Built in 1847, All Saints' originally served the needs of the Fencible community, soldiers who were stationed at Howick and other strategic sites along the Auckland isthmus to protect against Maori attacks.

The church was prefabricated at St John's College, Meadowbank and the sections transported by boat to Howick where the church was constructed on a site chosen by Sir George Grey and Bishop Selwyn.

All Saints' was the first step in Selwyn's plan for a series of prefabricated churches to be built around Auckland. Known to have played a part in the actual building of the church, Selwyn may also have been involved to a small degree with its design. This is generally attributed to Frederick Thatcher with help from Reader Wood.


The church was originally cruciform in plan with a square tower built over the crossing. A second aisle was added in 1862. This, along with external decoration in the form of strongly articulated diagonal braces picked out in black against the usual white vertical boarding distinguishes All Saints' from other Selwyn churches.

The picturesque church is set amidst mature trees and surrounded by the historic cemetery where many of the areas early settlers are buried.

All Saints' is of great historical significance being the first parish church built in Auckland and, today, the only remaining prefabricated Selwyn church.