This historic Church, situated in Wainuiomata’s oldest churchyard, was built by Richard Prouse Senior.
On January 29, 1853, Richard Prouse Senior acquired the land that would eventually serve as the location for the Church. As an English immigrant, Prouse had pledged to build a church in gratitude if he found success in New Zealand.
Twelve years later, Richard Prouse provided the timber and land essential for the construction of a modest, unlined structure measuring approximately 20 by 30 feet. The responsibility of building the church was given to Mr. John Angus Petherick, a well-known builder from Wellington. Under his guidance, the construction was successfully completed in just over four weeks.
Initially erected to serve the needs of the parish, it soon encountered difficulties in accommodating its growing congregation. By 1873, the church had undergone expansion, stretching to around 42 feet in length and incorporating a vestry, with the total cost amounting to £72. Additional improvements were made in 1882, which included lining the church, adding a rostrum, and possibly constructing the front porch, at a cost of £40.
Originally a Methodist place of worship, it welcomed attendees of all denominations due to being the valley’s sole church for many years, evident in the presence of Roman Catholic burials. Following the construction of St Stephen’s Church in 1957, the Coast Road Church fell out of regular use except for occasional weddings and funerals. From 1974 to 2009, it housed the Wainuiomata Art Society, aiding in its preservation.
In November 2010, the Wainuiomata Pioneer Church Preservation Society Incorporated assumed ownership. Since then, they’ve overseen extensive renovations including the vestry’s rebuilding along with managing the building, churchyard, and grounds.
Today, the church has a Category II designation from the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.
