Brothers Arthur and Fred Meikle built the church on land purchased for £15 from Thomas Peacock. Construction began in 1890 and the church opened eight years later on 27 March 1898, for worshippers of the Wesleyan, Presbyterian and Anglican beliefs. All the inside woodwork was cut out during night-time working bees by local men in Leonard Lee's boat shed at the end of Owen Street. Thomas Hannan completed the big job of the hand planed and grooved weatherboards.
The first ministers to preach there were Reverend James Marshall and Archdeacon Maunsell.
William Lee started the first Sunday School and his son, William Jr, was superintendent from 1898-1945.
The first wedding ceremony held in the church was for the Gow and Meikle families in 1898.
Before the church opened weddings were held in private homes or in the Mill Hall. Church services were held either in the Mill Hall or in Leonard's boat shed.

Step into explore the rich heritage of Te Whanganui o Hei Mercury Bay.