St. Michael's and All Angels Anglican Church, Christchurch

Saint Michael and All Angels Church in Christchurch has a deep-rooted Anglican history dating back to the earliest days of Canterbury settlement. It stands on the site where the first church was built by the Canterbury Association settlers in 1851, with Henry Jacobs delivering the inaugural sermon in July of that year.

The current church building, designed by William Fitzjohn Crisp, a prominent architect who arrived in New Zealand in 1864, showcases remarkable timber Gothic Revival architecture. Crisp laid the cornerstone of the church on 29 September 1870, the Feast of Saint Michael & All Angels. However, due to construction challenges that led to Crisp's return to Britain, Frederick Strouts took over as the supervising architect, completing the building in 1872.

Although the church officially opened on 2 May 1872, financial constraints caused delays in completing the chancel until 1875, and the planned bell tower and spire were never built. The church is primarily constructed from mataī timber on rubble stone foundations, making it one of the largest timber Gothic Revival churches in the Southern Hemisphere.

A notable feature of the church's heritage is its separate belfry, which remains from the previous church building designed by Benjamin Mountfort in 1861. The bell, which arrived with the First Four Ships in 1850, served as a timekeeper for the settlers, ringing every hour of daylight.

In addition to its architectural and historical importance, Saint Michael and All Angels Church played a crucial role in spiritual leadership in New Zealand. This is exemplified by Alfred Averill, who served as vicar from 1894 before becoming the Archbishop of New Zealand. Furthermore, the church has a strong connection with Saint Michael's Church School, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of community and education in Christchurch.