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| Image by Hanna Photographers, Cyclopaedia of NZ 1902, Auckland p224 |
The early 1880’s were years when the central area of Auckland was practically rebuilt. Despite depression biting further south, buildings for both public and private use sprang up in Auckland’s great expression of confidence. Companies listed at a phenomenal rate at this time. Both established businesses and new ventures were making the most of the limited liability status now available under new statutes. Improved road and transport systems, along with ready lines of credit, fostered land speculation and the rapid growth of suburban areas.
It was these few years that established Edward Bartley's practice. It was also a time of unprecedented building for many religious denominations.After his competition entry for St Sepulchre’s was placed third, Edward completed a successful design for St David’s Presbyterian Church in Symond’s St in 1879.
The site was a commanding one, situated on the highest part of Symonds St, on the same level as the Khyber Pass reservoir. The main building was 71 feet long and 37 ½ feet wide. A 44 foot high tower extended beyond the main building, facing the street. This was finished with an octagonal spire and wrought iron finial standing a further 47 feet high.
For the plain roof interior Edward specified a contrast of totara brackets and kauri principals resting on carved trusses, all to be varnished, with the boarding of the roof picked out in white paint.
The rostrum continued the Gothic theme in the panelling of native timbers below turned balusters, with Gothic arches between.
The main entrance was from the tower. The side and back of the building were of weatherboard, with the front and tower in rusticated board.
The church was designed to seat about 500 people, at a cost of £1350 and was completed on time in 1880.
In 1902 the church was moved from Symond's St into Khyber Pass, a huge undertaking for the time.
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| Memorial Stone on the base of St David's Image BFA |
It was replaced in 1927 by a new St David's. The future of that building is now also bleak. Colloquially known as the Presbyterian cathedral, it closed in 2014.
See: http://www.saintdavidsfriends.org.nz/
Refer Auckland Weekly News 10 July 1880 p 2 col 3; NZH 5 July 1880 p 6 col 1; 23 Sept 1880 p 5 col 3; moving and re-erection NZH 3 Feb 1902 p 3 col 1
