This Presbyterian church in Fitzroy was opened in May 1969 (Taranaki Photo News #157 17 May 1969) by the Very Rev. Stan Read. It was designed by Graeme Laurenson and Associates (Hāwera) and built by Jones and Sandford Ltd.
Extensions to the church in 1981 were designed by Laurenson, Robinson and Boon.
The first Presbyterian services in Fitzroy were held in a hall built in 1925 at 36 Sackville Street. The section was purchased for £500 and the building cost £659.
This served the church until it was bought by the Buffalo Lodge in 1948.
In the meantime the church had bought a section at 524 Devon Street East from Mr. C. Baker. A hall was built on the property and the foundation stone (donated by the late Sir James Fletcher) was laid in a ceremony on 15 May 1948 by the Rev. D.N. MacDiarmid. The architect was L.J. Wolfe of New Plymouth. (Plans held by Puke Ariki ARC2012-013)
Presumably this served as hall, Sunday School and church until the present church opened in 1969.
Further reading: "Knox Presbyterian Church 50th Jubilee 1926-1976" (TRCT285 PET).
Knox Presbyterian Church Fitzroy Records (Puke Ariki collection)
LinkProposed class room, Knox Presbyterian Church 524 Devon Street East [plan]
LinkProposed Presbyterian Church for new suburban areas; Knox Presbyterian Church Fitzroy [plan]
LinkBible Class Hall for Knox Presbyterian Church Fitzroy [plan]
LinkPlease do not reproduce these images without permission from Puke Ariki.
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