story of victoria hall

8/14/2019 Story of Victoria Hall

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Much of the following originally published in the 90th anniversarybooklet produced by the Avondale Union Parish, 1987, based on the

records of the Victoria Hall committee, as researched by Mr. Kurt Brehmer.

Compiled by Lisa Truttman, local historian, 2001- 2002Re-published 2011All rights reserved.

Victoria

Hall (Rosebank Peninsula Church)

212 Rosebank Road, Rosebank PeninsulaAvondale, Auckland

1897 - 1987

The story of



Ann Fletcher Jackson –

“Pioneer Resident Minister” (1833-1903)

The story of Victoria Hall starts with Ann Fletcher Jackson and her husbandThomas, who lived at a small farm along present day Avondale Road called

“Meliora” — from the Latin melior, meaning

“better“ — (now 103 Avondale Road) from

1893 to 1899.

Ann was born on 27 February 1833 in Leigh,

Lancashire, the eldest child of John and Mary

Fletcher. At age 11 Ann was sent to a Society of

Friends School (Quaker) at Ackworth, studying

there for 3 years. She recalled later in life that

once she had come home from the school, a

ministry Friend paid a visit to her home and

told her the following: “I hope dear thou wilt be

faithful to the call of the Lord, for I believe He

will call thee to special service for Him, to preach the Gospel in distant places

and be a comfort to many far and near; only be faithful.” Ann was to remember

this as a basis for her later ministry work in New Zealand and Australia.

She married Thomas Jackson, from Ulverston, Lancashire, in 1859, and 3 yearslater the couple moved to Birkenhead in Cheshire. Thomas Jackson worked as

a boot seller there. In 1878, he “took from his pocket some papers containing

information respecting some land in the province of Auckland in the North Is-

land of New Zealand.” [The Story of New Zealand Quakerism, 1842-1972, by

Margaret West & Ruth Falwell, 1973, p.7.]

Short on funds, and with a family of seven children surviving of eleven, Tho-

mas and Ann Fletcher Jackson were barely able to scrape up enough to cover

the cost of their fares to New Zealand, leaving 3 October 1878. The arrived inAuckland 12 January 1879, taking up land at Otonga, north of Whangarei,

called “Home Farm”. “They invited neighbouring settlers to share their gather-

ings, though their ways were not always understood.” [West & Falwell, p.8]

In 1883, Ann applied for a position as teacher at a local school, working there

until April 1885 (only leaving because of the school board’s decision to make

the position a part-time one for male teachers only). In 1885, she made the de-

cision to start active ministry work, and was granted a certificate to travel on

religious service the next year, starting the couple’s travels in October 1886.These included a trip to Australia and journeys around the mining towns there

Thomas and Ann Fletcher Jackson,

c. 1897.

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from 1888-1889.

For the rest of her active life Ann travelled extensively around New Zealand on

Friends' business, sometimes with her husband Thomas but often alone. At this

time most roads were poor to impassable (to nonexistent!), so her journeys in-volved coastal ships, horseback, and a great deal of time. She was instrumental

in the establishment of a nationwide network of Friends, and in encouraging

the establishment of regular Meetings for Worship in a number of places.

[ Internet Website: quaker.org.nz/ whoweare/ history.htm, the site for the Soci-

ety of Friends in New Zealand, December 2001]

Ann Fletcher Jackson was a dedicated correspondent, and spent many often

painful hours communicating with fellow Friends.

About this time (1888) Ann F. Jackson had so much correspondence that she

speaks of having 40 letters in arrear. Some of her friends suggested that sheshould write a circular letter, but she said that it would not be like ‘heart speak-

ing to heart’ and circumstances and surrounding were so different, in different

homes.

A letter from her son Fletcher says, ‘Mother’s handwriting is not so good as

formerly, it is partly due to her large correspondence but principally from in-

ability to hold the pen, the forefingers of her right hand seem to have got be-

yond control.’

“Soon after this Ann F Jackson’s hand got worse. She took medical advice and

was told she had ‘writer’s cramp or palsy’ and should wear a strap round the

wrist. [Sarah Jane Lury, Ann Fletcher Jackson, Pioneer Resident Minister in the

Society of Friends, New Zealand, London, 1904, p.24]

Improving technology helped Ann Jackson considerably in 1894.

