St Cuthbert's Church, built in 1860, was designed by George Mallinson, architect for the Church of the Most Holy Trinity began in Lyttelton a year earlier. There are similarities in the planning of these two churches and also in the stonework which was carried out by Edward Morey, a craftsman of considerable skill.
St Cuthbert's is distinguished by its dominant steeply pitched roof and low cob walls faced with rubble stone. Solidity is emphasised by the heavy buttresses between the small, cusped, lancet windows. Beside the western end is a projecting porch of similar proportions. It is faced with water worn black stones gathered from the beach by local women who carried them in their sacking aprons.
The chancel, added in 1874, has a fine stained glass memorial window depicting the legend of St Cuthbert. The high opened timbered ceiling is carried by 'scissor' trusses which contribute to the rhythmic division of the interior.
St Cuthbert's is an important link with Canterbury's early settlement and has considerable architectural significance in the quality of its design and its unusual construction. With its graveyard and mature trees this quiet country church has an atmosphere of timeless charm.
List Entry Information
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
281
Date Entered
27th June 1985
Date of Effect
27th June 1985
City/District Council
Christchurch City
Region
Canterbury Region
Extent of List Entry
Extent includes the land described as Res 66 (RT CB408/249), Canterbury Land District and the building known as St Cuthbert’s Church (Anglican) thereon.
Legal description
Res 66 (RT CB408/249), Canterbury Land District
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
281
Date Entered
27th June 1985
Date of Effect
27th June 1985
City/District Council
Christchurch City
Region
Canterbury Region
Extent of List Entry
Extent includes the land described as Res 66 (RT CB408/249), Canterbury Land District and the building known as St Cuthbert’s Church (Anglican) thereon.
Legal description
Res 66 (RT CB408/249), Canterbury Land District
Construction Details
Start Year
1860
Type
Original Construction
Construction Details
Start Year
1860
Type
Original Construction
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Other Information
This place was identified as significant under previous legislation with different information requirements. It remains significant under the current legislation. There is opportunity under our legislation and policies to add to this information. Further information about this place may be available from the Southern Regional Office of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions. This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. The following text is the original citation considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Information in square brackets indicate modifications made after the paper was considered by the NZHPT Board.
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Other Information
This place was identified as significant under previous legislation with different information requirements. It remains significant under the current legislation. There is opportunity under our legislation and policies to add to this information. Further information about this place may be available from the Southern Regional Office of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions. This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. The following text is the original citation considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Information in square brackets indicate modifications made after the paper was considered by the NZHPT Board.
Current Usages
Uses: Religion
Specific Usage: Church
Former Usages
General Usage: Religion
Specific Usage: Church
Current Usages
Uses: Religion
Specific Usage: Church
Former Usages
General Usage: Religion
Specific Usage: Church
Location
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