Welcome to St Christopher's

We love and proclaim the message of Jesus. Our church exists because of Jesus. He is the reason. I'm worried at the way New Zealand is slipping from becoming Godzone!!! We live in a fantastic country (even without the World Cup) but we are not as happy and contented as we should be. Why? Because we fail to worship our Creator and instead we worship the creation.

Here at St Christopher's we have a high regard for the importance of the Bible. We are committed to Children and Families Ministry and the importance of Youth. Relational groups are available to ensure you have a place to belong. The big day for me is Sunday with our four services, all with various flavours from ancient to modern!!!

I have been at St Christopher's since 1988 along with Patsy, my wife, who teaches at Emmanuel Christian School. We have three adult children, Peter, Lizzie, and Sarah.

I reckon it is great to be a part of St Christopher's, so come and join us.

Mike

About St Christopher's

is a Dynamic Anglican Church, which exists to create, in the power of the Holy Spirit, a loving and caring environment in which we ...

gather to worship and celebrate God's love
nurture people in the Christian faith
share the Good News of Jesus Christ
work for a just and harmonious society
offer hope through Christ's healing for life's hurts.

We are a large and growing Christian community with a range of church services and groups to meet the needs of as many people as possible.

We believe that there is something here at St Christopher's for everyone and that is why we are so enthusiastic about you coming to join us.

Most of all, we want you to experience the love, power, joy and forgiveness that Jesus of Nazareth brings. Our prayer is that you will discover more of this as you journey along with us.

May God bless you.

History

The short history of our parish, with prominent events and dates ...

1958/59	Meetings held at the Fairweather's home and St Christopher's foundations laid. Working bees began once the church building had been started.
1959	30 August - our Hall is dedicated (now known as "Warren Hall") - a daughter church of St Peters, Upper Riccarton. Martin Warren is our first Curate-in-charge.
1961	Curate's House next to the church is dedicated.
1963	Priest-in-charge Rev Hugh Thomson is appointed as first vicar.
1964	Made a Parochial District. Extensions are made - 2nd hall, Parish Room, stage, kitchen, loft. All are dedicated.
1965	Parish Office opened for 10 hours per week. Pay rate is 6/- per hour (60c).
1966	Redundant Hall from Presbyterian Church in Frankleigh Street moved on site. ("The Back Hall", 'Tophers, Youth)
1967	Vicarage upgraded to bring up to standard. Curate's house is brought up to vicarage standard
1970	St Peter's loan for building taken over by St Christopher's.
1971	St Christopher's is made a Parish
1976	Curate's house in Delph Street purchased and Margaret Wood moves in there. Paul Bathurst - 1st Curate, Margaret Wood - 2nd Curate.
1977	Hugh and Margaret Thomson are farewelled.
1978	Richard Roberton becomes our second vicar. Interior of the church is painted.
1984	25th Anniversary of St Christopher's is celebrated. New Vicarage is built in Parkinson Place. Section in Avonhead Road is sold.
1985	Old vicarage sold and moved from site.
1985/86	New Parish Office is built. New entrance porch and Vestry built. Old entrance converted to Parent/Child Room.
1987	Richard and Alison Roberton are farewelled.
1988	Michael Hawke inducted as 3rd Vicar of St Christopher's. Communion rail is extended and the Hall foyer and toilets are upgraded.
1992	March: the church built in 1964 is consecrated.
1993	Garage converted into Olive Branch. Music Room is built in old storeroom and floor put in cupboard in the Parish room for the Ladies Guild. New toilets in Ladies and a disabled toilet built. Thomson House bought and dedicated.
1995	October: Thomson House dedicated.
1998	29 November: first service in newly built church - the siting of which had been proposed in Hugh Thomson's time here.
1999	14 February: new church dedicated.
1999	August: 40th Anniversary Celebrations.
1999/ 2000	New kitchen built where Parish Room was, old kitchen removed and folding door placed between Warren and Roberton Halls.
2006	25 June: Consecration of the new Church building.
2008/2009	Vicarage becomes new church office after the Hawke family move into their own home in Redcliffs
2009	August: 50th Anniversary Celebrations. The church entrance was upgraded in time for the celebrations.