Ann F Jackson wrote in 1894: ‘To-day I have received the type-writer; I am de-

lighted with it for indeed it is a most valuable and acceptable present, for which

I am more grateful than words can tell, for the kindness of the dear friends

though I know not who they are, who are thus enabling me to continue the cor-

respondence which I believe to be part of the work which the Lord has called

me to do.’ In the first letter written with the typewriter she says, ‘It is so nice to be able to

write or rather type a letter without pain, for even when writing with my left

hand, the pain in my right hand and arm was sometimes very distress-

ing.” [ibid, p. 39]

The establishment of a [Society of Friends] Meeting had been the hope of the

Jacksons since their arrival in the Colony … After advertising, and much per-

severance on Thomas’ part in seeking where Friends were living, they suc-

ceeded in having most Auckland members attend two Meetings on Sunday, 1st

November 1885. [West & Falwell, p. 8]



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The combination of the distance from Whangarei to Auckland, over often im-

passable roads, plus Ann’s increasing poor health, led the family to sell “Home

Farm” in January 1893, and move to Avondale, just 7 miles from Auckland and

the Friends meetings there.

In her letter to E. R. Ramsay in England from the new home in Avondale in

May 1893, Ann wrote: “We wish to thank thee for all the kind interest thou hast

taken in reference to our removal from Otonga and getting settled here, and

may we through thee, send a message of very grateful thanks to the Hardshaw

Meeting and to the other kind Friends (we do not know to whom we are in-

debted), who have so gener-

ously helped us to carry out

what has been for a longtime laid upon our hearts to

do. We were often sorely

puzzled, for as regards com-

ing to live near Auckland,

there seemed the command

to ‘Go forward’, and yet for

a long time we could not see

how we were to do it, unless

we could sell the ‘Home

Farm’ for its full value, so

the only thing we could do

was to commit the whole

matter into the Lord’s hands, and leave it with Him to fulfil His promise in His

own time and way. ‘I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things

straight.’ And then thy kind letter came telling us of the arrangement that had

been made, for making up the deficiency, if we had to sell our place at a sacri-

fice. After that, the difficulties disappeared, the farm was sold, and this one was

just ready for us at the right time, so we were able to come here at once. We can

truly say ‘Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.’” [Lury, p. 37]

When, in 1893, Ann and Thomas Jackson were able to move to a small property

at Avondale [103 Avondale Road] , only a few miles out of Auckland City, they

were able to give even stronger support to the Meeting [once Victoria Hall was

established later in 1897.] A typical weekly round went thus – First-day, Adult

School at 9.30 – Meeting for Worship at 11 – drive back to Avondale – hurried

dinner – Sunday School in Victoria Hall – home to tea – Mission Service in

Hall at 7. Second day – Washing, churning, etc. – Third day visiting in Auck-

land and neighbourhood, staying the night and returning by noon on Fourthday – At home in afternoon, Cottage Prayer meeting in evening – Fifth day –

“Meliora” - a gathering of the congregation in the 1890s.



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Band of Hope meeting – Sixth Day – Musical evening (monthly). [West & Fal-

well, p.13]

In 1896 J. J. Neave wrote: “I spent two or three days with Thomas and Ann F.

Jackson at Avondale; they are doing a great and blessed work in a quiet way,not only among the Friends and others in Auckland, but also among their

neighbours. I was at a meeting in their house on First-day evening, which was

well-attended and a time of blessing; also at the First-day School with the chil-

dren. They greatly need a little mission room. They are about 1 ½ or two miles

from the nearest place of worship, and their neighbours do not go to those

places. It is marvellous to me how Ann Jackson accomplishes all the work she

does, in the way of visiting the sick or troubled ones, and attending meetings of

various kinds.” [Lury, p. 57]

One of her sons wrote: ‘Summer and winter, mother would drive into town

every First Day morning, in time for the Adult School, and she usually spent

every Third Day in visiting Friends and attending the Bible Class in the eve-

ning. She also commenced a First Day School in her home but this quickly be-

came too large for a private house, and as the need of some services in the

neighbourhood on First Day evening was very much on her mind, she inter-

ested herself in getting a hall built with the assistance of Friends at home and

in the colonies. This quickly became a centre of Christian work and is so still.

[Lury, p. 35]

[The Jacksons] saw the need for a place of worship in Rosebank. So they of-

fered their home for that purpose. When the attendance grew too large, they

motivated the purchase of the Rosebank Peninsula Church [known then as Vic-

toria Hall]. [Kurt Brehmer, from his speech to Avondale Community Board, 28

November 2001]

(left) The gravestone for Thomas, Ann Flethcher and Harry Jackson, within sight of Victoria

Hall; (right) the original place of worship for the Rosebank Peninsula congregation, ‘Meliora’, both in 1987. Photos courtesy of Kurt and Nola Brehmer.



