St Stephen's Church (Waverley)

This Anglican church on Weraroa Road in Waverley was erected in 1880. The contractor was  Mr Porter of Whanganui and it seems likely the architect was Mr G.F. Allen, also from Whanganui.  

Two years prior to this a building fund had been set up by the Rev. Alex Dasent. A busy year of fundraising saw the fund grow to £104. The foundation stone was laid on 1 June 1880 and the opening service was conducted on 15 August 1880 by the Rev. Dasent and Archdeacon Thorpe. 

The church was opened free of debt, but it was not until the mid-1890s that a chancel and vestry were added and St. Stephen's was consecrated. 

By the mid-1970s the Anglicans and Presbyterians were holding joint services. Increasing co-operation led to a decision in 1980 to build a new co-operating church on the site of the Presbyterian church.

A parish hall, built in 1916-17, was moved to the site on Weraroa Road and incorporated into the new church complex. The parish hall (opened on 1 February 1917) was built by Messrs. Christensen Bros and from 1918-1922 was also used as a school. 

Further reading: St Stephen's Church, Waverley 75th Jubilee 1880-1955 (TRCT 283 STS) and St Stephen's Church, Waverley 1880 - 1980 (TRCT 283 WOL).