St Luke's Church: A History of Faith and Resilience in Christchurch
The story of St Luke's Church is woven into the very fabric of Christchurch's urban development. Situated on a site bounded by Manchester, Lichfield, and Peterborough Streets, the land was one of five specific plots reserved by the Canterbury Association during the original survey of the city in 1850.
The Early Years: From the Chapel of Ease to Gothic Revival
The spiritual journey of the site began between 1858 and 1860 with the construction of the Chapel of Ease. As the second Anglican church established in Christchurch—following St Michael and All Angels—it served the growing community, though it was not without its critics; contemporaries described the building as "ugly and barn-like." This initial structure faced Peterborough Street and underwent an extension in 1871, designed by the noted architect Benjamin Mountfort. By 1908, the Chapel of Ease had reached the end of its life and was demolished to make way for a more ambitious vision.
The subsequent St Luke's Church was designed by Cyril Mountfort, the son of Benjamin Mountfort. He employed the Gothic Revival style—an architectural movement characterized by pointed arches and ornate stonework. Cyril's design drew inspiration from his father's 1880s works, specifically the Church of the Good Shepherd in Phillipstown and St John's Cathedral in Napier.
Construction and Consecration
The transition to the new church began on September 3, 1908, when Bishop Julius laid the foundation stone. The construction process lasted 13 months, with a total contract value of NZ£ 9,800. The church was officially consecrated on October 17, 1909, by Bishop Julius, with a sermon delivered by Archdeacon Averill.
Cultural Legacy and the 2011 Earthquake
Beyond its local congregation, St Luke's gained national recognition for its artistry. In 1995, New Zealand Post released a series of eight Christmas stamps, four of which (denominations $0.80 to $1.80) featured scenes from the church's stunning stained glass windows.
Tragedy struck in February 2011 during the devastating Christchurch earthquake. St Luke's suffered severe damage, leading to its deconsecration and eventual demolition in July of that year. The loss of the physical structure was documented in Gerard Symth's video chronicle, When A City Falls.
Current Status of the Congregation
While the building is gone, the spirit of the community remains. The congregation continues to meet and provide essential counselling services. Currently, services are hosted at the Mary Potter Community Centre and the central-city Knox Presbyterian Church. Additionally, weekday morning prayers are still held on the original St Luke's site, although the prospect of rebuilding a permanent church there remains uncertain.
Key Facts
- Original Site: Reserved by the Canterbury Association in 1850.
- First Structure: The Chapel of Ease (1858–1908).
- Architect: Cyril Mountfort (Gothic Revival style).
- Cost: NZ£ 9,800 for the 1909 construction.
- National Recognition: Featured on New Zealand Post stamps in 1995.
- Demolition: July 2011, following earthquake damage.
| Year | Event | Key Figure/Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1850 | Original Survey | Canterbury Association |
| 1858-1860 | Chapel of Ease built | Second Anglican church in Christchurch |
| 1871 | Chapel extension | Designed by Benjamin Mountfort |
| 1908 | Foundation stone laid | Bishop Julius (Sept 3) |
| 1909 | Consecration | October 17 |
| 2011 | Demolition | Following February earthquake |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed the final St Luke's Church?
The church was designed by Cyril Mountfort in the Gothic Revival style, drawing influence from his father Benjamin Mountfort's earlier works.
What happened to the first church on the site?
The first church, known as the Chapel of Ease, was built between 1858 and 1860, extended in 1871, and eventually demolished in 1908.
How was St Luke's featured on New Zealand postage stamps?
In 1995, New Zealand Post issued Christmas stamps where the four highest denominations ($0.80 to $1.80) depicted scenes from the church's stained glass windows.
Where does the congregation meet now?
The congregation currently holds services at the Mary Potter Community Centre and the Knox Presbyterian Church, with weekday morning prayers held on the original site.
Will the church be rebuilt?
As of the current records, the rebuilding of a church on the original site remains uncertain.