As congregation sizes continue to dwindle, empty churches are providing scope for clever conversions.
The 2013 census revealed that almost 48 percent of New Zealanders are affiliated with Christian religions but the number of people attending services has been dropping steadily and is now estimated to be around 15%. With the population now following numerous other faiths alongside Christianity the decision was taken to remove references to Christ in the prayer that opens proceedings in Parliament, in 2017.
Numerous churches are being taken out of commission because it’s no longer sustainable to hold weekly services. This has led to new opportunities opening up for architects and builders, who are turning characterful old buildings with beautiful woodwork and often, spectacular stained glass windows, into modern contemporary homes.
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Anthony Marks bought a church at 15 Paruru Avenue, in Northcote, Auckland, which had been converted eight years ago. It was previously the first St Aiden’s Presbyterian Church, built from solid kauri in 1889, and it had stood on busy Onewa Road before being relocated to its current site in a quiet cul-de-sac backing onto Cecil Eady Bush, in 1981.
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“It had been changed in various ways since the move,” says Marks. “But it really needed some more attention so now it’s been repainted, inside and out, and has a new kitchen with a scullery, plus new bathrooms and carpet.
“I think what I like most about it is the high studs and the stained glass window which creates patterns on the wall and ceiling when the sun streams in in the morning.
Marks says that living on the edge of a kauri forest means there’s an abundance of birdlife including wood pigeons and tui.
“It’s a great property for entertaining too, with a covered veranda so you can be outside in all weathers”
Barfoot and Thompson agents Travers Smyth and Christine Reader are marketing the property for sale by auction on April 13.
Smyth says: “It’s certainly the first church I’ve ever had listed so I wasn’t sure what to expect but we’re getting good interest from young working couples who are probably looking ahead to starting families, as well as from buyers who already have children.
“There’s so much character in there, with herringbone timber doors and the original arched windows and polished wood.
“To me the key selling point is the fact that you have a four-bedroom home with lots of peace and privacy, right beside great walkways in the bush, yet you’re really close to Onewa Road with shops, gyms and petrol stations and to the motorway too, of course.”
