St Andrew's, Plimmerton

2006 marked the 90th anniversary for St Andrew's, also designed by Frederick de Jersey Clere. It is one of only a few churches built in the Diocese during WWI.

Clere, Frederick de Jersey, 1856-1952 :[Plan of] proposed church at Plimmerton. 20.8.16. Reference number: Plans-80-0834 Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

A new chancel and sanctuary were added in 1961.

On Saturday 27 February St Andrew's was seriously damaged by fire. The church will be rebuilt,
but in the meantime our Sunday services are in the North Porirua Baptist Church (NPBC) along the road at 20 Steyne Avenue (across the road from Plimmerton Station). Map

The green frontal, designed by Elizabeth Auton in 1988, shows the harakeke (flax) which is abundant in the area and represents the Trinitarian life. The purple frontal, designed by Bob Callwood in 1990, links our British heritage and our place in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Take some time to study the stained glass window on the left-hand side of the chancel. The window was dedicated on 5 October 2006 to the life of Ian Turner. It is particularly beautiful when illuminated by the late morning or afternoon sun. It is called the "St Andrew's Window" because the concept was inspired by Mark I: v 16 and 17.

"Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting nets into the sea: for they were fishermen. And Jesus said unto them come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men."

The theme for the design links Andrew, the fisherman, disciple, and Patron Saint of Scotland, to St Andrew's church and our local environment at Plimmerton.

This was interpreted perfectly by Olaf Wehr-Candler of Pukerua Glass Studio Ltd, the artisan who conceived, crafted, and installed "St Andrew's window".

Have you ever wondered about the story behind this plaque in St Andrew’s?

The Hallidays and Holmans were both English immigrant families living on Motuhara Road. In July 1968 the Halliday family set off on the SS Gothic to visit family in England. The Gothic was the former Royal yacht used on the 1953-4 Royal Tour of New Zealand. On August 1, several days after leaving New Zealand, the Gothic suffered a devastating fire. The Halliday family’s cabin was on the deck above the paint store which fuelled the intense fire. The valiant crew extinguished the fire but sadly seven lives, including all four of the Halliday family, were lost and the ship suffered considerable damage.

When the Gothic was scrapped a propeller was removed and taken to Britain. A plaque was made from it and presented by Shaw Savill to St Andrew’s church with a moving ceremony.

While the Halliday family were away the family dog was cared for by the Holman family. John Holman, who was awarded the George Medal for his bravery at the Tangiwai rail disaster of 1953, was a member of the Plimmerton Volunteer Fire Brigade. John continued to look after the dog and so for years it was a tangible reminder of the Halliday family to the people of Plimmerton. For many years following the tragedy, Halliday family members in England sent money for flowers for St Andrew’s at Christmas.

The Parish Centre and Office are adjacent to the church so St Andrew's is often, but not always, used for special occasions. Pancake races on Shrove Tuesday and a Harvest Fair involve everyone in the community.

St Andrew's Foyer Project - The need:

We are a welcoming people
Present foyer space is congested
Difficult access for weddings and funerals
Overflow space is needed
Compliance with mobility access needed
We are open to all

We have agreed to go ahead with our "Porch to Foyer" project at St Andrew's church in Plimmerton (See Plan) to extend it into a warm welcoming hospitable space for our growing congregation. Donate to the development of St Andrew's: Gifts for the Foyer Project can be posted to the Parish Office, 11 Steyne Avenue, Plimmerton, 5024 or handed in at any service. Make sure you include your name and address for a receipt.

Project progress:

Read the Foyer Project Team Report to Vestry on 11 November 2009.

Building was to begin early April. Now, after the fire, we also have to restore the whole interior of
St Andrew's.

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