First Church of Otago

Dunedin was founded in 1848 by the Free Church of Scotland, and First Church, completed in 1873, is the settlement's principal statement of that. It was designed by Robert Lawson in Gothic revival with a spire of 56.4 metres, built in Oamaru limestone, and the site preparation was itself an undertaking - Bell Hill, on which it stands, was cut down by around twelve metres by hand to create a level platform and to supply fill for the harbour reclamation. Inside are a rose window, a hammerbeam roof and Victorian stained glass. There is a small heritage centre in the adjoining hall covering the Scottish settlement, the church's construction and Lawson's work, which also produced Larnach Castle and the Municipal Chambers. It is a working congregation and services take precedence over visitors. Lawson's other Dunedin buildings can be walked to in an hour, which is the best way to see what the gold money paid for.

History

Robert Lawson won the design competition in 1862 from six entrants, and building was delayed by the decision to lower Bell Hill by some 12 metres, the spoil going to reclaim land in South Dunedin. Dr Thomas Burns laid the foundation stone in May 1868 and the church opened on 23 November 1873; Lawson was such a perfectionist that the top of the 56.4-metre spire was taken down and rebuilt when it fell short of his standards (Wikipedia, First Church of Otago).

What's there

• The 54-metre spire - Lawson's Gothic revival in Oamaru limestone.
• The cut hill - Bell Hill lowered twelve metres by hand for the site.
• The interior - rose window, hammerbeam roof and Victorian glass.
• The heritage centre - the Scottish settlement and the building's story.

When to go

Any season, outside services. Visiting hours are limited and vary - check before making a special trip. Free, with donations invited.

Good to know

It is a working church with restricted visiting hours, not an all-day attraction. Photography inside may be limited during services or events. An hour is enough.

Nearby

The Octagon and the Municipal Chambers are north; the railway station is east.

Key facts