5

The Victoria Hall was obtained for inter-denominational service with the assis-

tance of funds collected by English Friends and still stands today, being vested

in the Council of Churches, and used by a number of denominations on Sun-

days, and by a variety of community groups on weekdays. [West & Falwell,p.13]

Ann Jackson’s story can be read in the twelve volumes of her journals re-

cording her progress in the spiritual life and her service to the Society over a

period of forty years. As does not seem unlikely for a mother who had borne

eleven children in fourteen years, she suffered considerable bodily weakness,

but regarded the desire for rest as a temptation. She was generally successful in

resisting such temptations, often to the distress of her family, her son Fletcher

once writing to her, “Please remember that Ann Jackson has a body.” [West &Falwell, p. 9]

The end of the time spent by the Jackson family in Avondale came with sad-

ness. In 1899, Ann suffered a serious illness, reducing her physical strength

considerably and confining her to her home. The same year, her youngest son

Henry died in August after a bicycle accident:

In referring to the death of their youngest son, Henry, she say: “When my hus-

band went to the hospital to see him, dear Harry, forgetful of his terrible suffer-

ings, wanted his father to ‘go back to mother’. I was in a very critical state at

the time, the doctor having very little hope of my recovery. Though our hearts

ache and are sorrowful, as we realise that we shall not look upon dear Harry’s

bright, happy face again, still on his account we can rejoice, for we believe that

he has gone to be ‘for ever with the Lord’ … I could not go to the funeral,

which was largely attended, several spoke at the graveside.” [Lury, p.41]

Henry Jackson was buried in Rosebank Cemetery.

In October 1899, the family sold “Meliora” in Avondale and, after a three

month rest in Rotorua, moved to Mt Roskill, only three miles from the City,and called their new home “Eureka”.

Later in 1899, Thomas Jackson took cold while the couple were travelling to

Colyton and New Plymouth, and died after a short but severe illness on 4

January 1900. In January 1903, Ann fell, hitting her head on a chair, and suf-

fered a stroke, paralysing her left side. Conscious of her disability, she ceased

to meet with others as she had done. In September that year she had another

seizure which took away her speech and left her practically paralysed com-

pletely. Ann Fletcher Jackson never recovered from this final illness, and diedon 15 October, 1903, aged 70.



According to Sarah Jane Lury, the first to write a brief biography on this hard-

working woman, Ann Fletcher Jackson in her time living in New Zealand, ei-

ther with her husband, friends, or alone, had travelled over 50,000 miles in the

colonies on religious service. Both Thomas and Ann are buried alongside theirson Henry in Rosebank Cemetery.

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1897

May 1

Purchase of the site near cemetery.

July 7

Vesting of site in Trustees: P. Robertson, I. Wymer, T. Jackson, W. Knight, B.

A. Fransham; for “Religious, Temperance, Educational, and Scientific meet-

ings”.

July 15

Purchase of Hall including 12 seats for £40 with the help of 90 subscribers.

According to the Challenge of the Whau (Ron Oates, Avondale History Group,

1994), the Victoria Hall was originally sited in Eden Terrace in AucklandCentral, and used as a Jewish synagogue ... “A large number of Rosebank resi-

dents, keen to have a local venue for social as well as religious activity, con-

tributed the necessary money.”

However the earliest synagogue in Auckland was in use in Emily Place in 1858,

a wooden hall at first leased by the Hebrew Congregation, and then bought out-

right in the mid 1860s. In the 1880s, the old hall at Emily Place was replaced

by a purpose-built synagogue at the corner of Princes Street and Bowen Ave-

nue, and still stands to this day as a bank. Further investigation is needed to

check the provenance of the Victoria Hall.

October 20

Opening of Victoria Hall –with a concert and addresses, 250 guests attending.

The church was hauled out by a team of horses to the corner of Orchard Street

and Rosebank Road, and opened on Saturday October 20th , 1897. [Challenge of

the Whau, p.41 (1994)]

On Wednesday last, a most enjoyable evening was spent at the opening servicein connection with the Victoria Hall, Rosebank Road, Avondale. The building

was packed with an appreciative audience, who testified their approval of the

various items contributed. Mr Manners presided over the meeting, and admira-

bly carried out his duties.

After the opening prayer by the Rev. A McLeod, the Secretary (Mr Knight) read

an interesting report as to the inception and completion of the scheme for

providing a hall suitable for philanthropic, religious and temperance work.

