St. Mary of the Angels, Wellington
Saint Mary of the Angels in Wellington started as a small chapel in 1843, built by Father O'Riley and made official by Bishop Pompallier in 1844. Over time, it went through many changes to become the striking building it is now. The first chapel, called "the chapel of the Nativity," was expanded several times until a bigger wooden church named "Saint Mary of the Angels" replaced it in 1874, in honor of a chapel important to Saint Francis of Assisi. This building was destroyed by fire in 1918, leading to the construction of the current building, which opened in 1922 with a blessing from Archbishop Redwood.
Frederick de Jersey Clere designed the church in 1919, incorporating traditional Gothic styles with some French influence. Its front design, inspired by the Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint Gudula in Brussels, was groundbreaking for using reinforced concrete in a Gothic church, a mix of concrete, brick, and a timber roof supported by concrete arches and steel rods, ensuring it was both stunning and sturdy.
Inside, the church has beautiful stained glass windows around the upper walls, including a special rose window and others that show scenes from the crucifixion, the Rosary, and Saint Joseph's life. These windows create a colorful, sacred feel inside. The church is also filled with statues, like a marble version of Michelangelo's Moses, the Piet脿, the Holy Family, and various saints, adding to its spiritual atmosphere.
The church has a strong tradition of liturgical music, starting with Gregorian Chant in 1905. When the current building was opened in 1922, a choir of 70, directed by Edward Healy, sang at the first Mass. Its organ, built in 1958 by George Croft and Son Limited and updated in 1984, showcases the church's commitment to music.
Saint Mary of the Angels is also a historical site, recognized as a "Category I" historic place for its significant history, architectural beauty, and cultural importance. It's been a vital part of Wellington's Catholic community, from being Archbishop O'Shea's pro-cathedral between 1936 and 1954 to hosting Suzanne Aubert's funeral in 1926, known for its church music and spiritual support to the community.
Frederick de Jersey Clere designed the church in 1919, incorporating traditional Gothic styles with some French influence. Its front design, inspired by the Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint Gudula in Brussels, was groundbreaking for using reinforced concrete in a Gothic church, a mix of concrete, brick, and a timber roof supported by concrete arches and steel rods, ensuring it was both stunning and sturdy.
Inside, the church has beautiful stained glass windows around the upper walls, including a special rose window and others that show scenes from the crucifixion, the Rosary, and Saint Joseph's life. These windows create a colorful, sacred feel inside. The church is also filled with statues, like a marble version of Michelangelo's Moses, the Piet脿, the Holy Family, and various saints, adding to its spiritual atmosphere.
The church has a strong tradition of liturgical music, starting with Gregorian Chant in 1905. When the current building was opened in 1922, a choir of 70, directed by Edward Healy, sang at the first Mass. Its organ, built in 1958 by George Croft and Son Limited and updated in 1984, showcases the church's commitment to music.
Saint Mary of the Angels is also a historical site, recognized as a "Category I" historic place for its significant history, architectural beauty, and cultural importance. It's been a vital part of Wellington's Catholic community, from being Archbishop O'Shea's pro-cathedral between 1936 and 1954 to hosting Suzanne Aubert's funeral in 1926, known for its church music and spiritual support to the community.
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St. Mary of the Angels on Map
Sight Name: St. Mary of the Angels
Sight Location: Wellington, New Zealand (See walking tours in Wellington)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Wellington, New Zealand (See walking tours in Wellington)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Wellington, New Zealand
Create Your Own Walk in Wellington
Creating your own self-guided walk in Wellington is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Wellington Introduction Walking Tour
Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and the country's second-largest city after Auckland. It also has the distinction of being the world's windiest city by average wind speed.
The city was designed by Captain William Mein Smith in 1840. He was the first Surveyor General for Edward Wakefield's New Zealand Company. The name comes from Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
The city was designed by Captain William Mein Smith in 1840. He was the first Surveyor General for Edward Wakefield's New Zealand Company. The name comes from Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
The first immigrants to New Zealand brought along their sense of style. Most of the country's first settlers, if not all of them, were Britishers; the capital city was no exception. The latter fact is duly reflected in Wellington's historical architecture. These buildings offer a glimpse into the city's past and add a great deal of charm to the cityscape. Let's take a quick... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles