Venues

Summary

St Andrew's Anglican Church, opened in 1874, sits on a prominent corner site in the former gold mining town of Cromwell in Central Otago. The Church was designed in Gothic Revival style and is constructed of local stone. St Andrew's has been the centre of Anglican worship in Cromwell and the wider district for over 130 years. In 2006 the congregation continue to worship at the Church.

Historical Significance

St Andrew's Anglican Church has historical significance as it was the first church built in the gold mining town of Cromwell, and along with St Michael's Anglican Church in nearby Clyde, with which it has shared a minister, tells part of the story of the development of Anglicanism in this area. Through its history it demonstrates the importance of Christianity in the culture of gold miners in nineteenth century Central Otago, and the work of the Ladies Guild that contributed to the fundraising to cover some of the building costs, as well as for later projects such as maintenance and other projects of parish life, illustrate the importance of community support and initiatives in the establishment of the Church.

Physical Significance

St Andrew's Anglican Church has architectural significance. Although the architect is not known, this church, constructed from the local stone that many of the early Cromwell buildings were built from, demonstrates a traditional English architectural style using local material, making it part of the vernacular architectural style of Cromwell. The building is designed in simple Gothic Revival style, with its sturdy simplicity emphasised by the restrained interior decoration, adding to the contemplative and spiritual function of the building. The peacefulness is further emphasised by the mature garden setting.

Cultural Significance

The church has spiritual significance as a place of worship for the Cromwell Anglican community over the past 131 years, a function that it continues to have in 2006.

Location