Window depicting St Anselm at St Werburg's Cathedral, Chester, England
Photo: R Hancock
In 1842 a small group of Congregationalists, recently arrived from England, gathered together in a private home under the leadership of Jonas Woodward. They formed the first Congregational Church in Wellington, opening a chapel in Pipitea Street. After a series of earthquakes, the chapel was badly damaged so they moved to Woodward Street in 1849.
In 1888 a substantial wooden complex including a church and hall was erected on the corner of Bowen Street and The Terrace and the fellowship worshipped there until 1954. In 1952 it was decided to sell the site and move to Karori. The Reserve Bank bought the site and replaced the buildings with the building which now occupies the site.
A section was purchased in Makara Road and a new church was erected in 1954. The fellowship was renamed the "Karori Congregational Church" (formerly "The Terrace Congregational Church"). The organ, built in 1890, and the kauri church pews were moved from the Terrace to Karori and are still in use in our church.
In 1967 the fellowship formed a cooperative venture with Congregational & Presbyterian partners. The new venture was named "St Anselm's Union Church". Some years later the Associated Churches of Christ joined as another partner.
Since the formation of St Anselm's, a number of members have joined who have no denominational allegiance and consequently we are a welcoming and open congregation.