Miss Rimmer followed with the solo, “The Gift of Rest,” and rendered it

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8

beautifully. Mr Jackson explained in a short address the former needs of the

district in regard to accommodation for carrying on mission work, and

expressed a desire that everything carried on in the building would redound to

the glory of God and for the good of our fellow men.

The instrumental quartette, “Gloria in Excelsis”, by Mr. J. E. Taylor and the

Misses Taylor was much appreciated. Miss Smith then favoured the audience

with “Ora Pro Nobilis”, which was listened to with rapt attention.

Mr A. C. Brown gave an address in which he pointed out the appropriateness of

the name given to the hall. He said that no more fitting momento of the record

reign could possibly have been decided upon. Mr Robertson’s fine voice was

heard to advantage in “The Bugler.” A recitation by Miss Amy Taylor, “The

Road to Heaven”, was given in her usual impressive style. During the interval

which followed, a bountiful supply of refreshments was provided.

On resuming Miss. M. Taylor sang, “The Promise of Life” admirably. An

interesting address on the value of home influence was given by Mr. Tomlins.

The Taylor family again delighted the audience by selections from Handel. Miss

Smith sang “Calvary”, and if possible this item was more appreciated than her

previous selection. An interesting address by the Rev. A. McLean of the

appreciativeness of the age for goodness was listened to with much attention.

The vocal quartette, “The Future Lies Before Me,” by Misses Harper and

Jackson and Messrs Crafts and Jackson was ably rendered. Miss Rimmer’s next

song, “He Wipes the Tear From Every Eye,” was one of the gems of the eve-

ning, and in response to demands she sang, “When the Pearly Gates Unfold,”

in exquisite style. The usual votes of thanks were passed. [ Auckland Evening

Star , Friday 22 October 1897]

October 21

Inaugural service. Mrs Jackson's text was David's preparation for the building

of the temple.

from 1897

Management Committee organising services for Sunday evenings, Sunday

School, Band of Hope. Organ purchased. Harry Jackson makes 8 additional

seats.

Band of Hope – group formed by local residents in order to pursue the princi-

ples of Christ in the community, literally to provide hope and community



spiritual care.

According to Mr Kurt Brehmer, the Salvation Army also held services at the

Victoria Hall, prior to the building of their own hall in the 1920s.

1899

Death of Harry Jackson.

1900

Mr Ford elected a Trustee.

1900, 1903

Deaths of Thomas and Ann Fletcher Jackson. Family grave

in Orchard Street cemetery nearest Hall.

1902

Library of 88 books of "good moral character" located in

the hall .

Pitt Street Methodist Church conducts morning services.

1903-1906

Only one administration meeting per year for this period.

No records for 1907 to 1913. Hall repainted in 1904.

1915

Piano purchased for £35.

After weeks of preparation by willing hands, the bazaar in aid of liquidating the

debt on the piano at the Victoria Hall, Avondale, was held at the Public Hall on

Saturday last.

Owing to the bad state of the weather and the tightness of the money market,

the bazaar was not such a success it might have been, a large amount of various goods being left over. These will have to be disposed of in other ways.

The general report from the various stall-holders was that although the people

admired the various articles and considered them very reasonable, many did

not seem to have the available money to lay out. In the competitions in the

evening, it was found to be hard to get entries for a number of them, some hav-

ing to be struck out, as no entries could be secured. No musical programme

was attempted as previous experience was proved this to be unsatisfactory,

owing to the people moving about, and other noises in the Hall. The Committee

were put to a good deal of unnecessary inconvenience, owing to there being noavailable water supply at the Hall, and they hope that the Board will see to this,

9

“Gravestone of THOMASJACKSON and ANN-

FLETCHER JACKSON whodied in January 1900 and Octo-ber 1903 respectively. In the

cemetery at corner of Rosebank Road and Orchard Street, Avon-

dale.”



and have the water laid on.

Mr Robinson, from Grey Lynn, was in charge of the punch and judy show. This

was well patronised by the little ones.

A good deal of amusement was created by the children, in their endeavour to

find Uncle Ned and Aunt Maria. Uncle Ned was quickly found in the body of

the hall, the lucky boy in this event being A. Robinson. Aunt Maria proved

considerably harder to find, but was at last found near the stage, by Joan Dem-

ford.

In the blindfold competition, putting on a donkey’s

tail,. Master Harold Ainger succeeded in winning

the prize after two dead heats with other children.

