St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Ponsonby. When it became clear that Auckland was rapidly extending in the direction of Ponsonby, the Presbyterians residing in that district held a meeting in Ponsonby Hall, and decided to form themselves into a congregation, and the Presbytery placed a committee of its members, with full Presbyterial powers, in charge of the district. A new charge was formed on the 18th of July, 1876, and it was resolved to address a call to the Rev. James Hill to become the first minister. Mr. Hill declined the call, and the Rev. D. W. Runciman, M.A., having been granted two years' leave of absence from Leslie, Scotland, was, on the 10th of January, 1877, appointed by the Presbytery to conduct services in Ponsonby Hall, which had been hired for the purpose. A session was then formed, and the Presbyterial committee discharged. Mr. Runciman having decided to remain in Auckland, sent Home the resignation of his charge at Leslie, and, on the 14th of February, 1878, he was inducted as the first minister of St. Stephen's. The present church, Gothic of architecture, and with a lofty spire, was built on the site, which cost £300, at the corner of Jervois and Shelley Beach Roads. It cost £1406, seats 250 worshippers, and was opened on the 28th of January, 1880. Owing to his health not improving, Mr. Runciman resigned on the 4th of June, 1889.