St. Cuthbert's

WHY ST CUTHBERT'S MATTERS
St Cuthbert's has been a centre of Anglican worship in Governor's Bay for 150 years. The small church is one of the oldest in the Canterbury diocese, connecting back to the province's Anglican foundations and early colonial history. With the loss of Holy Trinity Lyttelton, it is now the oldest remaining church in Lyttelton Harbour.

The church is a local landmark in Governor's Bay, where nestled amongst mature trees and the gravestones of the area's settlers, it exudes a tranquil antiquity. With its steeply pitched roof, small lancet windows and low stone-faced cob walls, St Cuthbert's speaks eloquently of the strong faith and strenuous efforts of its congregation to raise a first place of worship in their new home. The church took two years to construct and the water-worn stones of the porch, for example, were carried from the beach by local women in their aprons. Other Canterbury churches began on a similarly humble scale, but most have since been rebuilt. Both for its design and unusual construction, the building is of considerable architectural significance.

Which aspects of the building will benefit from the money fundraised?

HISTORY

1860: St Cuthbert's built by stone mason Edward Morey to the design of architect George Mallinson, Mallinson had designed Holy Trinity Lyttelton the previous year, and there were similarities between the two buildings.

1874: Chancel added. This contains a fine stained glass memorial window depicting the legend of St Cuthbert.

2010: significant damage suffered in September 2010 earthquake. Further damage with successive events.