Mr Stewart, from Symonds St., judged the cooking,

and we are pleased to say he has given every sat-

isfaction. As no names were given the usual com-

plaint of favouritism could not be made at this

competition. Two extra prizes had to be given,

owing to the large number of cakes sent in for

classes not specified. The judge’s remarks on the

cakes were that they were a very creditable

display. ([Avondale] News, Saturday March 27

1915)

1918

First use of Hall for elections: Avondale Road

Board.

1926

New Trustees elected. Mrs Chamberlain, MessrsH. E. Stenner, Louis Watson, A. Woolcott, H. Williams.

Hall renovated. Choir and orchestra cantata performed.

1927

Church activities flourishing under Mrs Chamberlain's leadership, the Commit-

tee –Mr. Talmage, Mesdames Thorpe, Lousich, Watson, Murray, Burnett,

Wiles, and help from B.T.I. students (Bible Training Institute). Regular anniver-

sary celebrations.

“Mrs. Coralie Leak, now aged 87years, was associated with VictoriaHall from 1909 to 1918, and played

the organ there as an eight-year-old, in1909.”Also spoke at celebration “about her

early years at Victoria Hall, particu-larly as student and teacher in theMethodist Sunday School in the first

two decades of the century.”(Brehmer photo collection, 1987)

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1928

Plans for extension of Hall

abandoned because of costs.

1930

Building of two Sunday School

rooms by the Murray family in

memory of Ivan Murray who

died young after an active

Christian life.

1932June 25

Seventh Day Adventists began

to use hall for Saturday ser-

vices including Sabbath School

9.30, Worship 11 am, Lunch,

young peoples meeting 2.30 pm. Leaders over their 8 years at the Hall were Mr

Percy Dixon and his wife, Pastors F L Sharp and P G Glockler.

November 6

Sunday School celebrates its anniversary.

On Sunday anniversary services will be held in the

Victoria Hall, Rosebank Road, Avondale, in

connection with the Methodist services held there.

In the afternoon at 3 o’clock the Rev. H. Knowles

Kempton will preside, while at the 7 o’clock service

the Rev. J. Belshaw will be the minister. The

children will provide special singing and a hearty

invitation is extended to friends to be present.

(text and advertisement from the [Avondale] News,

Thursday 3 November 1932)

1940

S.D.A. group (39 Baptised members) shifted to own new church at Blockhouse

Bay Road.

11

“Original photo was lent to Victoria Hall by Betty Godso (nee Bul-lock) in 1987. Sunday School Class – about 1928 at Victoria Hall

Methodist Sunday School. Teacher was Mr Ivan Murray (who died,aged 20, in June 1930).

Girls” Mary Silva, Flossie Sly, Margaret Mitchell, Betty Bullock,Gladys Whale, Annie Bright, Ada Whale, Marell McMillan.”

(Brehmer photo collection)



1941

Loss of Trustees. Mr. Stenner resigned, Mr. Woolcott died. Replaced by P.

Jennings, L. Handy, T. Rufford.

Hall offered free use to EPS Emergency Precaution Scheme (for World War IIcivil defence).

1944

Incorporation of Sunday School rooms, built in 1930, into Trust.

1950

Mr. Handy resigned, Mr. Haines appointed.

New Constitution set up -- “Victoria Hall Undenominational services for

Promulgation of Christ’s Truth and Teaching.”

L. Watson pays tribute to the “Good Work” done by the Chamberlain and

Murray families as well as by Messers. Handy, Robertson, Connell, Stenner,

Rufford, Jansen.

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13

“A Christian Endeavour Group of the 1930s. Originalphoto belonged to Mrs. Mary Jennings.”

“Photo (made 1987) of certificate belonging to Mrs. MaryJennings nee Mitchell. (1926)”

“Photo from 1930s.”

“Photo shows a framed certificate– certifying that the Victoria Hall

Methodist Sunday School is af-filiated with the Auckland Sun-day School Union, January 24th,

1916. Number of teachers 5,Number of scholars 55.”

A Victoria Hall

Photo Album (part one)

All photos from the Breh-

mer photo collection)



“Lucy Bright at gate of Victoria Hall,

Rosebank Road, 1940s.”

“Wedding of Fred Jansen and WinnieChamberlain, November 27, 1937.”“May Chamberlain and her husband Eric

Watson. August 7, 1937.”

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“Left to right: Mr Fred Jansen with daugh-ter Dorothy Graham Watson. Mr. Eric

Watson with daughter Barbara. Phototaken approximately 1941. Copy of photokindly lent by Mrs. Barbara Riddell for

Victoria Hall 90th anniversary in 1987.”

