Christ Church, Russell

Christ Church in Russell, New Zealand is the oldest surviving church in the country and a significant historical landmark.

Built in 1835 by Gilbert Mair under the supervision of Charles Baker, the church originally held services in both English and Maori and was occasionally used as the local courthouse. After a restoration in 2000, it was made into a tourist attraction. The church is located on Church Street, Baker Street, and Robertson Street in Russell and is a simple wooden structure surrounded by graves. It is fairly simple inside, but its historical significance is enhanced by bullet holes in some of the timber.

The village of Russell was known as Kororareka prior to Captain Cook’s arrival and was once referred to as the “hell hole of the Pacific” due to widespread prostitution. However, today it is a charming and peaceful town with a rich history. Visitors to Christ Church can also explore the graveyard, which includes the Tamati Waka Nene memorial and the memorial to sailors killed during the attacks on Russell. The church and its Churchyard, including the grave monuments, markers, and picket fence, are included in the extent of the list entry, which includes Allot 3 TN OF Russell SEC 12 (RT NA750/99), North Auckland Land District.

Overall, Christ Church is a must-see attraction in Russell, New Zealand. It offers visitors a glimpse into the country's past and is a popular tourist destination. The church was registered by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (now called Heritage New Zealand) on 24 November 1983 as registration number 1, with a category I listing. If you are in Russell, a visit to Christ Church and its surrounding graveyard is highly recommended.