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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
St. James' Presbyterian Church
St. James' Presbyterian Church, Wellington. This church had its origin in a branch Sabbath school established about fifteen years ago by St. John's Church, in a hall, in what was then the somewhat sparsely populated, but now important portion of the city of Wellington known as Newtown. By 1881 so many Presbyterians had settled in the neighbourhood that it was considered advisable that steps should be taken towards the erection of a place of worship. Energetic efforts resulted in the acquisition of an acre of ground in a very commanding position, and the building of a small edifice to serve the purpose of church and Sabbath school. For some years services were conducted by a lay missionary, by student evangelists, and for short periods by ordained ministers. In 1888 a satisfactory and permanent settlement was made by the induction of the Rev. William Shirer, who then arrived in the Colony from Scotland, and who has filled the pastorate ever since. Shortly after his installation as minister, the increasing number of worshippers rendered the enlargement of the building absolutely necessary, and a transept was added, which doubled the former accommodation; and a year or two later a very handsome and commodious manse was erected on the church ground. The church has now (1895) a membership of 142, with a large number of adherents, a flourishing Sabbath school with 270 scholars, and all the usual adjuncts of a thriving congregation.