The Methodist Church of New Zealand Birkenhead Methodist Parish

For 143 years there has been a church on the corner of Onewa Road and Birkenhead Ave.

In recent times our church buildings dating from 1880, have been suffering from age and maintenance issues. In 2021 we started urgent work on the Hall, basement and toilet block. The scope and cost increased dramatically as more of the fabric of the building was uncovered and problems found. Most of the money came from parish funds and these are now almost exhausted.

A little history:

In 1880 a small wooden octagonal church was designed by local architect William Hammond and built by Charlie Johnstone. It was also used as the location of the first Birkenhead Borough Council meetings. This was joined to the Hall in 1939.

The Present Church is a wooden Gothic-style church was designed by Edward Bartley and built by James Flewllyn, and opened on March 29th 1885.

In 1901 the Hall was built, to the north of the church and extended in 1919 and 1928.

In 1986 An octagonal lounge, foyer, toilet, office and two classrooms were added to the church and linked to the hall. Designed by Auckland architect, Eric Laurenson.

There is a large amount of work needed to ensure these category B heritage buildings survive.

Some of the weatherboards and foundations are rotting and windows need restoration. We also need to respond to climate change and embrace more environmentally friendly energy and water use options.

All funds raised will go towards our Restoration and Beautification Fund.