We are very fortunate to have a beautiful church to worship in. For this we are grateful to the people who dreamed, designed, fundraised and built this sacred space. If you would like to have a look around follow the links below. There are photos and information about some key features.
Much of the information in this section was sourced from Parish Church of St Luke, Wadestown: A Short History 1881-1957 by H.A. Peebles and Saint Luke's: a Centennial History of the Anglican Church in Wadestown 1881 - 1981 by T. J. Thorpe, M.A.
Church Memorial windowThe church was designed by the Diocesan architect, Frederick de Jersey Clere and built by Messrs, Taft and Obee. The foundation stone was laid on Saturday October 10, 1908 and the church opened for services on February 13 the following year. It is built of red brick and has exposed wooden rafters. The beautiful leadlight window above the altar was added in 1952.
The window was installed as a memorial to those who had perished in the First and Second World Wars. It was designed and made by James Powell and Sons (Whitefriars) London and was unveiled by Rt. Hon. Lord Freyberg on 3 August 1952. It illustrates the message of Hebrews 12:1-2.
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith."
In the window the Divine leadership and the fellowship of Faith are symbolised. Above is Christ the
King, and looking unto the Author of our faith are the prophets, priests and kings of ancient times.
Linked with them in an unbroken succession are those who in our day have by faith overcome evil and
wrought righteousness. Three forms of noble devotion are represented in the three figures on the right:
the unselfishness and sacrifice of women symbolised in the mother: the courage and fortitude of sailors,
soldiers, airmen and nurses represented by the soldier; and the endurance and bravery of heroes of peace,
typified by Captain Robert Scott, Antarctic explorer. The badges of the fighting and nursing services
at the foot of the window and the Southern Cross in the centre indicate the unity of all services of
which the soldier is a symbolical figure.
From Parish Church of St Luke, Wadestown: A Short History 1881-1957
by H.A. Peebles.
Doreen Green has written an interesting history of the War Memorial Window. Click here to view Doreen Green's History of the War Memorial Window
In 1939 the annual general meeting of parishioners agreed to replace the existing reed organ with a pipe organ. It was not however until 1941 that a suitable organ was purchased for £300. The organ had originally been installed in Christ Church in Wanganui in 1878. Due to the war, delivery of the organ did not happen until 1945 and the organ was in need of a complete overhaul. The final cost for the organ was £1,246 although it was valued at £2000. A new console with its keys and drawstop knobs and balanced swell peddle was donated by Mrs. G. Saunders in memory of her father, Sir James Grose.
By the late 1970s it was apparent that the organ was in need of restoration. General wear and tear along with water damage from a leaking roof meant that money had to again be spent on it. This time it cost $25,000 to fix and upgrade the much-loved instrument. It was once again in full-voice for the celebration of St Luke's Centenary in 1981.
The pulpit was dedicated on 18 May, 1913 by Thomas Fancourt, Archdeacon of Wellington in recognition of the contribution of Thomas and Elisabeth Roscoe. The Roscoes hosted the first services of the Anglican community in their home situated in what is now Roscoe Terrace, Wadestown.
What is now known as the chapel was originally the choir vestry room. When the St Luke's Centre was opened in 2004 it was no longer needed for this purpose and has been refurbished. It now provides a space for prayer and contemplation or small church gatherings.
St Luke's Centre is a multi-purpose building opened in 2004. On the first floor are the Cloister (linking the new building with the church); the Atrium a large hall suitable for a range of activities; a kitchen and ample toilet facilities. Downstairs are the Lower Meeting Room; the small meeting room; the parish offices; a storeroom and more toilet facilities. More information
