(St George’s Coptic Church)
2 Elizabeth Plce, Church St & Sophia St
LN:7107 C:1
1904
Architect J S Turnbull
Builder W Petrie & Son
Architect J. S. Turnbull chose a gothic revival style for the 1904 church. This was Timaru's second Presbyterian Church built by a breakaway group when the local congregation was divided over the question of prohibition.
It was Timaru's second Presbyterian church building, built by a breakaway group when the local congregation was divided over prohibition. Chalmers Church gradually became the centre for Presbyterian worship in Timaru. The earlier Trinity Church (1876) has been demolished. The stained glass windows are unusual feature in a Presbyterian Church. They complement the simpler diamond paned lancets of coloured glass.
The church has fifteen stained glass windows with "The Ascension" designed by John Brock of Dunedin commemorating parishioners who served in WWI and WWII. Dedicated 12 Nov. 1950 by Rev. M. Wilson. WWI & WWII Honour Boards. Records of the Presbyterian Parish of Chalmers, covering the period of 1865-2008 are held by South Canterbury Museum. The collection is comprised of marriage records, minutes, correspondence, financial records, records of individuals.
The tower is 120ft high and the spire is covered with patent interlocking zinc tiles.
The Church (and Dunedin's Port Chalmers) was named after Thomas Chalmers, a 19thC Scottish theologian and church leader. He devoted much of his time to mathematics and was the head of the party in the Church of Scotland which stood for "non-intrusionism".
Significant elements include angle buttressing, gothic window detailing, octagonal spire over tower with pinnacles.
Carnegie who gave a greant for the Timaru Libarary also gave a pipe organ for Chalmers Church.
Did you know? A plaque for the Parr Windmill, which was next door, is at end of the cul-de-sac.
Can you find? The Church foundation stone laid in 1903?
Sophia Stree was the name of the wife of Robert Heaton Rhodes of Purau and partner in the Levels Station. She was the daughter of Robert Latter of Lyttelton (Latter St)
Greetings from Timaru, 1904-1915, Timaru, by Muir & Moodie studio. Purchased 1998 with New Zealand Lottery Grants Board funds. Te Papa (PS.002470)
Buildings in foreground and ocean in background. Burton Bros Canterbury Museum 2018.74.38
1903. Chalmers Presbyterian Church, Elizabeth Street, Timaru. Photograph taken after 1903 by an unidentified photographer employed or contracted by 'The Press' newspaper of Christchurch. Chalmers Presbyterian Church, Elizabeth Street, Timaru
Tiaki IRN 692740 Tiaki Reference Number 11-008730-G. Collection PA-Group-00103 The Press (Newspaper)