mission. St Matthew’s continues to host Holy Communion services on the first and third Sundays of each month, along with morning worship on alternate Sundays. The upcoming celebrations are not only a tribute to the church’s past but also a reaffirmation of its ongoing presence in the Dunedin community.