Old St Paul's

14/06/2026

What's more, with many New Zealand men overseas, there were plenty of women for American troops to romance – much to the dismay of New Zealand’s fighting men – and between 1942 and 1944, 1,400 women were married to US servicemen, historian Elizabeth Cox writes. A number of these weddings took place at Old St Paul’s. One of these was for Dr Inez Thew, who had lost her husband in the war, and found love again with an American Warrant Officer, Richard Hill. The pair married at Old St Paul’s in 1944. ❤️ Read more here: https://osphistory.org/2015/05/13/united-states-servicemen-and-old-st-pauls/

12/06/2026

As we continue sharing stories from Old St Paul's 160 years, here are some evocative photographs from Peter Sheppard, revealing a familiar building in a very different Wellington.

In 1966, after years of deferred maintenance, the Ministry of Works began the long task of restoring the church. Historian Elizabeth Cox notes that Old St Paul's was 'fortunate indeed' in the architects entrusted with its care – first Jim Bentall and then Peter Sheppard, who worked on everything from the foundations to the spire for more than a decade. Read more from Elizabeth here: https://osphistory.org/2016/11/28/fortunate-indeed/

Peter has remained a devoted friend of Old St Paul's, generously sharing his photographs and memories with our Facebook community. These images capture moments from that remarkable chapter in the building's life – including restoration work, the bells, and views of the property with a backdrop of a younger city.

Do you have photos, memories or stories of Old St Paul's? We'd love to hear from you as we continue marking 160 years of this extraordinary place.

Share your story here: https://www.visitheritage.co.nz/whats-on/wellington-events/old-st-pauls-at-160-stories-memories-reflections

11/06/2026

Another wonderful Thursday is almost upon us, and with that we're announcing our next talented Musical Punch Over Lunch guests, New Zealand School of Music—Te Kōkī, Victoria University of Wellington honours students, cellist Tomos Christie and pianist Amelia Lin playing pieces from across the centuries. This will be beautiful. See you at 12.30pm on 18 June.

08/06/2026

As we continue celebrating 160 years of Old St Paul's, we're delighted to share a summarised message from Annette Walkley (née Barraud), great-granddaughter of artist and pharmacist Charles Decimus Barraud.

In 1883, C.D. Barraud created and gifted the carved Psalm panels that still hang above the pews today, while stained glass made in London by his brother also remains an intrinsic part of the building's story.

Annette's own connection spans generations: her parents were married at Old St Paul's ('plus probably two aunts'), she was christened here in 1936, and several family memorial plaques remain within the building.

Do you have memories, family connections or stories linked to Old St Paul's? We'd love to hear them as we continue marking 160 years of this remarkable place.

Share your story here: https://www.visitheritage.co.nz/whats-on/wellington-events/old-st-pauls-at-160-stories-memories-reflections

07/06/2026

Cherishing two icons. Thank you to our friends at Katherine Mansfield House & Garden for this captivating post. Our 160th celebrations continue throughout June. Don't forget to send us your connections with this Mulgrave Street masterpiece, whether they be words or photos. Long live OSP! 🫶

05/06/2026

🎶 Next Thursday at 12.30pm! 🎶 Join us for a musical journey across the Balkans and Europe with Vox Ethno – an energetic ensemble of five singers and five musicians performing beautiful folk songs from Serbia, Macedonia, Ukraine, Greece, Bulgaria and beyond. Expect soaring harmonies, infectious rhythms, traditional instruments, and music that ranges from hauntingly beautiful to irresistibly uplifting. Musical Punch Over Lunch at Old St Paul's is a concert series open to all. Koha entry.

04/06/2026

Old St Paul's turns 160 this year, and we're collecting stories, memories and reflections from those who have shared in its remarkable history.

On 16 August 1980, Mike and Wendy Lyons were married here. Mike recalls:

'Unfortunately it was horrible weather in August on our wedding day. The wind howled and rain lashed... We were glad to reach the shelter and comfort of Old St Paul's under the challenged cover of a billowing umbrella."

Yet despite the storm, Mike remembers the ceremony as beautiful. Today, as a volunteer, he says he has 'ample time to appreciate the history and architecture of the cathedral and absorb its calming essence.'

Do you have a connection to Old St Paul's? We'd love to hear your story as we celebrate 160 years of this much-loved Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga landmark.

Find out more and submit your memory here: https://www.visitheritage.co.nz/whats-on/wellington-events/old-st-pauls-at-160-stories-memories-reflections

28/05/2026

They’re back! Straight outta Strathmore, Scots College Wellington chamber and choir groups are returning to Old St Paul's for a Musical Punch Over Lunch slot you do not want to miss! ✨ These rangatahi are phenomenal and from 12.30pm next Thursday will pull out all the stops performing sneak previews of their entries for both the Chamber Music Contest AND The Big Sing. See this link for our concert season's full programme: https://www.visitheritage.co.nz/whats-on/wellington-events/musical-punch-over-lunch

27/05/2026

CANNOT WAIT! 👁️⃤

"Lōemis Festival"

18 Jun. (thu) @ Old St Paul’s - Wellington NZ
https://www.loemis.nz/
 
Acid Mothers Temple & The Melting Paraiso U.F.O. :
Kawabata Makoto : guitar, speed guru
Higashi Hiroshi : synthesizer, fishing god
Jyonson Tsu : voice, guitar, bouzouki, midnight whistler
Satoshima Nani : drums, another dimension
Sawano Shozo : bass, hexman
 
door 19:00
ticket : https://www.loemis.nz/acid-mothers-temple

26/05/2026

Because we are!! 🌱 The countdown is on until the Old St Paul's 2026 Craft & Curio Market, and the line-up is already looking incredible. There are still some spaces on Saturday 7 November, so if you fit any of the bill below, please do email [email protected] for details:

🌿 Plant and botanical sellers
📚 Bookbinders, bookmakers, and paper artisans
🍫 Artisan chocolate and jam makers
🧵 Heritage craftspeople
🎨 Artists and illustrators
🪵 Makers of wooden toys, traditional games, and children's treasures
🕰️ Dealers in curios, collectibles, antiques, and oddities

Be Part of Wellington Heritage Festival 2026! 📜

From guided walks and exhibitions to storytelling, performances and community celebrations, Wellington Heritage Festival celebrates the people, places and stories of Te Upoko-o-Te-Ika-a-Māui, the Greater Wellington Region.

We are seeking events from across the region, including Kāpiti Coast, Porirua, Wellington, the Hutt Valley and the Wairarapa.

Applications are now open, and this year it’s even simpler, just one application to get started.

🔗 Find out more and apply here: https://wellingtonheritagefestival.co.nz/form/application/

🕰️ Applications for our brochure close June 30.