Old Saint Paul's
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Old Saint Paul's is a former cathedral in the Diocese of Wellington of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. It is an example of 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture adapted to colonial conditions and materials. It is located at 34 Mulgrave Street, Thorndon, Wellington, New Zealand, close to the New Zealand Parliament.
Old St Paul's was designed by Reverend Frederick Thatcher, then vicar of St Paul's, Thorndon.
It is constructed entirely from New Zealand native timbers, with stunning stained glass windows.
The flags displayed in the nave include the ensigns of the Royal Navy, the New Zealand Merchant Navy, and of the United States Marine Corps (second division), which was stationed in Wellington during World War II. The church retains close links with the New Zealand Defence Force.
Some of the walls and columns of Old St Paul's are decorated with memorial plaques, including many dedicated to those who fought and died in World War I. There is also a plaque in memory of Wellington historian J.C. Beaglehole (most famous for his biography of explorer James Cook).
In 1964 the Diocese of Wellington headquarters moved to the newly constructed Wellington Cathedral of Saint Paul, and after a significant battle to prevent the demolition of Old St Paul's it was purchased by the New Zealand Government in 1967.
Old St Paul's is now managed by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. While no longer a parish church, it remains consecrated, and is a popular venue for weddings, funerals and other services.
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