St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Suva (must see)

Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church is one of Suva's oldest surviving wooden structures. Distinguished by its white picket fence and juxtaposed against the towering concrete buildings that have emerged over the years.

The church's origins trace back to a pivotal meeting on January 16, 1883, where a small, self-appointed committee gathered in the Suva schoolhouse to deliberate the establishment of a Presbyterian place of worship in the town. In a remarkable eight months, on September 23, 1883, the inaugural service was held in the new church. Unfortunately, the original building fell victim to a cyclone that struck Suva on January 5, 1895.

Undeterred, the resilient congregation rallied to reconstruct, and by April 1895, the present wooden church graced Suva once again. Designated a Heritage Building by the National Trust of Fiji, Saint Andrew's is a cherished piece of Suva's architectural legacy.

A noteworthy addition to the church's history is the installation of its first pipe organ in 1908—a New Zealand craft organ commemorating the church's 25th anniversary. Costing 470 pounds, this musical treasure served the congregation for 80 years before restoration became necessary. In a unique decision, Saint Andrew's opted to retain a manual pipe organ, distinguishing itself from other churches in Suva.

Constructed entirely of wood, the church boasts a distinctive design reminiscent of rural churches abroad. Beyond its architectural significance, Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church held a pivotal role in the social fabric of Suva, serving as a meeting and entertainment hub for the early European settlers in 1885.