On the opposite side of the road at 20 Church Street is a large white wooden church, Holy Trinity Church.
In 1855 Anglican families appealed to Bishop Selwyn to help them set up a church and a school. In 1856 a small wooden building was erected on the site where the present Parish Hall now stands. The building was used as a schoolroom on weekdays and for services on the weekend. The Parish of Takapuna was also established at this time with its historical boundaries then including all of the North Shore.
By 1865 Flagstaff had grown sufficiently to warrant the construction of a larger building on the site of the present church with seating for 180 people and at a cost of 617 pounds 19 shillings. The planned consecration by Bishop Selwyn for September of that year was at risk by delayed completion.
A story is told that “all hands gathered for a desperate last minute rush to complete the building. The Bishop’s boat was signaled but there was yet much to do. Darkness descended and the helpers went home leaving only Mr. George Beddoes, a shipbuilder hammering in nails, while Mr. Oliver Mays, tired and silent, held a lantern for light. At a critical moment, Mr. Beddoes hit his thumb and literally gave vent to his feelings. Turning to advise Oliver how to hold the lantern, both of them spotted another man behind them. With a flash of the lantern the Bishop himself was revealed. Mr. Beddoes’ apology for the use of such language was checked by the Bishop, who said “it’s all right, the Church has not yet been consecrated”. Bishop Selwyn had arranged the church dedication for the following day, Sunday 3 September - a very stormy day in which Bishop Selwyn had to cross the harbour in an open boat.
The church has been enlarged a number of times since 1865 for its growing congregation. The interior of this Gothic style building showcases native-kauri timber with intricate Rimu and Puriri carving and boasts magnificent stained glass windows.
Directions to Point 14 - Workers Cottages: Taking the left hand split we continue along Church Street. Walk past the café and stop on the corner of St. Aubyn Street.
