Last updated June 2026
All Saints’ Anglican Church on Church Street in Palmerston North is a Category 1 heritage building designed by architect Frederick de Jersey Clere. The English Gothic brick church opened in 1914 and seats 950 people. It is the third Anglican church on the site and stands opposite the historic Grand Hotel, just off The Square. The heritage building has been closed since 2013 for seismic strengthening, while the active parish continues services and programmes at the nearby All Saints Community Centre.
Practical Information
| Heritage church location | Church Street, Palmerston North (opposite the Grand Hotel, just off The Square) |
| Heritage church status | Closed since 1 April 2013 for earthquake strengthening; exterior viewable from the street |
| Parish office and services | 338 Church Street, Palmerston North 4410. Sunday services at 10am (family) and 5pm (evening). Phone: 06 358 2203; Email: in**@*********nz.com |
| Opened | 6 May 1914 (opening by Bishop Sprott); consecrated 29 October 1916 |
| Architect | Frederick de Jersey Clere |
| Builder | John Henry Meyer (construction from mid-February 1913) |
| Style and capacity | English Gothic in brick (English bond pattern); seating for 950 |
| Heritage status | Heritage New Zealand Category 1 Historic Place, registration 191, registered 16 November 1989 |
About All Saints’ Church
All Saints’ Anglican Church is the third church to occupy the Church Street site. Bishop Octavius Hadfield purchased the section in 1875. The foundation stone for the first church was laid on 29 September 1875 by Louisa Snelson. A second, larger church followed in 1881-82, with the original timber building becoming the transept.
The current building was commissioned after earlier plans. Construction by builder John Henry Meyer commenced in mid-February 1913. The foundation stone was laid by Bishop Sprott on 7 November 1913. The opening ceremony took place on 6 May 1914, and consecration followed on 29 October 1916 once the debt was cleared.
Clere designed the church in English Gothic style using brick in the English bond pattern. Notable interior features include stained glass windows, the Great East Window (1924, World War I memorial), a memorial lamp for the 1953 Tangiwai disaster, an altar and reredos carved by Frank Guernsey, and an organ installed in 1929.
The church forms part of the Anglican parish in central Palmerston North. The parish maintains an active community life with services, youth programmes, small groups and other ministries at the Community Centre.
Closure and Strengthening
Following the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, Palmerston North City Council assessed the church at 3% of the required New Zealand building code strength. The parish announced closure after the 2013 Easter service, effective 1 April 2013. Subsequent earthquakes in 2013 and 2014 caused additional cracking and minor damage.
The parish resolved in October 2015 to proceed with strengthening. The heritage building remains closed to the public for interior access. Visitors can view the exterior from Church Street. All parish services and activities take place at the All Saints Community Centre at 338 Church Street.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe All Saints’ as one of the most architecturally striking heritage churches in the Manawatu. Clere’s English Gothic brickwork, the Church Street setting opposite the Grand Hotel, and the building’s scale draw consistent positive mentions from heritage and architecture enthusiasts.
Practical observations note that the heritage building is closed for interior access since 2013. Exterior views from Church Street remain rewarding for photography and heritage interest. The active parish meets at 338 Church Street with Sunday services at 10am and 5pm. Visitors often combine a visit with The Square and other central heritage sites.
Where to Learn More
All Saints Parish Palmerston North: Current services, programmes and contact details for the active parish.
Wikipedia: All Saints’ Church, Palmerston North: Detailed history, construction timeline and heritage listing information.
Heritage New Zealand: All Saints’ Church: Official Category 1 listing details and registration information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the heritage church?
On Church Street in central Palmerston North, opposite the historic Grand Hotel and just off The Square. The 1914 building is currently closed for interior access.
Is the church open?
No. The 1914 heritage building has been closed since 1 April 2013 due to earthquake-resistance concerns. Seismic strengthening is planned. The active parish meets at the All Saints Community Centre at 338 Church Street.
Can I attend a service?
Yes, at 338 Church Street (the All Saints Community Centre), not the closed heritage building. Sunday services are at 10am (family service) and 5pm (evening worship). Contact 06 358 2203 or in**@*********nz.com for current arrangements.
When was the heritage building built?
Construction commenced February 1913. The opening ceremony was held on 6 May 1914 by Bishop Sprott. Consecration took place on 29 October 1916.
Who designed it?
Frederick de Jersey Clere, architect for the Anglican Diocese of Wellington, who designed over 100 churches. His son Herbert Clere supervised construction on site.
What style is it and how many seats?
English Gothic, in brick using the English bond pattern. The church seats 950 people.
Is it heritage-listed?
Yes. Heritage New Zealand Category 1 Historic Place, registration 191, registered 16 November 1989.
Why is it closed?
Following the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, Palmerston North City Council assessed the church at 3% of the required New Zealand building code strength. It closed on 1 April 2013. Later earthquakes caused further damage. Strengthening work is being progressed by the parish.
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