“Father Christmas visits Victoria HallSunday School in 1949. At centre of

photo Dorothy Jansen, Barbara Watson,Lorraine Haworth, Ruth & JudithLudgate (twins), Judy Moir (2nd girl in

front of Santa) & Ted Jansen to left of her.”

“Left to right: Mr Fred Jansenwith daughter Dorothy

Graham Watson. Mr. Eric

Watson with daughter Barbara.Photo taken approximately1941. Copy of phot kindly lent

by Mrs. Barbara Riddell forVictoria Hall 90th anniversaryin 1987.”

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1952

Help is sought from St Ninian’s Presbyterian Church with carrying out major

repairs, i.e. shifting of and adding to the Hall.

Request made that the Presbyterian and Methodist churches take over

responsibility for the services at Victoria Hall, and that the Hall be run on

interdenominational lines. The first and third Sundays

Presbyterian, second and fourth Methodist, fifth Sun-

days either Salvation Army or Anglican. The manage-

ment remains in the hands of Victoria Hall Commit-

tee.

October 10 Vesting of Victoria Hall Trust Property in the

Presbyterian Property Trustees.

Rev Sefton W Campbell welcomed as chairman of

the Victoria Hall Committee. He took an active inter-

est in the welfare of the people and the building pro-

ject costing £1,700. The Hall Committee included

Messrs

Titheridge (St Ninians) , L Watson, Jansen, Jones,

Mesdames M. Watson, Rufford, Moir, Lousich,

Poulger, Jansen.

Details of building alterations were resolved. The Cross of Iona was placed on

the gable. (The Iona Cross is a symbol of the

Presbyterian Church of Scotland).

1953

February 15 Re-opening service, with rededication of the Hall. Addresses by Revs. George

Brown, J S Murray, S W Campbell, Glayne and J. Jensen the new Baptist

Minister. 200 people attended, 5 denominations represented.

Activities: Cadets and .Life Boys (20) , Sunday School of 145.

The new Lectern was dedicated. Regular night services at 7pm.

Mr. Harnett gave shrubs for the grounds.

16

“Rev. Sefton Campbell,

Presbyterian minister, 1950-1955.”Photo from the Brehmer Collection.



17

The Sunday School organised a very successful Coronation Party -- leaders

Misses McKinlay and Kiss.

Mr Moir edits the "Church News".

A games evening is started by Mrs Moir . A film Service showed "God and the

Atom"

1954

Miss McKinlay granted use of two small rooms for primary department.

Switch of evening services to morning services.

New Committee – Mr. Handy, Mesdames Moir, Hood, Titheridge, Watson,

Misses Kiss and McKinlay.

Sunday School roll now 160, Cadets Company of 30, one of the largest in the

Dominion.

Social club 40; Life Boys now number 22, and their care is passed from Mrs

Titheridge to Mr Harnett and Mrs Moir.

1955

Rev Campbell is farewelled, tribute being paid to his wonderful help. The new

Committee included Mesdames Titheridge, Hood, Moir, Harnett (formerly Miss

McKinlay) Mr and Mrs Walkley.

A new floor is laid by Mr Haworth.

Interim Minister Rev Anderson is welcomed. Later a welcome social is held for

Rev Nicholls.

The Avondale Junior Athletic Club is formed by Mr Walkley.

1956

The Hall, the home of the Avondale Kindergarten since 1950, is no longer

needed as they shift to their own premises beside the Rosebank Primary school.

Congratulations are recorded to Mrs Talmage for birth and Mrs Harnett forbirth of a son.



1957

All activities continue at high

level. A fair is held annually to

aid fun and funds.

Walkleys furnish the new Sun-

day School rooms on the veran-

dah.

Kathy Kiss departs for theU.S.A., tribute paid to her help

for many years.

1959

Life Boys are disbanded, Mr Harnett beinq unable to continue, and no other

helpers available. Tribute paid to his valuable work

Proposal to build new church in front of Hall. Concrete blocks bought for new

church.

Mr Walkley continues as Sunday School Superintendent.

Regular annual donations to CORSO, B.T.I., Lepers, N.C.C.

1960-1969

1961

Mr Walkley proposed to build new Sunday School rooms on side of Hall.

Farewell to Rev Nicholls.

1963

New church plans abandoned. School rooms built instead.

“15TH Feb 1953. 200 guests attended re-opening and re-dedication of Victoria Hall, Avondale. (Copies of photos lent in 1987 by Mrs. WinJansen.)” Photo from Brehmer collection.

