The simple exterior of this shop at 227 Devon Street East belies its interesting past.
Construction of the building commenced early in 1944. It was built as a church for the Assembly of God and the first church service was conducted on 9 September 1944. The builders were the firm Neale & Carter and the estimated cost was £1350.
It is not known when the final service was held in this building, but in January 1976 the Assembly of God opened a new church in Baring Terrace - now the 4th Wall Theatre. The building at 227 Devon Street East was later renovated and converted to retail premises.
The original shop and cottage on this section are thought to have been built in the 1880s by William Bayly. Well-known businessman Chew Chong (Chau Tseung) bought the shop in October 1888 then sold the business to Choy Kee two years later. Later owners included the plumber Charles Roch in 1927 and coal merchant Robert Willis between 1929 and 1935. Newspaper reports confirm that the buildings were demolished in 1938. (Source: Fred Butler collection, ARC2007-73)
Related plan:
Taranaki DP5070 Sheet 1 Lot 1 Sec 1419 (1929), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)
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