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The first Church of England services were
held in the home of the Resident Magistrate Mr John Dewe. The Parochial
District of Milton was part of the Christchurch Diocese until the
establishment of the Dunedin Bishopric in 1869.
In July 1858 Bishop Harper of Christchurch conducted three services
in
Milton and two in Waihola. In 1864 Bishop Harper spent Good Friday
and Easter in the Tokomairiro and baptised 24 children.
In November 1864 the first Vicar arrived and lived in the "Old
Parsonage" on the Back Road. A Chapel and an associated burial
ground were also developed on the Back road.
St John's Church
St John`s Church,
Union Street, Milton.
The church was built in red brick with a slate roof in the style
of All Saint`s Dunedin. The mature English trees and the iron railings
which were erected to mark the 50th anniversary of the Parish continue
to be a feature on State Highway 1.
The Foundation stone was laid on 16 January 1866and dedicated by
Bishop Selwyn on April 17 1866, making it one of the few buildings
in this diocese to have links with Bishop Selwyn.
The church was dedicated by Bishop Harper on 28 February 1867.
Extensive renovations occured in 1962-1963.
The bell purchased in 1875 from Melbourne was also used as a fire
bell for some time. The belfry built at the time was condemned as
unsafe 21 years later but lasted until 1961. In 1977 the Bell which
had lain as a garden ornament for years was erected on a new tower.
The Vicarage erected 1886 and designed by the Vicar of the time,
is still in use.
St John`s Hall was opened 1897.
It is still in use for its inital intentions of
education and social activities. The kitchen and toilet areas were
improved in 1981.
Pancake Day at Monday School.
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