18



Rosebank Plunket

Group uses Hall from

now on.

1964

Entrance shelter

built. Building blocks

sold.

Discussions on

Church Union joined

by Committee.

Ministers there alter-nated between Meth-

odist and Presbyte-

rian. The Methodist

parish in Avondale,

lower in numbers, sought union with the Presbyterian church.

1965

Tribute to B.T.I. (Bible Training Institute) students (from Fiji) for their mission

in Rosebank.

Bible in Schools started. Mr. Harnett donates shrubs.

1966

Farewell to Fijian friends (BTI).

1967

Rosebank Play Centre meets at Hall from now on, for 7 years.

Father McGrath conducts Catholic Services on Sunday mornings.

No. 1 Orchard Street vested in Presbyterian

Property Trustees (from Mrs Holmes).

19

“Victoria Hall doorway (no awning) about 1962. Bruce Harnett (6 years).”Photo from Brehmer collection.



1968

Captain Peter Lloyd conducts Youth Group

Sunday nights.

1969

214 Rosebank Road vested in Presbyterian Property Trustees (from Mrs

Hulme.)

The properties once owned by Mrs Holmes and Mrs Hulme greatly increased

the church property, formerly only a single site.

1970 – 1987

1970

Rev. John Graham accepts part-time ministry at Hall.

Tribute to Mr and Mrs Walkley for 17 years work at Sunday School.

Sandra Astridge appointed Superintendent of Sunday School.

Farewell to Peter Lloyd.

Mr and Mrs Everett lead Bible Class.

1971

Tribute to Rev. and Mrs Gra-

ham at farewell gathering.

1972

Inaugural service of

AVONDALE UNION PARISH

at Waterview. Hall now for-

mally known as “Avondale

Union Parish, Victoria Hall.”

Rev. J McKean

welcomed. Mr Coyle assisting.“Isaia & Ngaire Vakaruru taught Sunday School and Bible Class atVictoria Hall in the early 1970s.” Photo from Brehmer collection.

20



1976

“Assistance requested

from the Pacific Is-

lander’s Church inNewton to minister to the

growing number of

Samoans in the commu-

nity, and this later devel-

oped into a team minis-

try.” [Union Parish his-

torical review, 1987]

1977

New roof on Hall. Rev.

Roger Hey welcomed.

October

A weekly “Drop-in” cen-

tre started at Victoria Hall, set up be three workers from the Avondale CitizensAdvice Bureau, supported by Auckland City Council’s Community Advisor for

the area as a result of constant enquiries received at the C.A.B. from people

feeling lonely, isolated and in fragmented family situations living in the area.

The Drop-in grew steadily, and to meet the various needs

arising, small groups would meet in members homes, developing and sharing

skills and companionship. From this was formed a committee to work towards

establishing a Community House.

The first Community House Co-ordinator was arranged by the Communityadvisor through the Temporary Employment Scheme of the Department of

Labour, to act as a liaison person between the House Committee and various

departments (Justice Dept., Housing Corp. Auckland City Council etc.). The

appointment was from September 1978 to June 1979.

Rosebank Community House opened at 97 Rosebank Road in July 1979, and

the drop-in centre moved to there. [Community Action Groups history, Lisa

Truttman, 2001]

“Victoria Hall Sunday School outing – to the Museum and Domain.

At back: Tai, Kathyrn Bisphan, Linda Grieve, Tanys Hammond, SandraAstridge, Mary Laing, ? Hammond. At front: ?

21



1978

25 March

Opening of Manse at No. 1 Orchard Street.

Rev. Leao Si’itia now welcomed as associate Minister and neighbour.

1978-1984 Associate Minister Rev. H Pomeroy.

1979

Last entry in Victoria Hall Committee Minute Book.

May 1

Team ministry formalised and the first service was conducted jointly by RevHarold Pomeroy and Rev. Leao Si’itia.

1983

The Methodist Church in Rosebank Road is demolished for the new Nafanua

Church Hall. The old Avondale Methodist Church forms given to Victoria

Hall.

1984

Since the departure of Rev. Pomeroy the following friends from the Titirangi

Parish helped to foster the spiritual life at the Hall by praying, preaching,

providing music, and lead-

ing Sunday School: Ngaire

Ryan, Pat Brewster, Anne

and John Roche and June

Raw.

