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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

St. Paul's (pro-Cathedral) Church

St. Paul's (pro-Cathedral) Church, is situated in Mulgrave Street, Wellington. The cause from which this fine church has been evolved was criginally established in the early forties by the founders of settlement in the Colony. The old St. Paul's Church stood near the site now occupied by the stables of Government House. When the erection of the first portion of the present church was contemplated, an exchange was affected, the Mulgrave Street being being given by Sir George Grey in exchange for the old site which was then included in Government House grounds. The church was erected in the early sixties, and since then has been enlarged considerably. The design for St. Paul's Church came from London, having been prepared by a celebrated architect, the elder Pugin. On the ground of expense chiefly, the plans were not fully carried out, the height being considerably reduced. The spire was built a good deal smaller to correspond with the change in the height of the church. It is, nevertheless, a handsome gothie structure, built of wood, andhas accommodation for 750 worshippers, exclusive of choir, which numbers about fifty. In the tower are three fine bells. The organ, originally costing £750, has been considerably enlarged at an additional outlay of £350. There are three Sunday schools in connection with St. Paul's: these are held at Sydney Sireet, Tinakori Road, and Wadestown. In the last place there is a church-room, where also regular services are held every Sunday.
St. Paul's Church.

St. Paul's Church.

page 385 St. Paul's Church contains some very fine stained glass windows, the one at the west end being specially interesting, as it was erected by fellow officers to the memory of those who fell during the Maori war. The latest window is in the south transept. It is very large, and was put there in memory of the late Mr. W. H. Levin, by his father, who resides in London. The vicarage is in Bolton Street. The site, three-quarters of an acre in extent, was given to the church by the New Zealand Company. The building is over thirty years old; it contains seventeen apartments, which, however, are mostly small. In the study the vicar has the old Bishop's chair, which was used in the days of good Bishop Abraham.