St Mary’s Anglican Church, Hawera

The foundation stone for this Anglican church in Hawera was laid on 8 September 1902 by Bishop Wallis.

St Mary’s Anglican Church was built in 1903 in the typical 19th century Gothic revival style with steep- pitched gabled roof, bell turret, buttressed walls and lancet windows.  

The interior of this church is a rich contrast of plain plastered walls, rimu panelling and native timber pillars and trusses.  Many fine stained glass windows enrich the interior including the 3 part Peace Window commerorating the end of World War 1.

St Mary’s Church is a Heritage Listed Category 2 building with deep significance to Hawera and the South Taranaki region.  Many memorial plaques from smaller deconsecrated churches have been relocated to the interior walls, including the military Rolls of Honour. The Guidon for the Queen Alexandra’s Rifles hangs in the nave of the church.

The church was opened with a series of services on 1 July 1903. Evensong featured a sermon by Archdeacon Cole with five hundred in attendance and many turned away.

It is located on the site of the original St Mary’s Church and was designed by local architects Messrs. Warren and Stephenson.

In 1993, when a new foyer was added to the church building, some fittings from St James’ Church, Mokoia were incorporated in the design. The complex was blessed by the Most Reverend Archbishop Brian Davis on 15 August 1993.

The first St Mary’s in Hawera was a wooden building erected in 1881. The builder was Mr.Duffill, a local builder. The church was opened on 11 December 1881 by the Right Reverend the Bishop of Wellington. The final service was held on 17 August 1902.

St Mary’s was closed pending seismic strengthening work which finally took place 2023.  Church services were held in the foyer which was the former St James’ Church relocated from Mokoia .

The next big project for St Mary’s is a new roof and exterior  painting.  This is planned for 2024.  Fundraising for this project is still underway.  If you would like to make a donation please contact the office.

Update December 2023
WE ARE OPEN!!!!  FIRST SERVICE WILL BE CHRISTMAS EVE 10PM.

Regular services are now being held in St Mary’s on first and third Sundays of the month. For all upcoming services check out the home page. The church is available for weddings and funerals.  please contact the office for more details.