1985

Rev. Judy Bedford became

associate

Minister and moved into

the manse at 214 Rosebank

Road after thorough reno-

vations.“Rev. Judith Bedford, Dora Hod and Kurt Brehmer examine the church’s firstminute book, dated 1908 after the facility had already been operating some

years.” – Western Leader photo, 1987.

22



1987

22-23 August

The 90th Anniversary Celebrations and

keen anticipation of Victoria Hall’s con-

tinuing role in the Rosebank Peninsula.

Victoria Hall church building’s 90th

anniversary was celebrated by over 200

people on the last weekend of August. An

afternoon tea brought to Rosebank Road

a variety of community and church

groups which had used the plain wooden

building as their venue over the last 90 years.

A roof-rattling start to Saturday evening’s

programme was given by a dance group

from American Samoa. It was a guest of

the Reverend Leao T.

Si’itia’s Samoan congregation, who share

the Union parish Victoria Hall with the

Reverend Judy Bedford’s church.

Varied church and community use was reflected in 14 items of entertain-

ment, ranging from plays by Guides and Brownies to a reading from the

Temperance Society. A highlight for many was the re-enactment of the Hall’s

first meeting called by the Jackson family back in 1897.

Organiser Kurt Brehmer said:

“It was marvellous to go into our future, by making the Hall’s past part

of our present, especially when a clock presented at the first meeting was part of the re-enactment.”

A thanksgiving service for 250 people was held on Sunday. A large tent

on the Victoria Hall’s front lawn accommodated the congregation for a

celebration lunch after the service.

The wet weather provided the only hitch, preventing the church’s minis-

ters being brought to the service by the Harness Club cart.

The celebration ended with the cutting of a cake by the church’s oldest

and youngest members, Ivy Moir and Heather Short. Spectators included

“Planting the ‘Anniversary Tree’. Victor Sandswith the spade; Rev. J. Bedford; Ethel As-

tridge; Joan Astridge.” Brehmer collection.

23



A Victoria Hall

Photo Album (part two)

(All photos from the Breh-

mer photo collection)

(right) “Mrs May Chamberlain

(1878 – 1971). Photo – taken 1970 –lent by Mrs Win Jansen (nee

Chamberlain) to Victoria Hall in

1987.”

“Victoria Hall Cadets, approx. 1950.”

25



“Victoria Hall ‘Happy

Hour’ Ladies. On steps of Pt Chevalier Beach. Back:

Mrs. W Jansen. Front: 1.

Mrs Ivy Moir, 2. Mrs

Caston, 3. Mrs Chamber-lain, 4. Mrs Rufford, 5.

Mrs Hepburn.”

“Mr & Mrs Rufford (Tom &

Myrtle), 1962. Mrs. Rufford died

in 1997, aged 93).”

“Victoria Hall Sunday Schoolpicnic and camp at Piha, De-cember 1969. Robin Breh-

mer, Mrs. Betty Newman andtwo Pivac girls.”

26



27

“In the 1960s a stall in aid

of funds for lepers – or-ganised by Mrs. Nancy

Harnett.”

“In 1966 ten Fijians visited Auckland to get work to earn money for their church.They stayed in the Wesleydale orphange buildings, were befriended by Mr amdMrs Moir, and often attended church services at Victoria Hall, and enthralled eve-

ryone with their singing.They were at the time students of the Methodist Theological College, Nausori, Fiji,and other Bible-training centres.”

John Lagi Apesai RokedunaJosua Kania Jone KafoaAtunaisa Mua Gereimi Naruma

Josevata Cama Maciu NacaucauleiuGeorge Bainivalu Ilaija Tuwere



“Copy made in 1987 of photo lent

by Alfred Bisphan. Until the mid1970s, this was No. 1 Orchard

Street. The property had belongedto Mrs. Holmes who sold it to the

Presbyterian Church.

The house was for a time occupied

by Alfred & Katheryn Bisphan,

and then by Isaia & Ngaire Vaka-

“September 5, 1977. Brownies and Leaders at Victoria Hall.

Back: (l to r): Angela Wright, Nadine McRee, Erin Hooper, Linda Shanahan,

Pania Te Aonui, Hazel Till, Jan Deverell, Susan Hannon.

Centre row: Karen Finnen, Phillipa Leahy, Tawny Owl (Mrs. Bev. Morris), Mrs

Dora Hood, Diane McKenzie, Tania Fox, Christine Abbott.

Front row: Robyn Cotter, Michelle Guillard, Gaynor Davies, Rebecca Suther-

land, Rachel Wilson, Donna Walker.

story of victoria hall

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